Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are a popular and practical option for students who want to gain skills, progress to higher education, or enter the workforce after school. Yet many students are unsure exactly what a PLC course involves and whether it’s the right choice for them.
This guide explains what PLC courses are, how they work, and why they remain an important pathway within Ireland’s education system.
PLC stands for Post Leaving Certificate. These courses are typically one to two years long and are designed to provide practical, job-focused training or prepare students for progression to higher education.
PLC courses are offered by ETBs (Education and Training Boards), colleges of further education, and specialist training centres across Ireland.
PLC courses cover a wide range of subject areas, including:
Healthcare and social care
Business and administration
IT and software development
Creative arts and media
Science, engineering, and technology
Childcare and education
Hospitality, tourism, and beauty
Courses usually combine classroom learning, practical skills, and continuous assessment, rather than final exams.
Most PLC courses lead to QQI Level 5 or Level 6 awards, which are nationally recognised qualifications. These awards can be used to:
Apply for jobs
Progress to higher education through QQI progression routes
Build a portfolio of practical skills
Many universities and institutes of technology reserve places specifically for students progressing from PLC courses.
PLC courses suit a wide range of learners, including:
Leaving Cert students who want a practical route into college
Students seeking a second chance to access higher education
Career changers looking to retrain or upskill
Mature students returning to education
They are particularly valuable for students who prefer hands-on learning over exam-based study.
Unlike CAO courses, PLC programmes usually have direct application processes, not points-based entry. Applicants are assessed based on interest, suitability, and sometimes interviews or portfolios.
PLC courses can act as a bridge to CAO courses, allowing students to gain confidence, experience, and recognised qualifications before progressing.
PLC courses are generally free of tuition fees, though students may need to pay a small contribution for materials or exams. Students may also be eligible for:
SUSI grants
Back to Education Allowance (for eligible mature students)
Other local or college-specific supports
A PLC course may be the right option if you want to:
Gain practical skills linked to real jobs
Improve your chances of progressing to higher education
Explore a career area before committing to a degree
Learn in a supportive, smaller class environment
PLC courses are a flexible, accessible, and respected pathway within Irish education. Whether your goal is employment or progression to college, they offer a practical stepping stone tailored to real-world outcomes.
To explore PLC courses by subject or location, and to learn how they link to CAO options, visit WhichCollege.ie.
