Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much are the courses?

The costs vary depending on the course.

2. When do the classes start?

Classes start in September and January each year. Details on enrolment dates and start date are given on louthnightclasses.ie, in the local papers and on our Facebook page.

3. Where can I find more information on the classes?

Further information on classes is given on louthnightclasses.ie including course outline and any further details as required.

4. How much of a reduction do I get if I am on Social Welfare?

20% reduction is allowed for those who present completed Social Welfare refund forms obtained from louthnightclasses.ie. You may also pay the full fee and present the completed form while the class is continuing. A cheque is then issued as a partial refund. No refunds will be given after a corse is completed.

5. How do I contact the night class office?

Either email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or our office number is 042 9353967 or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/louthnightclassesofiaich

6. What if there are not enough numbers for my class?

You will be contacted by phone and offered a choice of a transfer to another class or a full refund.

7. What if I don’t want to continue a class I enrolled for?

We will only issue a refund in exceptional circumstances as courses are run strictly on a self-financing basis. Requests for refunds must be done by email only. All fees are inclusive of an administration fee of 10% which is not refundable if course proceeds.

8. Is there a minimum age limit on people who can do courses?

Persons enrolling must be 16 years of age.

9. Is there a coffee shop?

The coffee shop is open from 7.30 to 8.30 while night classes are running.

10. What time do classes start at?

Class times vary, please check the website.

11. Do I have to attend every night of the course?

Ideally you should attend every night, especially when undertaking QQI modules .

12.  Are there Parking facilities?

There is ample free car parking at the rear of the O’Fiaich Institute campus. Parking is at the owners risk.

13. How often do you offer new courses?

We offer courses twice a year in September and January. The full list of courses being offered for the next term is available on our website www.louthnightclasses.ie approximately two months before the start date of the courses.

14. How can I enrol?

You can enrol on www.louthnightclasses.ie and follow the link or you can call to the office in O’Fiaich Institute between the hours of 10am and 3.30. We also have dedicated enrolment days and evenings prior to the start of the classes. Further details available on the website.

15. I’m very apprehensive about starting my course, will there be someone there to show me where I should go?

A member of the night class team is in the building each night while the courses are running and they are usually to be found standing at the door from the car park or in the office.

Monday night - Karen and Colm

Tuesday night - Ken

Wednesday night - Catherine and Colm

Alternatively any member of staff will be only too happy to help.

16. I am interested in offering a course

We are always looking for new courses and tutors. Contact the office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

17. I have a disability, can my needs be accommodated?

We at O’Fiaich Institute will endeavour to facilitate everybody as far as is practical.

There is a lift in the building.  However if we are made aware of any difficulties before the classes begin we can make the necessary arrangements in advance.

18. Do you offer courses during the day?

No, all our courses are offered in the evening usually after 6pm. O’Fiaich Institute of Further Education offers FETAC course on a full time basis from September to May. Information available on www.ofi.ie

19. I need to retrain, what courses can I do with you?

Our two main areas are FETAC Level 5 Childcare and Healthcare. We offer all the required modules on a rolling basis giving learners the opportunity to complete the necessary modules over a number of terms.

20. What is a module?

The FETAC awards are divided into components or modules.  The modules for Early Childhood Care and Education and Healthcare Support can be viewed on www.qqi.ie

21. What does each module cost?

Generally the modules cost €250

22. How many modules do I need to undertake to get the overall award?

Generally 8 modules(120 credits) must be completed in order to obtain the full award

23. What is a mandatory module?

When completing a FETAC course there are some modules that MUST be completed. For example, the Healthcare course mandatory modules are Care Skills, Care Support and Safety and Health at Work.

24. I have heard it said that FETAC is changing to QQI. What is QQI?

QQI have taken over from FETAC. FETAC, (The Further Education and Training Awards Council) was the statutory awarding body for further education and training in Ireland.  On the July 26 2011, FETAC, along with the NQAI, HETAC and IUQB welcomed the publication of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act, 2011. This legislation provides for a new single agency, Qualifications and Quality Assurance Ireland (QQAI), replacing FETAC, HETAC, NQAI and IUQB.

25. Can anyone enrol for a QQI course?

Yes you can, no special or previous knowledge is necessary. However, a proficiency in communicating in English is required.

26.  What do I need to enrol for a QQI course?

Students enrolling on QQI courses must give details of the following on an official registration form to facilitate exam entry.

PPS number

Date of birth

Medical card number and expiry date if applicable

27.  Is there coursework and assignments involved?

Yes, coursework and assignments are a requirement of most modules.

Students must keep a copy of their coursework submitted. Coursework is kept for 3 months post certification but is disposed of after this time. Students wishing to retrieve submitted coursework must contact the college within 3 months of a course ending.

28. What is a Component Certificate.

A certificate you receive after completing one module (15 credits of the 120 required for a full QQI Award)

29. Why can’t I use my Occupational First Aid for QQI?

Occupational First Aid carries a weighting of 5 credits. Under the updated award students must achieve 120 credits in order to receive their full award. All modules, except Occupational First Aid, carry a weighting of 15 credits which means learners with 7 modules and Occupational First Aid will only have 115 credits.

30.  Do your courses at night involve work experience?

Some QQI courses require students to undertake work experience. Students are responsible for securing placements. Insurance and letter of introduction are available from the night class office.

31.  What modules do I need to complete to get a full FETAC Level 5 Award?

A full award consists of eight modules worth 15 credits per module so 120 credits in total. Some modules are mandatory and need to be completed while others are elective by choice.

32. Do I need Garda Vetting?

Garda vetting may be necessary for some courses. Students are responsible for accurately filling forms on the first night of course for submission to the Garda Vetting office by Louth Meath Education & Training Board.

33. Can I complete QQI Level 6 at night?

Yes, QQI level 6 courses require students to have successfully completed level 5 or equivalent. Other courses require students to be already working in a particular field e.g. Supervisory Management (healthcare) requires students be working in a health care setting.

34. Is my QQI award recognised abroad?

Yes

35. How long is my FETAC Award valid for?

6 years

36. Can my prior learning be recognised?

Yes, subject to a decision by QQI.

37. Can I progress to third level with a FETAC Award?

Yes through CAO.

38.  Is there anyone I can contact with further specific queries regarding your courses?

Any queries by current or past students relating to FETAC certification must be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

39. How long academically would it take me to achieve full accreditation and can I do this at my own pace?

One of the merits of undertaking modules with O’Fiaich Institute is that you can decide how few/many modules you want to undertake at any time. We generally advice completing 2 modules per term. This means that the award can be obtained in a minimum of 2 years.

40. I have heard that you can get financial assistance towards some courses. If so, where and how do I find out about this?

LMETB offers a 20% reduction for anyone in receipt of social welfare on completion of a form available from www.louthnightclasses.ie. Other options may be

Your local Intreo office

Your local DSP office

Community employment schemes

41. Can I change course if I wish?

We will do our best to facilitate individual requests.

42. If you do not run a course I am interested in, would you offer it?

Classes are run subject to minimum numbers, if enough people express an interest in a class we will offer it.

43. I hear people talking about Blended Learning and Moodle; What are they?

Attending classes every week does not suit everyone; an option for them is to undertake a blended learning class. This requires the students to attend class approximately once a month with the remainder of the course delivered online. A basic level of IT is required.