A new recognised qualification will soon be available to the thousands of people who take Irish classes each year.
Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge will be available this summer to students who wish to attain a qualification that attests to their proficiency in the language.
The test, devised by the Language Centre, NUI Maynooth, is designed to assist adult learners acquire a qualification that is recognised across Europe and can be taken at two levels of proficiency, Bonnleibhéal 1 for beginners and Bonnleibhéal 2 for the more advanced student.
Anna Ní Ghallachair, Director of the Language Centre, NUI Maynooth said the test was based on years of research and best practice in language testing.
"Research has shown that the existence of a coherent, standardised qualification system can motivate language learners to complete a course, instead of giving up because of the absence of an achievable goal, as frequently happens," she said.
The four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing will be assessed in the test.
There are no formal classes. However, students would require some 80 to 100 hours of study before taking the Bonnleibhéal 1 examination. Those who sit the higher-level Bonnleibhéal 2 examination would require a further 80 to 100 hours before taking the test.
Employers seeking to comply with the provisions of the Official Languages Act will benefit from the new system by enabling them to gauge more accurately the Irish proficiency levels of prospective employees.
Students wishing to take the test this year have until 29 April to submit their applications for the test which costs €100.
Those who sit the test this year will have to do so in Maynooth. However, from next year onwards, students will be able to take the test in centres around Ireland and abroad. Examinations will take place on Saturday May 21st and Sunday May 22nd.
