Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a  two-year Leaving Certificate, available to students who wish to follow a practical or vocationally orientated programme.

 The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students and to provide opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge, and helps students apply what they learn to the real world.

The Leaving Certificate Applied is made up of a range of courses that are structured round three elements: 

Vocational Preparation, Vocational Education and General Education.