Examinations

Examination Condition

All visa students are obliged to take an external examination at the end of the course. A full list of approved examinations is available from Reception. Your teacher will help you to prepare for the examination during class.
Please note that examination fees are not included in your course fees unless it is specifically mentioned in your contract. You should pay the fees before you start your course, but in certain cases we may allow you a specified time in which to pay.
Any student who does not sit the external examination may be considered by the GNIB not to be a genuine student. In this case, they may be refused a visa renewal. However, the exam is still mandatory even if you do not intend to renew your visa. We will not issue you with any exit letter or certificate of attendance until you have taken the external examination.
Some examinations, such as the TIE exam, require students to have certain materials with them for the exam. If you turn up without these materials, you will not be permitted to take the exam. In this case, there will be no refund of your examination fee. Similarly, if you are turned away from an examination because you are too late, there will be no refund of the fee. Please arrive early.

How will I register for the exam?

At the beginning of your course, you will receive a reminder that you must take an examination. We will do everything possible to organise a date that suits you, and the Director of Studies will register you for the relevant examination. We will also make sure you know where to go on the day, and remind you about it beforehand. Please note that it may not always be possible to select a date that suits you, as the examination centres can be busy.

When will I get my results?

The examination centre will send your results and certificate to the school, and we will inform you as soon as we receive them.

Who else can see my results?

Your teachers and the Director of Studies will see your results. GNIB may also request your results from us or from you. Your results will be kept in the school for at least 3 years. Nobody else may see your results without your permission.

What if I want to appeal?

Students who are dissatisfied with their external examination results may appeal to the exam department of the college within 7 days of receiving results. The college will take steps to convey the student’s wishes to the awarding body accompanied by appropriate documentation. Once the awarding body has adjudicated on the appeal, the decision will be notified to the student as soon as possible. You should check the terms and conditions of the examination centre before you make an appeal. 

Before paying for and starting your course, you must sign the following statement. click here.

If you have any questions about this, please contact the manager on info@dcedu.ie, or Carla Kerr on dos@dcedu.ie.