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 pages 3 & 4 of the CAO paper application form and post them to CAO. This form is available to download from: http://www2.cao.ie/handbook/handbook/pages3and4.pdf.
   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 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Do I need an account password?
    This is optional but recommended for the security of your application.
12. Do I need an e-mail address?
    An e-mail address is optional. However, it is recommended to include an e-mail address as acknowledgements and receipts will be sent by e-mail. Also, an e-mail address is required if you want to use an account password. You can also change your e-mail address in your application at any time. This can be done by the applicant.
13. 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.
14. I have a Hotmail e-mail account and I have not received all my e-mails from CAO.
    Hotmail uses strict junk mail filters that often mis-interpret some e-mails as junk or spam. You should check the "Junk E-mail" box in your Hotmail account and set-up your hotmail account to accept all future e-mails from CAO. (Click here for instructions on how to enter CAO to your Hotmail "Safe List".)
15. If applying for DN012 how do I enter my subject choices.
    Applicants applying for DN012 should enter 'DN012' when selecting their course choices. Applicants can then choose to enter their two-subject preferences later by Clicking on the "DN012 Subject Choices" facility which is available in their Level 8 Course list.
16. I have done GCE/GCSE exams previously, where do I enter my results?
    Applicants who are submitting GCE/GCSE exams should forward all previous results to CAO. These should not be originals; they should be photocopies of exam Certificates.