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Polish Leaving Cert Exam Papers

Every official Leaving Cert Polish exam paper in one place, from the very first paper in 2005 to the 2026 exams. Download Higher and Ordinary Level written papers, listening papers with the original audio, and marking schemes, all linked directly from the State Examinations Commission archive.

  • 22 exam sittings, 2005 to 2026
  • Higher and Ordinary Level
  • Papers, sound files and marking schemes

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Exam paper archive by year

2022 - 2026

Current specification: Higher and Ordinary Level

The current Polish specification was examined for the first time in 2022. Since then the subject is offered at both Higher and Ordinary Level, and each sitting includes a written paper and a listening paper. The same audio recording is used for both levels, so one MP3 covers Higher and Ordinary listening in each year.

2008 - 2021

Earlier format: one written paper

Before 2022, Polish was examined as a non-curricular EU language: a single Higher Level written paper, with no Ordinary Level, no listening and no oral component. These papers remain excellent practice for reading comprehension and written expression. The 2020 and 2021 sittings ran under COVID-adjusted arrangements alongside calculated and accredited grades.

2005 - 2007

The earliest papers: no marking schemes

The first years the subject was examined. The SEC never published marking schemes for 2005 to 2007, so only the papers themselves are available.

Know the paper before you sit it

About the Leaving Cert Polish exam

The written paper

The written paper carries the bulk of the marks and tests reading comprehension and written expression in Polish. Higher Level texts are longer and more demanding, and the writing tasks expect a wider range of structures. Sitting a full paper against the clock is the fastest way to find out where your timing breaks down.

The listening exam

Since 2022 every sitting includes a listening paper, and the same audio recording is played for Higher and Ordinary Level. Each year in the archive above links both the listening paper and the original MP3, so you can practise the aural exactly as it was sat.

The oral exam

The current specification includes an oral examination alongside the written and listening papers. Orals are held in person, so the SEC does not publish them as past papers. Preparing for the oral means structured speaking practice rather than downloads.

Read the Polish Leaving Cert Oral Exam guide

How to practise

Start with the newest paper and work backwards under exam conditions. Mark yourself against the official scheme, log every recurring mistake, and replay the audio until you follow it at full speed. When you want a plan built around your level, book a free 15-minute consultation with Sylwia or find the right course in two minutes.

Questions students ask

Frequently asked questions

Is there a listening exam in Leaving Cert Polish?

Yes, since 2022. Under the current specification the Polish exam includes a listening paper at both Higher and Ordinary Level, and the same audio recording is played for both levels. Every listening paper and MP3 sound file from 2022 to 2026 is linked on this page. Before 2022 the exam was a single written paper with no aural component.

Is there an oral exam in Leaving Cert Polish?

The current specification, examined since 2022, includes an oral examination alongside the written and listening papers. Orals are held in person and the SEC does not publish them as past papers, which is why no oral papers appear in the archive above. Structured oral practice is part of Ms Sylwia’s preparation programme, and the oral exam guide explains the format and how to prepare.

Where are the Polish marking schemes?

Marking schemes are published by the State Examinations Commission and are linked beside each paper above. Schemes are available for every year from 2008 to 2025. The SEC never published marking schemes for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 papers.

Are the 2026 papers and marking schemes available yet?

The 2026 Leaving Cert Polish exam papers, listening papers and audio are already linked above. The SEC usually publishes marking schemes in late summer or autumn of the exam year, and we add each scheme as soon as it appears in the official archive.

What is the difference between Higher and Ordinary Level Polish?

Both levels have been offered since 2022 and both include a written paper and a listening paper. Higher Level uses more demanding texts and longer written tasks, and Higher Level grades carry more CAO points. Compare a Higher and an Ordinary paper from the same year above to see the difference for yourself.

Are there sample papers or a language portfolio for the new specification?

The SEC issued sample papers before the new specification was first examined in 2022. With five full sets of real papers now available from 2022 to 2026, past papers are the best practice material. The specification also encourages students to build a language portfolio during their studies, and portfolio and mock-exam preparation is included in our courses.

How should I use past papers to prepare?

Start with the most recent papers and work backwards, sitting each one under timed exam conditions. Mark your answers against the official marking scheme, keep a log of recurring mistakes, and replay the listening audio until you can follow it at full speed. For a plan built around your level, book a free 15-minute consultation with Sylwia.

Why do the papers open on examinations.ie?

All exam papers and marking schemes are the copyright of the State Examinations Commission, so we link every document directly to the official SEC archive instead of re-hosting copies. Links open in a new tab, and each PDF or MP3 downloads straight from examinations.ie.

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