QQI - Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many nights do I have to attend?
Most of the modules run for 10 nights. Check our brochure or website for module details.
You will need to complete eight modules to get your full Award, so if you complete two modules a term, you may be able to complete the Award in two years in Clane Community School. If you have completed modules elsewhere, you may be able to count these towards your Certificate and complete the other modules in less than two years.
If you want to do just one module at a time, that is fine also. Each module completed is a Minor award with a certain number of credits. You can build up your credits at your own pace to get to the total number of modules and credits required for the Major Certificate.
2. How big is the class?
The classes range in size from 10 people up to 24 people. This allows for plenty of personal time with the tutor as well as learning from the other night class participants when doing group work.
3. Must I sit an exam at the end?
In some modules, you will sit an exam. In other modules, you will complete assignments as you go through the course, as well as skills demonstrations. Don't worry about the exams as the tutors will ensure that you are well prepared. Talk to your tutor if you are still anxious during the course.
4. I've been away from study for over 20 years. Will I be able for what's involved?
In this case, we would advise that you do the Level 5 Communications (5N0690) course first. This will re-introduce you to writing and will show you how to structure any essays you may have to write. It will also help to build your confidence when it comes to writing and research.
5. What do I need to qualify to attend the course?
As this is a part-time course, it is designed for adults, so you must be over 18 to attend. All Learners’ English Oral and Communication skills should be appropiate to the QQI level which they wish to study.
6. Will my attendance affect my result?
Your attendance will affect your result in that you will miss out on elements of the assignments that your tutor requires. If is difficult to get a proper 'feel' for the coursework just from your tutor's notes, as class discussions always play a big part in the learning in adult education. It is vital to attend as many nights as you can in order to get the best result you can.
7. How do you register for the course?
You can register using Easy Payments Plus, by post, by calling into the school from 9am-4pm during term time, by attending our information evenings in September and January, or by letter from a State organisation such as SOLAS or the Department of Social Protection. Full information is provided here.
8. Can I pay the fees in instalments?
Yes, we have a Payment Plan Option for all our QQI Courses.
9. Can I get funding towards this course?
If you are in receipt of unemployment benefit or certain other types of Social Welfare, you may be entitled to a training grant. You should go to your local INTREO (FAS) office or social welfare office and ask to speak to the Training Facilitator. Funding needs to be in place before you start the training, so it is important to see the training facilitator as early as possible.
10. When do I do work experience?
Work experience forms part of some modules as well as having its own full module, Work Experience (5N1356). If you are doing some work experience as part of a module, you can ask your tutor when is best. For the QQI Level 5 Minor Award in Work Experience (5N1356), you should wait until that module has started before going on work experience as a learner record must be kept and you will be told how to fill that out.
11. Do I organise my own work experience?
Yes, you will organise your own work placement.
12. When do I get my results?
All coursework is assessed in June of each year by QQI. Results are circulated to students at the end of June and certificates are presented at an awards ceremony in September.
13. If I have completed modules in another college can I use them towards a Major award?
Yes, you can. Results for your completed modules are retained by QQI and can be used as credits.
14. If I drop out of the course, will I lose my certification?
You will receive certification for any module you have completed. Results for your completed modules are retained by QQI and can be used in the future as credits against another course.
15. I have not completed all my modules with Clane Community School. How do I apply for my full Cert?
Come and talk to us in the Adult Education Office and we can find out how many modules you have completed and take it from there.
16. Will Healthcare Support qualify me to work as a Home Help?
Yes, it will, and it will help you to seek further work opportunities in general hospitals and nursing homes.
17. Can I go further with my qualification?
Yes. You can consider further third level study in nursing and related health studies either in universities or Institutes of Technology. Your options could include Level 8 degrees in nursing degrees or social care.
18. Are the tutors qualified?
We have different tutors for different modules and all of them have relevant professional qualifications in their discipline.
*If you do not see the answer to your question here, you can email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 045 868255.
