Leaving Certificate Past Papers

Complete collection of LC past papers from 2019-2024 with marking schemes and grade boundaries

6 Years Available55 SubjectsOfficial SEC Papers
Available Years

Note: 2020 papers were modified due to COVID-19. 2021 exams used alternative assessment methods in some subjects.

Paper Levels Available

Higher Level Papers

More challenging papers carrying higher CAO points

Level H
Ordinary Level Papers

Standard level papers covering core curriculum

Level O
Foundation Level Papers

Basic level papers for specific subjects

Level F

Essential Past Paper Resources

Official SEC ArchiveOfficial Source

State Examinations Commission official past paper archive

Complete papers from 2019-2024
Official marking schemes
Chief examiner reports
Grade boundaries and statistics
Marking Schemes GuideStudy Aid

Understanding how your answers are evaluated

Point allocation breakdowns
Sample student responses
Common mistakes to avoid
Examiner expectations
Grade BoundariesAnalysis Tool

Historical grade boundaries and conversion tables

H1-H8 and O1-O8 boundaries
CAO points conversion tables
Subject-specific statistics
Yearly comparison data
Exam TechniquesStrategy Guide

Strategies for approaching different question types

Question analysis methods
Time management strategies
Answer structuring tips
Stress management techniques

Past Papers by Subject

Core Subjects

3 subjects

Compulsory subjects for all LC students

English

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Irish

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Mathematics

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Science Subjects

5 subjects

STEM subjects and laboratory-based learning

Agricultural Science

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Applied Mathematics

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Biology

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Chemistry

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Physics

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Language Subjects

7 subjects

Modern foreign languages

Arabic

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

French

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

German

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Italian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Japanese

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Russian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Spanish

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Business Studies

3 subjects

Commercial and economic studies

Accounting

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Business

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Economics

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Arts & Humanities

4 subjects

Cultural and creative subjects

Art

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Geography

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

History

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Music

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Other Subjects

33 subjects

Specialized and vocational subjects

Ancient Greek

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Bulgarian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Classical Studies

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Construction Studies

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Croatian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Czech

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Danish

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Design and Communication Graphics

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Dutch

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Engineering

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Estonian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Finnish

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Hebrew Studies

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Home Economics

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Hungarian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Latin

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Latvian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Lithuanian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Maltese

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Mandarin Chinese

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Modern Greek

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Physical Education

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Physics and Chemistry

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Polish

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Politics and Society

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Portuguese

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Religious Education

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Romanian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Slovakian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Slovenian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Swedish

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Technology

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

Ukrainian

Available: 2019-2024 papers
HigherOrdinary

How to Use Past Papers Effectively

How to Use Past Papers Effectively
  • Start with older papers and work towards recent years
  • Time yourself under exam conditions
  • Review marking schemes after completion
  • Identify recurring themes and question patterns
  • Focus on areas where you lost marks
Analyzing Your Performance
  • Calculate your percentage scores by section
  • Track improvement over multiple attempts
  • Note which question types challenge you most
  • Compare your answers with marking scheme examples
  • Seek feedback from teachers on problem areas
Exam Strategy Development
  • Develop a consistent approach to each paper
  • Practice time management for different sections
  • Learn to prioritize high-scoring questions
  • Build confidence through repeated practice
  • Prepare backup strategies for difficult questions
Important Information About Past Papers

Exam Format Changes:

  • 2020: Modified papers due to COVID-19 restrictions
  • 2021: Some subjects used alternative assessments
  • 2022-2024: Return to standard format
  • Check current syllabus for any recent changes

Using Papers Effectively:

  • Always check marking schemes after completion
  • Time yourself under exam conditions
  • Focus on question patterns and recurring themes
  • Practice both Higher and Ordinary levels if unsure

Official Source: All past papers and marking schemes are provided by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). We provide direct links to official resources only.

Papers are copyright of the State Examinations Commission. Please check the SEC website for the most current versions and any updates.