Frequently Asked Questions

1. Have you received my online CAO application?
   You may confirm your online CAO application by logging on to the "My Application" facility.
2. I need to change my personal details online.
   You may change your personal details (apart from your name and date of birth) by logging in to your account. To change your name and/or date of birth you must make a request to CAO in writing. Once approved, it may take up to five working days to be updated.
3. I do not have my previous Leaving Certificate Exam number and so cannot enter it online now.
   When you do obtain your previous Leaving Certificate exam number then log on to your account again and click on Modify Qualifications and Assessment Details. Exam numbers can be added any time up until the application closing date that applies to your application. Otherwise e-mail CAO with the correct LCE number and year of examination.
4. I omitted to tick one of the qualification/assessment sections relevant to my application. What should I do?
   To add assessment & qualification details to your application at this stage, you must fill out Part B of the CAO paper application form and post it to CAO. This form is available to download here.
   These additions will change the status of your application.
   Clearly mark on this form that it is an ONLINE APPLICATION AMENDMENT along with your CAO Application number.
   There is an administration charge of €10 for this service. Payment can be made by postal order or bank draft (payable to the Central Applications Office).
5. In the mature section there is not enough space to complete my details. What can I do?
   If the space available under the Mature section is insufficient, you may include the extra information with your postal documents.
6. When I log out of my application does that mean that the information that was sent to CAO cannot be added to/changed in my application at anytime in the future.
   When you log out of your account all the information you added is saved on the CAO system. You may log back into your account at anytime up until the closing date and change/add information.
7. I was filling in details in the Qualification and Assessment page and the screen crashed and I lost all my information.
   There is a time limit on this page and it can vary from browser to browser. Information should be saved at regular intervals when filling in details in this section. You may return to this section and add or modify information before the closing date on your application.
8. I filled out the Qualifications and Assessment Section, but I had not finished entering all the details. Now it won't let me update my qualifications and assessment details; it is asking me to add my course choices. What should I do?
   You must first enter your course choices. Once you have finished entering your course choices, you will be able to modify and finish your Qualifications and Assessment Section.
9. I applied previously to CAO in a different year, can I still use my old number?
   No, when you apply again you will receive a NEW CAO application number.
10. When I log in to my CAO account it won't let me enter my course choices, it keeps asking me for my Qualification and Assessment details
    You must complete the Qualification and Assessment page before you enter your Course choices.
11. My account does not let me add or change courses
    Course choices can only be added or changed at certain dates. Click here for instructions on Change of Mind dates.
12. Do I need an account password?
    An account password is required for the security of your application.
13. Do I need an e-mail address?
    An e-mail address is required. Acknowledgements and receipts will be sent by e-mail. You can also change your e-mail address in your application at any time. This can be done by the applicant.
14. I have not received all my e-mails from CAO.
    You should check the e-mail address on your CAO account is correct. Also check the "Junk" or "Spam" folder in your e-mail account and mark CAO e-mails as "not junk" or "not spam".
15. I cannot add my exam number to my application.
    Applicants cannot add exam number details to their online account after the application closing date. However, you may e-mail your exam number or post your exam number to CAO and CAO will record it for you. Please include the year of exam and the correct exam number.
16. I have e-mailed to CAO my exam number but my online account was not updated.
    Online accounts are not immediately updated with exam number amendments that are e-mailed or posted to CAO. You should check your account at a later stage to check that the amendment is made.
17. If applying for DN200/DN250/DN500/DN531/DN532/DN533/DN660 how do I enter my subject choices?
    Applicants applying for such courses should enter the appropriate course code (above) when applying. Applicants can then choose to enter their subject preferences later by clicking on the "Subject Choices" facility which is available in their Level 8 Course list.
18. I have done GCE/GCSE exams previously, where do I enter my results?
    You must post to CAO certified A4 photocopies (certified by school stamp) of the appropriate certificates for any GCE/GCSE examinations which you have already completed and for which a certificate has been issued - these will form part of your eligibility for consideration for entry to courses. Results printed on school headed paper will not suffice. It is not acceptable to fax or e-mail examination results.
19. I have also applied to UCAS. Where is the submit button on the CAO form?
    Unlike the UCAS system in the UK, there is no need to "finalise" your application. The college will assess your application with the data available at the time of assessment.