Frequently Asked Questions

If I repeat my final award exam is it possible to receive an honours?

In general, an Award with Merit, Distinction or Honours classification may not be considered unless the candidate has passed the final examination:
(a) in the case of full-time candidates, at the first attempt and in one sitting;
(b) in the case of part-time candidates, by virtue of passing in each required Examination Subject at the first attempt.

I would like to appeal my exams results, who do I contact?

Every provider will have an examination appeals process which should be available in writing. In general, examination appeals should be addressed to the examinations office at the provider in question.

I have a foreign qualification, how can I get it recognised?

Qualification Recognitions Ireland provide a service where foreign qualifications can be assessed for recognition against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications http://www.qualificationsrecognition.ie/recognition/

What is the difference between NCEA and HETAC?

HETAC is the successor to the National Council for Educational Awards and assumed the main functions of the NCEA. While it will undertake the validation of programmes, and set and monitor standards, HETAC will take a more strategic view of Quality Assurance in higher education and training. It is also charged with ensuring that student assessment procedures within institutions are fair and consistent, and ensuring academic and financial protection for students in commercial educational institutions providing programmes validated by HETAC.

HETAC will also monitor the educational needs of the economy for all extra-university higher education and training bodies and institutions. We want to contribute to national economic prosperity by ensuring the supply of people with the right qualifications at the right time.

Is a HETAC qualification equivalent to a university qualification?

Yes. HETAC is the qualifications awarding body for third-level educational and training institutions outside the university sector.

Is my HETAC qualification recognised abroad?

Yes. From 2005 graduates will receive a copy of their Diploma Supplement along with their parchment, which will make the process of award identification outside Ireland even easier. It is designed to provide a description of the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies that were pursued, and successfully completed by the student named on the parchment associated with the Diploma Supplement.

I have lost the parchment I received at my conferring. Can I get a new one issued?

If your HETAC parchment has been irretrievably lost/stolen/destroyed, you can apply for a replacement parchment by following the procedures as detailed here

Can I get a transcript of my results?

For a transcript of the individual subject results contact the college you attended.

How do I know if a course is accredited by HETAC?

You can contact the relevant provider or the Information Officer at HETAC.

How can a course become accredited?

A provider submits a course for validation to HETAC and a panel of experts assesses this proposal and recommends approval if appropriate.

What is delegated authority?

Delegated Authority

Is delegated authority a permanent status?

No, HETAC is obliged, at least every five years, to review recognised institutions with delegated authority and such review could result in the withdrawal of delegated authority.

Do recognised institutions with delegated authority have to submit their programmes for validation to HETAC?

Recognised institutions with delegated authority to make awards can validate their own programmes but must do so in line with HETAC’s policy, criteria and procedures for the validation of programmes and the making of awards.

Does HETAC have any responsibility for awards made by institutions with delegated authority?

HETAC determines the standards of knowledge, skill and competence for awards. Recognised institutions with delegated authority must, when validating programmes, do so against these standards i.e. the institution must satisfy itself that the learner may achieve the standards of knowledge, skill and competence for the purposes of the award. The institute must then inform HETAC that it has undertaken this process and satisfied itself accordingly. The Council, through a formal mechanism of an Order in Council, then delegates the authority to the institute to make the award.

Which institutions have delegated authority at present?

Delegated authority is currently only available to the thirteen Institutes of Technology. For a full list of these institutes, please click <here http://www.hetac.ie/links.htm>.

Detailed information about the extent of the authority delegated to these Institutes is available <here