Qualifications Recognition and Student Fast Track
Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all staff working directly with children in a pre-school service must hold at least a Level 5 major award in early childhood care and education on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or a qualification that the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality has deemed to be equivalent.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has published a list of qualifications that meet both regulatory and funding requirements for working in early learning and care services.
If an individual’s qualification does not appear on the list, an individual can apply to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to have it assessed for equivalence.
To meet the qualification requirements to practice in the sector, an individual’s studies must be of a standard at least at National Framework of Qualification (NFQ) level 5.
To have your qualifications assessed please click below.
Please find a list of acceptable documents for proof of an individual’s qualification
Student Fast Track Qualification Recognition
A temporary measure to support services to maintain staffing capacity over the summer months within Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) is, on a temporary basis, implementing a Student Fast Track Qualification Recognition (accelerated) process for the assessment of equivalence with the Level 5 minimum qualification requirement. The Student Fast Track process applies specifically to students currently enrolled on a recognised Level 6, 7 or 8 early years programme. The Student Fast Track application process will open on 6th May until September 1st 2026.
Eligibility for the Student Fast Track Process
The Fast Track process is open to students who:
• Are currently enrolled on a Level 6, 7 or 8 programme listed on the DCDE Early Years Recognised Qualifications list; and
• Have successfully completed their first year of study, including the required professional practice placement.
Outcome of the Student Fast Track Assessment
Students approved through this Fast Track (accelerated) process will be issued with a Letter of Temporary Permission to Practise by DCDE.
This letter will be valid until 01 September 2026 and is recognised by Tusla as meeting the requirements of Section 9(4) of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016.
Responsibilities of the Registered Provider
Where a student is employed under these temporary arrangements, the Registered Provider remains responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, including:
• Garda vetting
• Induction training
• Supervision
• Ongoing governance and oversight
Students can access the application form here. Once completed the application form should be submitted to EYQualifications@dcde.gov.ie
Alternatively, students can apply for a letter of qualification recognition through the Current Student Application Process. This Letter of Qualification Recognition will remain valid for the duration of the students’ studies.
For further information on please click on the Staff and Student Qualification Recognition Applications button below.