Updated on: 27th Oct 2025 4617 Views

How long does it take to do FETAC/QQI Level 5?

In Ireland, the awarding body FETAC/QQI offers courses of different levels. The provision of E-learning is provided to the Students of Ireland. They can learn and receive awards certificates after the completion of the course.

How long does it take to do FETAC/QQI Level 5?

After reading this complete article you will get to know about the duration of the FETAC/QQI LEVEL 5 courses and all other doubts about it.

FETAC and QQI

FETAC and QQI are the awarding bodies in Ireland that are appointed by the government. FETAC stands for further education and training awards council. QQI stands for Quality and Qualification Ireland. The FETAC was established in 2001 but in 2012 QQI replaced it.

FETAC used to make awards and monitor further education programs to make sure of the quality and standards. This organization did not run its training programs. QQI on the other hand offer ten-level courses. QQI is responsible for the national framework of qualifications.

What IS QQI Level 5

The Level 5 Certificate allows students to develop a wide range of abilities that are both vocationally relevant and demand a comprehensive academic understanding. They are given the freedom to operate autonomously while still being directed in general. The vast majority of Level 5 certificate/module holders obtain employment. They’re also thought to meet the entry standards for a variety of higher education institutions and programs.

What does it mean to have a Fetac Level 5 qualification?

The Level 5 Certificate allows students to develop a wide range of vocationally specific abilities that require a broad theoretical understanding. Learners with this honour can work independently while still being directed in general.

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Duration of the FETAC/QQI level 5

The students can complete the course of FETAC/QQI level 5 in 8 weeks. This time duration is only possible if the students submit all different types of assignments on the time, pass all assessments, and complete the examinations without any backlog. If the student fails to complete and submit any of these the duration can increase depending upon that factor.

What is the minimum amount of learning effort required to pass a course?

A QQI Level 5 or Level 6 module requires around 150 hours of study time. This is based on an estimate of how long it takes an average learner to complete a task. Reading, study, project work, skills demonstrations, work-related project work, written assignments, reflection, and internetwork are all part of this learning effort.

What can affect the duration of the course?

1. Not submitting the assignment

When the student fails to submit the assignment on time the duration of the course can extend. The assignments have their time limit and are required to submit within that.  When the students fail to submit it on time, the teachers ask to resubmit or deduct the marks. Resubmission takes time and can extend the overall course duration by a few more weeks.

2. Not able to pass the assessment

The students are assessed by the teacher by giving various exercises and activities. When a student fails to pass an assessment they are asked to learn the subject again. They reappear for the assessment (Repeat exam) after preparation for a few more days. This will increase the duration of their course by a few more days.

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3. Failing in examination

When the students fail an exam they will have to reappear for the exam after a few weeks or months. The course will not be considered as completed if there is any unclear backlog.

4. Requirements of the course

Many courses are offered in FETAC/QQI level 5 such as nursing and midwifery courses, Childcare courses, etc.

The requirement for these courses is a leaving certificate, Level 4 certificate, or equivalent in the relevant subject area. The students above 23 years might not require this. The student must be proficient in English whether it’s speaking or writing. Good command of IT skills should be there in the students.

Other courses like nursing and midwifery courses, social studies, psychological studies, etc. have different requirements to enroll in the course.

As these courses are offered online, the student must be able to take initiative on their own and should be self-motivated throughout the course. Students can easily complete these courses by distance learning and staying at their homes. Ireland students are in the advantage that they have these course options online. More information on these courses; duration and requirements can be seen on IrelandAssignmentHelp.com. So now you know that 8 weeks is the duration of the FETAC/QQI level 5 course and more about the courses.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to get FETAC Level 5?

You just pick a QQI-approved provider and apply for the course that matches your interest — could be Childcare, Healthcare, or Business. No big mystery. Most places ask for a Leaving Cert or some experience in the area, but if you’re over 23, they’re usually flexible. Once you finish all your modules and pass the assessments, you get your FETAC Level 5 certificate from QQI. Easy enough once you keep up with the work.

2. How many modules are in FETAC Level 5?

Usually eight in total — that’s what makes up the “major award”. You’ve got mandatory ones like Communications and Work Experience, then a few electives depending on your course.

3. Is QQI Level 5 the same as FETAC Level 5?

Pretty much, yeah. QQI replaced FETAC back in 2012, so it’s the same qualification — just a different name. If someone says they’ve a FETAC Level 5, it’s the same thing as a QQI Level 5 these days. Old certs still count; QQI just runs the show now.

4. Can I do QQI Level 5 online for free?

You can, but it’s rare. Some community training centres or employment schemes cover fees, especially if you’re on a social welfare programme. Private colleges like Chevron or The Open College charge a fee, though. Keep an eye on places like FETCHCourses.ie — they sometimes list free or part-funded options. Online ones are handy if you’re working, but you’ll still have to meet deadlines like everyone else.

5. Is Level 5 equal to a degree?

Nah, it’s below that. QQI Level 5 is roughly the same as a Leaving Cert standard. Degrees sit up around Level 7 to 9. But a Level 5 can get you into uni — it’s the stepping stone. Loads of people do Level 5 Nursing Studies or Early Childhood Care and then use it to jump into a degree course the next year.

6. Compare full-time vs part-time QQI Level 5 durations

Full-time is short and sharp — around 8 to 12 weeks if you’re on top of your assignments. Part-time is slower, usually spread across six months to a year.

7. Typical completion time for Level 5 Childcare course

Most people take about six months to finish Childcare Level 5 if they’re doing it part-time. Full-time can be done in around three months, but you’ll live on tea and panic till it’s over. There’s a lot of written work and placement hours, so plan it properly. Childcare modules like Early Care & Education Practice take time to reflect on.

8. How long to finish a Level 5 Healthcare course online?

If you’re disciplined, 10 to 12 weeks. If you’re working shifts or doing placements, closer to six months. The online option sounds quicker, but honestly, it depends on how fast you submit assignments. Some learners blast through; others take a year. As long as you tick off all modules and placement hours, you’re grand.

9. Minimum work/placement hours required for Level 5 courses

Most QQI Level 5 awards ask for around 120–150 placement hours. Healthcare and Childcare are the ones that really need proof of hours. You usually log them in a diary and get them signed off by your supervisor. Miss hours, and you can’t get the full cert — so best to plan your placement early instead of cramming it at the end.

10. Does a QQI Level 5 always take 8 weeks, or can it be shorter/longer?

Not really set in stone. Some fly through in 8–10 weeks if they’re organised with assignments, but honestly, most of us drag it out to 4–6 months. Depends on the college, modules, and whether you’re part-time or full-time.

11. How many hours per week should I realistically study?

QQI says about 150 hours per module, but in real life, that works out as 10–12 hours a week if you’re balancing work. some people in HSE placements managed on 6 hours some weeks, then crammed double near deadlines.

12. Can I work full-time and still finish Level 5 on time?

Yeah, plenty of students do. But you’ll need to be brutal with time management. Evening learners in places like Liberties College Dublin usually spread it across 1 year instead of racing it in 8 weeks.

13. What slows most Irish students down with QQI assignments?

It’s usually not the exams, honestly — it’s the writing. People put off their reflective bits, case studies, and research until the night before. Then panic hits. If you miss a submission date, you’re waiting weeks for a resit. Loads of learners use Ireland Assignment Help for a hand with structuring or proofreading so they don’t end up repeating modules.

14. Do I need my Leaving Cert to start Level 5?

Normally, yes, but loads of mature students (over 23) get in without it. Colleges look at your work experienc,e too. 

15. If I fail one module, do I have to repeat the whole course?

No, thankfully! You only repeat the failed module. Say you pass Care of the Older Person but fail Safety & Health, you’ll just resit that one. It delays your cert, but you don’t lose everything.

16. How strict are tutors about deadlines in Ireland?

Depends on the college. In my Level 5 Nursing Studies, some tutors gave a week’s grace, others were tough as nails. Best bet: email early if you’re stuck. Most are sound once you don’t ghost them.

17. Will a QQI Level 5 get me into uni in Ireland?

Yeah, it’s a gateway. Places like Maynooth and TU Dublin accept Level 5s for certain degrees. Just mind your credits—you’ll need the full award (usually 8 modules passed).

18. Is AI allowed for QQI assignments?

That one’s a bit tricky now. Colleges are fine with research tools, but they expect the essay to sound like you. If it reads too polished or robotic, Turnitin catches it straight away. Many learners get support from AI-Free Assignment Help in Ireland to reword drafts and keep them fully human — no flagged phrases, no trouble with tutors.

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