Qualifications Needed to be a Special Needs Assistant in Ireland
If you’ve ever been inside an Irish classroom, you’ll know teachers aren’t the only adults running the show. There’s usually another person there — quiet, steady, not in the spotlight — and that’s the SNA. Special Needs Assistant.
Now, here’s the honest bit. Without SNAs, half the inclusion work in schools would collapse. Teachers teach, yes, but SNAs make sure certain children can actually be there to learn.
I’ve met school leavers who want to become SNAs because they love working with kids. I’ve met mums who’ve supported their own children with autism and thought, “I could do this for other families.” I’ve even met a retired bus driver who retrained in his 50s and now works as an SNA in a special school in Cork.
The role matters. A lot. And that’s why everyone asks me: what qualifications do I need?
What Do SNAs Really Do?
Let’s not sugar-coat it. Being an SNA isn’t about sitting at the back of the class doing photocopying.
Some days you’ll:
- walk a child to the bathroom,
- Cut food into smaller pieces at lunchtime,
- sit with a non-verbal student and help them use a tablet to answer a question,
- or just hold someone’s hand while the rest of the school sings at assembly.
Other days you’ll be on the bus for a trip, supervising in the yard, or quietly calming a child who’s about to bolt from the room.
I’ll give you a story. Mary, an SNA in Galway, told me about a boy she worked with who couldn’t handle loud noise. For a year she sat with him, every single assembly, headphones on, gentle reassurance. By June? He was still nervous, but he stayed in the hall with his classmates. That’s what this job is. Small victories that feel massive.
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Qualifications: What You Need on Paper
Right. The official stuff.
Level 5 — the usual way in
Most schools expect you to have at least a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Special Needs Assisting (or something close in childcare or healthcare).
It usually covers modules like:
- children with additional needs,
- child development,
- special needs assisting,
- care provision and practice.
Think of Level 5 as your ticket to the door.
Level 6 — the bonus card
Lots of people add QQI Level 6. It’s not always essential, but it makes you shine. Level 6 digs into:
- behaviour management,
- advanced inclusion strategies,
- How to work with teachers, parents, and therapists as a team.
If there are 40 applicants for one job, the Level 6 can be the difference.
The Leaving Cert question
Do you need the Leaving Cert? No, not really.
- If you’re straight out of school, some providers will ask for a pass Leaving Cert.
- But if you’re a mature student (over 23), you don’t need it. Your life experience is enough.
I know a dad in Dublin who never finished his Leaving Cert. He worked in construction, then retrained at 42. He got Level 5, did some volunteering, and now he’s an SNA in a primary school.
Courses, Time & Costs
How long does it take? What’s it going to cost? Let’s be real about it.
| Course | Level | Duration | Cost (approx) | Mode | Placement |
| SNA Course | Level 5 | 6–12 months | €400–€700 | Part-time / Online | Sometimes |
| SNA Course | Level 6 | 6–9 months | €500–€900 | Part-time / Online | Sometimes |
| Combined | 5 & 6 | 12–18 months | €800–€1,200 | Blended | Often |
Where to study? You’ve got options: The Open College, Portobello Institute, Kilroy’s College, or your local ETB.
Costs vary, but many places let you pay in instalments. Some are eligible for Skillnet funding.
⚠️ Pro tip: don’t get tricked by random “certificates” online. If it’s not QQI, schools don’t count it.
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Mandatory Must-Haves
Even with the certificate, you’ll need a few extras:
- Garda vetting – no way around it. You’ll do it with your course and again with your employer.
- Children First training – free online course with Tusla about child protection. Every school asks for it.
- First Aid / Manual handling – not always mandatory, but many schools prefer it.
- Induction training – every school has its own safeguarding and confidentiality policies.
The Skills That Count
Here’s the bit no course can fully teach you. The soft stuff.
- Patience – kids might repeat the same behaviour fifty times a day.
- Empathy – you need to see the world through their eyes.
- Observation – noticing the small signs before something escalates.
- Teamwork – you’ll never work in isolation.
- Flexibility – today could be art, tomorrow crisis management.
- Confidentiality – families share private stuff with you.
- Resilience – because some days will absolutely test you.
An SNA I met in Limerick told me her mornings for a whole term involved standing outside the school gate with a boy who refused to come in. They’d walk around the block, chat, and after a while, he’d enter the building. Not glamorous, but that’s patience in action.
Building Experience
Experience makes you more employable, no doubt about it.
Ways to get it:
- Placements – many courses include them.
- Volunteering – after-school clubs, youth groups, disability organisations.
- Subbing – take temporary posts; they often lead to permanent contracts.
Even a month of volunteering gives you real stories to share at interviews.
Applications & CV Tips
Where to look:
- EducationPosts.ie – main site for education jobs.
- ETB websites – community/vocational schools.
- Local schools sometimes advertise directly.
CVs:
- List your QQI modules, not just “SNA course.”
- Include placements and volunteering.
- Use action words: assisted, supported, collaborated.
Cover letters:
- Keep it short.
- Show genuine passion.
- Mention if you know the school’s ethos or SEN setup.
Interviews:
- Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Example: “Tell us about a time you supported a child in distress.”
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Career Outlook & Pay
Money and hours—let’s be straight.
- Pay: most SNAs earn somewhere between €27k and €36k.
- Hours: school hours, term time (roughly 183 days).
- Holidays: paid within contract, but you’re not paid separately for July/August.
- Competition: posts can be competitive, but demand is steady.
- Progression: from Level 5 to Level 6, to senior SNA roles, or even into teaching.
Is it the best-paid job? No. But ask any SNA why they stay, and they’ll talk about moments, not money.
Final Word
So here’s the bottom line. If you want to be an SNA in Ireland:
- Do QQI Level 5.
- Add Level 6 if you can.
- Get Garda vetted.
- Do the Children First training.
- Volunteer or do placements.
- Apply through EducationPosts.ie or directly to schools.
It’s not always easy. Some days you’ll come home drained. But the difference you make for a child? That part’s hard to put into words.
If you’ve got the patience, the empathy, and the will to help, then honestly—this could be one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever step into.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to become a Special Needs Assistant in Ireland?
Start with the QQI Level 5 in Special Needs Assisting — that’s the main entry route. Some go on to do Level 6 after. A few volunteers in schools first to get experience, then apply through EducationPosts.ie. It’s not fancy, just a mix of study, Garda vetting, and a bit of patience till you land your first placement.
2. How much is an SNA paid in Ireland?
It varies a bit, depending on years in the job. Most earn somewhere between €27,000 and €36,000 a year. You’re paid during school terms, and holidays are built into the contract. Not massive money, but the hours and satisfaction balance it out for a lot of people.
3. How long is a Special Needs Assistant course?
Depends on the college. Some Level 5 courses wrap up in six months part-time; others run almost a year. Online ones are handier if you’ve a job or kids. Level 6 takes another few months. A combined route might stretch over a year and a half, easy enough pace though.
4. Can you work as an SNA without a degree?
Yes, absolutely. You don’t need a university degree — QQI Level 5 is enough for most schools. Loads of brilliant SNAs never went to college. What matters more is empathy, calmness, and the ability to handle tricky mornings with a smile.
5. What modules are included in a Level 5 SNA syllabus?
You’ll cover things like child development, care provision, special needs assisting, and supporting children with additional needs. Some modules throw in practical placements too. It’s not all theory; there’s a good bit of reflection and hands-on learning.
6. How do I qualify for SNA posts with existing childcare experience?
If you’ve already done a childcare Level 5 or 6, you’re halfway there. Add the Special Needs Assisting module, and you’re usually eligible. Schools just need proof it’s QQI-accredited. Childcare experience actually gives you an edge because you already understand behaviour and communication.
7. Can someone do my SNA or QQI assignment if I’m running out of time?
It happens more often than people admit. Between work, kids, and placements, deadlines can sneak up fast. That’s where Do My Assignment Ireland comes in handy — they match students with Irish writers who know QQI and SNA module standards, so you can get a properly structured, AI-free draft done on time.
8. What if I fail or can’t finish an assignment on time?
Depends on the college. Some tutors give an extra week, others are strict about deadlines. Best thing — let them know early if you’re stuck. Most are fair once you don’t disappear without saying anything. And if it’s still a mess, a quick review from Proofreading Services Dublin can help tidy your draft before submission.
9. How much does the SNA course cost in Ireland?
Anywhere from about €400 to €900, depending on Level 5 or 6 and whether it’s online or blended. Combined courses cost a bit more. Some offer instalments or Skillnet funding, which softens the blow if you’re on a tight budget.
10. Are QQI courses recognised by all Irish schools?
As long as it’s an official QQI award, yes. Schools won’t accept random “certificates” from unapproved sites, though, so always check the award code. QQI accreditation is the gold standard for SNA work in Ireland.
11. Can someone help with my QQI assignments if I’m struggling?
Yes, that’s common enough. Irish writers at Ireland Assignment Help guide students who are stuck with structure, referencing, or reflections. They keep it AI-free and Turnitin-safe, so you can learn from proper examples without the stress of plagiarism.
12. How do I make sure my assignments aren’t flagged for AI or plagiarism?
Avoid copying templates or using AI tools — they sound too clean and get caught quickly. The safer option is to write in your own words or use human-written samples from Irish tutors. Tools like Turnitin spot patterns, not accents, so staying natural works best.
13. What extra training helps after the QQI certificate?
Schools love it when applicants have Children First training from Tusla, a First Aid cert, or manual handling. They’re quick add-ons, but make your CV stand out. A lot of SNAs keep building small skills every year.
14. Is the SNA job good for career growth?
It’s a solid start if you want to stay in education or care. Some move on to teaching or special education roles later. Many stay because the relationships built with students make it more rewarding than most office jobs ever could.
