If your child has been approved to use a word processor / laptop in their Junior Cycle or Leaving Certificate exams — or you are still waiting on a decision — you are not alone. Many Irish parents first hear this as a “laptop exemption” (still a common search term). Officially, it sits under the RACE scheme: Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations.
Being allowed to type in the exam is only half the story. The other half is whether your child can type well enough, under exam conditions, to show what they know.
This guide explains what RACE is in plain language, what to do next, and how Searsol after-school typing classes (with Typewiz home practice) can help build real keyboard skill — without promising exam results.
What is the RACE scheme?
RACE (Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations) is the State scheme that allows eligible post-primary students with special educational needs to sit Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate exams with arrangements that remove, as far as possible, the impact of a disability or condition — without giving an unfair advantage.
Applications are normally made through the school. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) oversees the scheme.
Examples of accommodations can include readers, recording devices or scribes, assistive technology, and — where appropriate — use of a word processor / computer so a student can type rather than handwrite. Exact eligibility and what is approved for your child depend on their needs and the school/SEC process.
For accurate, up-to-date rules, deadlines, and what may apply in a given exam year, always check:
- Citizens Information — RACE scheme
- The State Examinations Commission (including any current RACE guidance or circulars for schools)
Searsol does not decide RACE applications and does not replace advice from your school or the SEC. If anything on this page differs from official guidance, follow the school/SEC.
Parents still searching “laptop exemption”: that older phrase usually means a RACE word processor / laptop accommodation. Use the official wording with the school, but you will still see “laptop exemption” on older posts and forums.
Approval to type vs typing well enough under exam conditions
These are two different things:
| Got the accommodation | Ready under exam conditions | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | School/SEC process has approved (or you are applying for) use of a word processor / laptop instead of handwriting | Your child can produce answers at a useful speed and accuracy, with correct finger technique, under timed pressure |
| Who decides | School and SEC under RACE | Practice, teaching, and realistic timed typing — not the accommodation letter alone |
| Common gap | Relief that handwriting is no longer the only option | Hunt-and-peck typing that is still slower or more tiring than needed in a long paper |
Schools and parents often focus on the application. That matters. But once typing is on the table, skill matters just as much: posture, home-row touch typing, accuracy first, then speed — and practice that mimics exam use (spell-check / autocorrect settings as required for the exam must follow current SEC rules — confirm with the school; do not rely on blog posts for exam-day settings).
There is no official Department of Education / SEC published “required WPM” that we treat as a hard pass mark for laptop use. Searsol’s own guidance is that aiming for around Silver — about 25 words per minute is a sensible target for many students preparing to type exam answers. Your child’s starting point and needs will vary.
What to do next (practical checklist for parents)
- Talk to the school about RACE, evidence they need, and timelines for Junior Cycle or Leaving Cert. Confirm what accommodation was approved (or applied for) and any exam-centre technology rules.
- Read official sources — Citizens Information on RACE and the SEC — rather than relying only on social media or older “laptop exemption” posts.
- Assess current typing honestly: does your child look at the keys? Use two fingers? Fatigue quickly? Accuracy before speed.
- Learn proper touch typing with structured lessons and a tutor who checks finger placement — not only games or random practice.
- Build speed in stages (Searsol / Typewiz grades used in our classes):
- Bronze — average about 15 WPM
- Silver — average about 25 WPM (Searsol’s recommended ballpark for many exam typists)
- Gold — average about 40 WPM — this is faster than writing
- Practise under more realistic conditions as skill grows: longer sessions, less looking at the keyboard, school-style tasks — always following whatever settings the school/SEC require for exam use.
- Start earlier than you think. Touch typing takes consistent weeks and months. Waiting until the term before the exams leaves little room to build accuracy and stamina.
How Searsol helps (without overclaiming)
Searsol runs after-school touch typing classes for children and teenagers (from about age eight up to school leaving age), including many students with handwriting difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia (DCD), dysgraphia, or a RACE word processor / laptop accommodation.
What we do:
- Weekly class with trained tutors who monitor correct finger placement
- Our own tutor software, Typewiz, used in class and for home revision (passcode from the tutor)
- Clear progress markers: Bronze ~15 / Silver ~25 / Gold ~40 WPM averages (Gold is faster than typical handwriting), with badges when those averages are reached
- A free one-hour trial assessment so you see current speed, accuracy, and a realistic grade pathway before you enrol
Fee: Current class fees are on the FAQ. Classes include home Typewiz access for revision / missed sessions.
What we do not claim: We do not guarantee RACE approval, exam grades, or that any specific WPM will satisfy the SEC. Typing skill supports access; outcomes still depend on learning, teaching, and the exam itself.
Dublin, Meath and Kildare centres: Book a free trial via Find Centres. Related reading for parents of children with learning differences: Typing classes in Dublin for dyslexia & dyspraxia.
Phone: 01-6303384
Book a free 1-hour trial
The free trial is a normal class length (about one hour). Your child joins the session; at the end, the tutor walks you through a short report — exercises completed, average accuracy and WPM, and a suggested pathway toward Bronze, Silver or Gold.
Book your free trial at a Searsol centre near you →
Prefer home-only practice first? Typewiz also offers a home package with a free trial at typewiz.com — centre classes remain the best option when you want tutor-supervised technique.
Short FAQ
Is “laptop exemption” the same as RACE?
Often, yes in everyday parent language. Officially, ask about a RACE word processor / laptop (or computer) accommodation. Always confirm wording and rules with the school and SEC.
Does the SEC or Department set a minimum typing speed?
We are not aware of a single official published “must hit X WPM” figure for all candidates. Searsol recommends aiming for around Silver (~25 WPM) as a practical on-site target for many students who will type exam answers. Confirm any school-specific expectations with your school.
My child already has approval — is it too late to learn?
Usually not, but sooner is better. Structured classes plus sensible home revision build accuracy and stamina over time. Book a free trial to see their current baseline.
Will Searsol get my child approved for RACE?
No. Applications go through the school (and SEC). We teach typing; we do not administer RACE.
Do I need to bring a laptop to Searsol class?
Most centres provide equipment. Some (e.g. Swords and Killester, per our FAQ) ask you to bring a laptop — check your centre page when you book.
How much do classes cost?
Current fees are on the FAQ, including home Typewiz access for revision.
Where can I read the official RACE rules?
Start with Citizens Information — RACE and examinations.ie. For your child’s case, the school is the first port of call.