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State Examinations Commission scheme providing exam accommodations for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate. Extra time, assistive technology, and more - free for qualifying students.
RACE is open to students with disabilities in four key categories. Autism qualifies under Learning Difficulty.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning difficulties qualify. Autism diagnosis is recognised as sufficient evidence for RACE eligibility.
Students with hearing loss or deafness qualify for RACE. Accommodations may include sign language interpreters, visual aids, or modified aural exams.
Students with visual impairment or blindness qualify. Accommodations include Braille, enlarged papers (A3), readers, or speech-to-text assistance.
Students with physical disabilities qualify. Accommodations may include scribe support, preferred seating, or modified exam formats.
RACE provides a range of accommodations tailored to individual needs, helping students demonstrate knowledge without disability-related barriers.
Extra 10 minutes per written exam (2026 update). Accommodates processing speed and sensory sensitivities common in autism.
Supports written expression and fine motor coordination challenges. Reduces anxiety around handwriting and spelling.
Converts spoken responses into text. Beneficial for students with dysgraphia or executive function challenges.
Invigilator reads exam questions aloud, or student uses reading pen. Supports auditory learners and those with reading difficulties.
A scribe writes down the student's responses. Supports students with fine motor or writing difficulties who cannot use word processor.
Student records verbal responses which are later transcribed. Reduces pressure of real-time writing.
All exam materials printed on larger paper. Helps students with visual processing sensitivities or mild visual difficulties.
Preferred seating, modified aural/oral exams, Braille versions, sign language interpreter, special exam centre, drawing aids, or spelling/grammar waiver.
Your school applies on your behalf. Here are the key steps to ensure your application succeeds.
A formal autism diagnosis from a clinical psychologist is essential for RACE. AutismCare provides diagnoses recognised by the Department of Education and the State Examinations Commission.
Share your child's diagnosis report with the school (specifically the SENCO - Special Educational Needs Coordinator). Provide AutismCare's comprehensive diagnostic report documenting exam-impacting challenges.
Your school's SENCO completes and submits the RACE application to the State Examinations Commission. They will include your diagnosis, evidence of exam-impacting needs, and recommended accommodations.
The State Examinations Commission reviews your application. This can take several months. You may be asked for additional evidence or clarification about your exam-impacting needs.
Once approved, the SEC notifies your school of which accommodations have been approved. Your school arranges these for your exams. Accommodations secured for Junior Cycle typically carry over to Leaving Certificate upon reapplication.
A comprehensive autism diagnosis is the foundation of a successful RACE application. AutismCare provides diagnoses that the SEC recognises and values.
AutismCare diagnoses are delivered by PSI-registered Clinical Psychologists. The State Examinations Commission recognises these diagnoses as strong supporting evidence for RACE applications.
AutismCare reports specifically document how autism impacts exam performance: executive function, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, time management. This evidence is crucial for securing accommodations.
Diagnosis in primary school or early secondary years ensures you can apply for RACE before your child's Junior Cycle exams. Early diagnosis = longer period of exam support.
Book a child assessment with AutismCare. We provide diagnoses recognised by the State Examinations Commission to unlock exam accommodations.
Book a Child AssessmentExplore other government supports available to students with autism in Ireland.
Government funding for one-to-one educational tuition at home. Available for children aged 2½–5 with autism diagnosis and no suitable school placement.
Learn More →Free educational support in July. Bridges the gap between school years and provides early intervention in a group setting.
Learn More →€308/month for children requiring substantial care. Supports therapies, respite, and care services - not education-focused but provides financial support.
Learn More →RACE is the State Examinations Commission (SEC) scheme that provides exam accommodations for students with disabilities in Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate. It removes the impact of disability so students can demonstrate knowledge on an equal basis with peers.
Yes. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) specifically qualifies under the 'Learning Difficulty' category. Students must have a diagnosis, but autism alone is sufficient for RACE eligibility consideration.
Common accommodations for autism include: extra time (10 minutes per exam), word processor with spell-check, speech-to-text software, reader assistance, scribe support, enlarged papers (A3), modified oral/aural exams, and preferred seating. The specific accommodations depend on individual needs documented in diagnostic reports.
Yes. RACE covers both Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate exams. Accommodations secured for Junior Cycle typically carry over to Leaving Certificate if the student remains eligible and reapplies.
RACE is free. There is no cost to families. The school applies on behalf of the student, and all accommodations are provided at no charge by the State Examinations Commission.
AutismCare diagnoses, delivered by PSI-registered Clinical Psychologists, are widely recognised by the Department of Education and the State Examinations Commission. These diagnoses document exam-impacting challenges (executive function, anxiety, sensory sensitivities) and provide strong supporting evidence for RACE applications.
Applications are typically submitted in Autumn for the following year's exams. Your school will manage the timeline. It is crucial to have a diagnosis in place before your school applies, so secure assessment early - ideally in primary school or early in secondary school.
Yes. If your RACE application is refused, you can request a review or appeal through the State Examinations Commission. Having comprehensive diagnostic evidence from AutismCare - detailing how autism impacts exam performance - significantly strengthens your appeal.
AutismCare diagnoses are recognised by the State Examinations Commission. Secure assessment today to enable RACE accommodations.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. RACE eligibility, covered accommodations, and application procedures are determined by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). Always refer to official SEC guidance and verify all requirements with your school before proceeding. For full details, visit examinations.ie.
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