The Junior Certificate (AnTeastas Sóisearach) is the first set of State Exams provided by the Department of Education to students who have successfully completed the junior cycle of secondary education.These exams, like those for the Leaving Certificate, are supervised by the State Examinations Commission. The examination is normally taken after the first three years' study in secondary school.
Typically a student takes 9 to 12 subjects – including English, Irish and Mathematics – as part of the Junior Cycle.