Entry Fees for the 2026 Certificate Examinations – reminder
Reminder to Pay 2026 Examination Fees
Dear Candidate,
As announced in Budget 2026, examination entry fees have been re-introduced for the 2026 state examinations.
I refer to our letter of 16 March 2026 advising you of the requirement to pay Examination Fees or if eligible claim exemption from fees for the 2026 State Examinations.
The examination fees portal opened on 19 March and the closing date for the payment of examination fees or making an application for a medical card exemption is 30 April
2026. The process is straightforward and well signposted and is accessible at https://fees.examinations.ie/.
Candidates may be exempt from an examination fee if the candidate holds a full medical card or is covered for all services on a parent or guardian’s medical card, which
is valid on or between January 1 2026 and April 30 2026. Candidates who believe they are eligible for such an exemption must make an application using the SEC online fees portal. Please note that G.P. Visit Cards are not eligible for exemption of fees.
You can make payment or apply for an exemption using our online facility at https://fees.examinations.ie/
Failure to pay examination fees may have serious consequences for candidates up to and including the withholding of the final Examination Certificate.
Kind regards,
Fees Section
April 2026