How CAO points work
4 min read · updated 2026-10-07
CAO points come from your six best Leaving Certificate results in recognised subjects, from one sitting. Each grade has a fixed points value, and Higher Level Mathematics carries 25 bonus points.
Points for each grade
- ✓ Higher Level: H1 100, H2 88, H3 77, H4 66, H5 56, H6 46, H7 37, H8 0
- ✓ Ordinary Level: O1 56, O2 46, O3 37, O4 28, O5 20, O6 12, O7 0, O8 0
- ✓ LCVP Link Modules: Distinction 66, Merit 46, Pass 28
The maths bonus
Higher Level Mathematics adds 25 bonus points to an H6 or better. An H6 is therefore worth 71 points and an H1 125. That makes Higher maths the single subject with the most points available.
Only six subjects count
Most students sit seven subjects, but CAO counts only the best six, from one sitting. A weaker seventh subject does not lower the total, and improving one subject by a grade band is often the simplest way to gain points.
FAQs
How many points is an H1?＋
100. With the maths bonus, an H1 in Higher Level Mathematics is worth 125.
Does an H7 get points?＋
Yes, 37 points. An H8 gets none.
What is the maximum number of CAO points?＋
625: six H1s (600) plus the 25-point maths bonus.
Do Ordinary Level grades count?＋
Yes. An O1 is worth 56, the same as an H5.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 2026-10-07.
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