Education · Calculator companion · By K Imports
CAO Leaving Certificate points: practical guide
This guide explains how to use the Count.ie cao leaving certificate points. Add the best six eligible results from one sitting, including the maths bonus and LCVP. Follow the inputs, method and worked example below, then compare your own scenario.
Guide written .
Open the CAO Leaving Certificate points calculatorWhat to prepare
- Collect fees, grades, course details or household information appropriate to the question.
- Check the relevant academic or tax year and official eligibility conditions.
- Distinguish a weighted assessment result from a financial-support estimate.
Understand the inputs
- Mathematics grade
Options: Not entered; H1; H2; H3; H4; H5; H6; H7; plus 11 further options in the calculator.
- Distinct other subject 1
Options: Not entered; H1; H2; H3; H4; H5; H6; H7; plus 9 further options in the calculator.
- Distinct other subject 2
Options: Not entered; H1; H2; H3; H4; H5; H6; H7; plus 9 further options in the calculator.
- Distinct other subject 3
Options: Not entered; H1; H2; H3; H4; H5; H6; H7; plus 9 further options in the calculator.
- Distinct other subject 4
Options: Not entered; H1; H2; H3; H4; H5; H6; H7; plus 9 further options in the calculator.
- Distinct other subject 5
Options: Not entered; H1; H2; H3; H4; H5; H6; H7; plus 9 further options in the calculator.
- Distinct other subject 6
Options: Not entered; H1; H2; H3; H4; H5; H6; H7; plus 9 further options in the calculator.
- Distinct other subject 7
Options: Not entered; H1; H2; H3; H4; H5; H6; H7; plus 9 further options in the calculator.
- Distinct other subject 8
Options: Not entered; H1; H2; H3; H4; H5; H6; H7; plus 9 further options in the calculator.
- LCVP Link Modules
Options: Not entered; Distinction; Merit; Pass.
The calculation method
Score each eligible grade, add 25 to H1–H6 Mathematics, then add the six highest scores including supported LCVP.
Worked example
Illustrative inputs and their result.
Example inputs
- Mathematics grade
- H5
- Distinct other subject 1
- H2
- Distinct other subject 2
- O2
- Distinct other subject 3
- H6
- Distinct other subject 4
- H3
- Distinct other subject 5
- O3
- Distinct other subject 6
- H5
- Distinct other subject 7
- Not entered
- Distinct other subject 8
- Not entered
- LCVP Link Modules
- Not entered
- My chosen HEI accepts Foundation Mathematics points
- No
Calculated example result
- Cao Points
- 394
- Maths Bonus Points
- 25
How to interpret the result
A calculated grade or funding estimate does not override an institution's rules or establish award eligibility. Use the stated weighting or official scheme definitions.
Keep the same course, grading basis or scheme year while changing an input. Confirm a consequential result with the institution or official source.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not assume all assessments have equal weight.
- Keep eligible fees separate from accommodation or other costs when relief rules distinguish them.
- Check income definitions and boundary conditions against the specific scheme.
Assumptions and sources
One sitting and distinct recognised subjects only. Subject/level entry requirements, repeated subjects and course offers are not assessed. Foundation maths points require HEI acceptance.
Rules checked . Baseline rules year: 2026. Reviewed scope: Current CAO scoring table; not course entry eligibility. This does not verify every selectable year, date or Budget announcement profile.
Sources and further information
If your case falls outside this scope, use a more suitable calculator or contact us about an unclear method.