List courses in the order you genuinely want them, not the order of last year's points. CAO offers the highest preference for which you are eligible and a place is available. Putting a less-wanted course first can prevent an offer for a course below it. CAO Handbook 2027, printed pages 20 and 31.
Two independent lists
You can enter up to ten Level 8 choices and up to ten Level 7/6 choices. Choices on one list do not change the order on the other. You may receive one offer from each list in a round, but can accept only one offer in that round. You do not have to fill every position; only list courses you would consider taking. Handbook, printed pages 20 and 29.
What do Level 6, 7 and 8 mean?
| CAO list | NFQ level | Major higher-education award |
|---|---|---|
| Level 8 | 8 | Honours Bachelor Degree |
| Level 7/6 | 7 | Ordinary Bachelor Degree |
| Level 7/6 | 6 | Higher Certificate |
The handbook also includes some non-major certificates and diplomas, so read the award type rather than assuming from the level alone. Handbook, printed pages 19–20.
A further-education Level 6 Advanced Certificate and a higher-education Level 6 Higher Certificate are different award types. The NFQ level does not make every course at that level interchangeable. QQI: comparing Level 6 awards.
A worked preference example
Imagine three courses on one list:
| Preference | How you feel about it | Offer position |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Course A | Your favourite | No place available to you yet |
| 2. Course B | You would be happy here | You qualify and a place is available |
| 3. Course C | Your third choice | You also qualify |
The offer on this list is B, not B and C. You can remain in consideration for A in a later round. You do not get an ordinary later offer for C just because you decline B. This example applies the handbook's preference rules; it is not a forecast for any course. Handbook, printed pages 20 and 29–31.
If C is actually what you want most, move it before the relevant course-change deadline, not after receiving an offer.
Can accepting block my first choice?
Accepting a lower preference does not prevent a later offer for a higher preference on that list. If a higher offer arrives, you can accept it and replace the earlier acceptance, or leave it unaccepted and keep the original acceptance. Availability and eligibility still decide whether another offer arrives. Handbook, printed page 29.
Before you save
Compare course content, location, award and progression options on the college's own site. A possible progression route is not an automatic place on the next course. Check entry requirements separately from historical course points. You can also explore the process with the offers simulator, which does not predict your admission.
Sources and verification
Checked 7 September 2026 against CAO Handbook 2027, printed pages 19–20 and 29–31, and the QQI Level 6 comparison linked above. Course duration and progression conditions are institution-specific.