The Junior Certificate is an educational qualification in Ireland awarded to students typically at the age of 15, after completing a three-year secondary school cycle. It assesses students' knowledge and skills across various subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Science. The examination is usually taken at the end of the Junior Cycle program. Students prepare for the Junior Certificate through a combination of classroom learning and study. The results are important for students as they influence their options for further education, such as the Leaving Certificate program, which is necessary for university admission.