Overview
TEG (Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge, the European Certificate in Irish) is a set of exams and qualifications for adult learners of Irish. It tests speaking, listening, reading and writing. The exams are broadly based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and a number of organisations use TEG in recruitment and selection.
Who can apply
TEG is aimed at adult learners, including Irish teachers of Irish, university students, journalists, public-sector employees and county council staff. Secondary school pupils can also take TEG, with different arrangements and fees described below.
Levels or stages
| Level | Irish name |
|---|---|
| A1 | Bonnleibhéal 1 |
| A2 | Bonnleibhéal 2 |
| B1 | Meánleibhéal 1 |
| B2 | Meánleibhéal 2 |
| C1 | Ardleibhéal 1 |
You can take the full exam, or only the oral exam if you want a specific qualification in spoken Irish (partial certification).
Important dates
For 2026-27, the TEG site lists:
C1: oral exam 27 November 2026, written exam 28 November 2026, Maynooth only. Applications close on 5 November 2026.
B2: oral exam 11 and 12 December 2026, written exam 12 December 2026, Maynooth only. Applications close on 5 November 2026.
B1 oral exam for primary teaching (PME) applicants: 22 and 23 January and 5 and 6 February 2027, at several centres. Applications close on 4 January 2027.
B1 for Marino Institute applicants (full exam): oral 19 and 20 February 2027, written 20 February 2027. Applications close on 29 January 2027.
B1: 14 and 15 May 2027, at several centres.
B2: 28 and 29 May 2027.
A2: 11 and 12 June 2027.
A1: 18 and 19 June 2027.
The May and June 2027 sessions had no application deadline listed when this page was checked. Depending on numbers, the December B2 oral exams may be held on the Friday and Saturday.
Centres are usually Maynooth, Letterkenny, Galway, Cork and Kerry, with other places such as Belfast listed for some sessions. At least 15 candidates are needed in a centre for an exam to run there. Outside Ireland, full exams are planned in Paris in May or June 2027 subject to demand, and oral exams can be taken in Paris or online for candidates living abroad.
Fees
Fees in euro, as listed on the TEG fees page (no effective date is stated on the page).
| Level | Full certification | Partial (oral only) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | €120 | €100 |
| A2 | €120 | €100 |
| B1 | €170 | €100 |
| B2 | €190 | €120 |
| C1 | €250 | €150 |
The fees page lists €100 for full certification and €80 for oral only for secondary school pupils taking A1 to B2. The schools page for 2026-27 says that from September 2026 TEG offers schools only the B1 and B2 oral exam, at €80 per pupil, mainly for schools in Gaeltacht areas or teaching through Irish, with at least 20 pupils per level; A1 and A2 are not offered in schools. Individual pupils aged 15 or over can still take a full exam at an official session. Different fees apply for the Civil Service and other organisations; enquire with TEG directly.
How to apply
Use the online application form for your level before that level's deadline.
Can I take only the speaking exam?
Yes. Partial certification covers the oral exam alone, at a lower fee.