1. Home
  2. FAQs
  3. History and Structure

History and Structure FAQS

1. What is the History & Structure Exam (H&S)? 

Where an applicant for registration as a post-primary teacher has completed a programme of teacher education outside of the Republic of Ireland, they are required to gain a knowledge and understanding of the history and structure of the Irish education system. They can do this by successfully completing an online exam in the History and Structure of the Irish Education System (H&S).  

2. What are the exams date and how do I book a place?

The dates for the online H&S exam in 2023 are: 

To book a place, please click on a link next to the relevant date. 

Following receipt of your booking, we will email you within 10 working days to confirm your place. 

There is a limit of 130 places for each exam date.  If you cannot attend the online exam, please send a cancellation email to historyandstructure@teachingcouncil.ie. Please quote your full name and Teaching Council Registration Number. 

3. Where can I access material to help me prepare for the exam? 

The recommended study resources are available below: 

Information Note 

Sample Papers 

4. Are sample exam papers available? 

Yes. See Sample exam papers  

5. Can the questions be answered in Irish? 

Yes. An Irish language version of the exam is available online on the day of the exam.   

6. How long do I have to complete the exam? 

Candidates have a maximum of two hours and 30 minutes to complete the online exam. 

7. Am I permitted to leave early if I complete the exam before the 2.5 hours have elapsed? 

The test ends once you have submitted the online test or after 2.5 hours from when you begin the exam. 

8. What happens if I am unable to attend the exam? 

If you cannot attend the online exam, please send a cancellation email to historyandstructure@teachingcouncil.ie  Please quote your full name and Teaching Council Registration Number. 

9. When will I get my results? 

We endeavour to have results available within a maximum of 6 weeks from the date of the exam.Candidates will be sent an email with the result and the Register will be updated accordingly.  

10. Can I sit the exam again if I fail? 

Yes, you can re-sit the exam at a future date. However, if you hold conditions against your registration which are due to expire within the next six months you will not be able to renew your annual registration until you do one of the following: 

Login to My Registration>My Conditions and:  

  • submit evidence/relevant documentation of completion of your condition(s), or   
  • submit an extension request application together with your supporting documents. 
Back to top