The Leaving Certificate Examinations (Scrúduithe na hArdteistiméireachta), commonly referred to as the Leaving Cert is the final examination at secondary school level.
It takes a minimum of two years preparation, but an optional Transition Year means that for those students it takes place three years after the Junior Certificate Examination. These years are referred to collectively as "The Senior Cycle." Most students taking the examination are aged 16–19.