QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care (ELC) Major Award

QQI Level 5 Childcare Early Learning and Care (ELC) Major Award (5M22117)

Course is completed over 9 months. Learners can work at their own pace and can start at any time of year.

Accredited
Qualification on the NFQ (Ireland).

Tutor-supported
eLearning course with Tutor Support.

Flexible
Start any time and work at your own pace.

Learn anywhere
Learn anytime, anywhere.

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care (ELC) Major Award

€1195

Enrol online now or call us on 01-2865783, for interest-free instalment plan options.

Overview
  • No other accreditation or certification fees to pay.
  • Course is completed over 9 months. Learners can work at their own pace and can start at any time of year.
  • Blended learning (online with face-to-face elements) course with Tutor Support, accredited by QQI.
  • Applicants will be required to complete 150 hours Professional Practice Placement. A minimum of 50 hours must be completed with children in each of the following age groups: (1) with children aged 0-2 years 8 months, and (2) with children aged 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
  • We cover students work placement insurance at no extra cost.
Level 5 Childcare Course Details

CMIT is offering those interested in pursuing a challenging and rewarding career in early years learning and care an opportunity to complete the brand-new QQI ELC Level 5 Childcare course.

This QQI ELC Level 5 Childcare course is designed with Early Childhood professionals, and the children they will engage with, in mind. The aim of the programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to work independently and as part of a team, subject to practice supervision and promote the holistic wellbeing, development and learning of children from 0 to six years across a range of ELC settings. The programme is comprised of 6 modules. The CMIT eLearning system enables learners to work at their own pace while being fully supported by a qualified Tutor.

View a detailed list of the learning outcomes for this course on our learning outcomes page.

How you will learn

By enrolling on this course, you’ll receive 24/7 access to the eLearning platform for the full duration of your studies. This includes a detailed course manual, engaging videos, interactive quizzes, dedicated one-to-one support from a qualified Early Years tutor and scheduled placement meetings both on-site and online to support you. You’ll also have access to the CMIT Digital Library, providing a wealth of additional resources.

The course materials for this QQI-certified programme are clearly structured and easy to follow. You can conveniently upload your assessments online and receive feedback through the eLearning platform. You will receive personalised feedback from your tutor on each assessment you submit. The CMIT eLearning platform is accessible from any internet-connected computer, giving you the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere.

 

Who should complete this QQI ELC Level 5 Childcare course?
  • Aspiring Childcare Professionals: Anyone who is interested in a career in early learning and care with children aged 0-6 years. Level 5 is Required for all staff in pre-school services under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016.
  • Aspiring Childcare Leaders in ECCE Scheme Requirements: Necessary for Childcare Leaders and employees in facilities participating in the ECCE scheme​​.
  • Read our guide on the childcare sector.
Entry Requirements / Prerequisites
  • Leaving Cert, Level 4 award or equivalent, and/or relevant Life or Work Experience.
  • Learners will be required to complete 150 hours Professional Practice Placement. A minimum of 50 hours must be completed with children in each of the following age groups: (1) with children aged 0-2 years 8 months, and (2) with children aged 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
  • Learners will require Garda Vetting prior to commencing Professional Practice. Contact the college for details.
  • Learners will be required to participate in live online classes/webinars.
  • Learners will be required to participate in placement monitoring visits (on-site and online) during their course.
  • Learners must be a resident of Ireland / based in Ireland and hold a valid PPS Number.
  • Basic working knowledge of computers and access to a computer with internet access and word processing software is required to do the course. View the technical requirements for accessing CMIT eLearning.
  • As this NFQ qualification is delivered through English it is necessary to have sufficient written English skills to complete this course. Those who are not fluent in English will be required to provide evidence of meeting a minimum English language and literacy competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening, and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
  • It may be possible to gain exemptions from certain modules of the course. If you hold ECCE components, please contact us and we can advise you of possible exemptions.
  • Further details on the proficiencies required to complete awards at Level 5 are explained in the Equipped to Participate Statements.

How CMIT eLearning Works…

Play
Topics covered in this QQI ELC Level 5 Childcare – Early Learning and Care (ELC)
Component 1: Introduction to ELC and Child Safeguarding
  • Introduction to Early Learning and Care
  • Legislation
  • Child safeguarding
  • Policy and procedures
Component 2: Holistic Care
  • Wellbeing in Early Learning and Care
  • Health, safety and welfare
  • Physical Care
  • Nutrition
Component 3: Inclusive Education
  • Additional needs
  • Disability studies
  • Inclusive practice
  • Approaches and interactions
Component 4: Child Development
  • Intro and Physical Care
  • Cognitive, social, and emotional development
  • Attachment in Children
  • The role of the adult
Component 5: Early Learning and Play
  • Understanding play
  • Curriculum
  • Creative, inclusive and risk play
  • The role of the adult
Component 6: Professional Practice (Work experience)
  • Work experience
  • Insurance during work placement/work experience is provided by CMIT through our insurance provider.
Assessment
  • This QQI Level 5 Childcare course is assessed through completion of project work, assignments and personal learner records.
  • A project is a structured task that requires planning, research, and problem-solving to produce a final product or solution. An assignment is a task or set of tasks completed by a learner to demonstrate understanding of specific learning outcomes. A learner record is a self-reflective record  where the learner reports on their learning experiences, activities and progress.
  • Assessments are submitted online via the eLearning site. They are reviewed by the course tutor and feedback is provided to learners within 10 working days. Learners are only permitted to submit one assessment at a time and must receive feedback on one assessment before submitting the next. All work submitted must be the learners own work.
  • As part of our quality assurance, assessment work will be marked by an Internal Assessor, then checked by an Internal Verifier and an independent QQI External Authenticator.
Transfer and Progression to Further Studies
Protection for Enrolled Learners
  • As this course is of 3 months duration or longer, learners who enrol on this course are protected under the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012.
  • CMIT Learning Ltd has approval to offer students learner protection insurance. Learner Protection insurance is only in place when each student receives their Insurance Policy. Each learner should ensure that they receive a Learner Protection Insurance Policy in their name. Learner Protection insurance is provided by Arachas and underwritten by Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC. Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC, trading as Aviva, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. The learner protection policy provides for a refund of fees as specified in the 2012 Act. In some circumstances, it may be possible for a learner to transfer to a similar programme in another provider. In such circumstances, the learner may opt to receive the cost of an alternative similar academic programme. Transfer to another programme is always only a second option. The learner protection insurance policy is governed by s. 65(4)(b) of the 2012 Act.
  • More information can be found on our Terms and Conditions page.
Accreditation
  • Following successful completion of all required modules, you will receive a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care (5M22117). This programme is worth 120 credits.
  • This is the most up to date programme on this topic and it has been developed based on learning outcomes which are approved by QQI and is recognised in the industry as a qualification for employment in the area.
  • Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. CMIT is registered with QQI to offer programmes leading to QQI awards in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland.
  • More information can be found on the Accreditation Details page.

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Student Reviews of this course

5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 341 reviews)
Excellent96%
Very good4%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

No Title

January 19, 2026

I picked CMIT because it allowed me to have the flexibility i needed to study this course. I’m a mother of two children, a wife and a full-time worker, this allowed me to study in my own time and not interfere with my daily responsibilities. It was the perfect fit for me personally.

Student January 2026

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January 19, 2026

Yes it is very interesting and it is given me tips for my own children one that we are in the processes with one child being assessed for autism so it is helping me about information to look for

Student January 2026

No Title

January 19, 2026

I chose to study with CMIT because of its strong reputation for providing high-quality education and practical, career-focused courses. The Early Education and Childcare Level 5 programme offered by CMIT aligns perfectly with my interest in working with children and developing my skills in early childhood education.

I was also impressed by the supportive learning environment, experienced tutors, and the emphasis on both theory and practical experience. Studying with CMIT gives me the confidence and knowledge I need to progress in my career and further education in this field.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the course so far. The content is well-structured and easy to follow, and the support from tutors and staff has been excellent. Communication has been clear and timely, which has made the learning experience very positive.

Student January 2026

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January 19, 2026

I have found this course very helpful for me to complete my level 5. It’s very straightforward and easy to navigate around the course.

Student January 2026

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January 19, 2026

I chose to study with CMIT because of the flexibility of the online course and the strong support provided to students. The course content was relevant, clear, and aligned with my career goals in childcare.

Student January 2026

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January 19, 2026

Very helpful.

Student January 2026

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January 19, 2026

I chose to study with College of Management and IT (CMIT) because it offers a strong balance of academic quality, practical relevance, and recognised accreditation within Ireland.

CMIT’s programmes are QQI-validated, which was essential for me, as I wanted a qualification that is fully recognised and aligned with Irish regulatory and professional standards. The course content is clearly structured, outcomes-focused, and directly applicable to real workplace settings—particularly important in areas such as Early Learning and Care and professional practice. Another decisive factor was flexibility. CMIT’s blended and online learning model allows me to study while working, which supports consistency and progression without compromising professional responsibilities. I also value the clear guidance provided for assessments, referencing, and reflective practice, as this supports academic development and confidence. Finally, CMIT’s emphasis on professional standards, reflective learning, and employability aligns closely with my long-term career goals in Ireland. Studying with CMIT gives me both a recognised qualification and practical skills that are immediately transferable to the workplace

Student January 2026

No Title

January 19, 2026

The course is very straight forward with the way it is laid out, I like how you get emails on when the classes are and it is easy to sign up for a class and join it.

Student January 2026

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January 19, 2026

This course was very enjoyable and manageable

Student January 2026

No Title

January 19, 2026

I chose CMIT because it is a recognised institution with a good reputation in Early Learning and Care, and it offers a programme that fully meets the QQI Level 5 requirements. In addition, CMIT provides a practical learning approach, strong student support, and a learning environment that helps develop the skills needed to work with children in Ireland.

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

I am really enjoying it and the feedback on assignments is helpful

Student December 2025

No Title

January 19, 2026

I chose CMIT because it is a recognised institution with a good reputation in Early Learning and Care, and it offers a programme that fully meets the QQI Level 5 requirements. In addition, CMIT provides a practical learning approach, strong student support, and a learning environment that helps develop the skills needed to work with children in Ireland

Student December 2025

No Title

January 19, 2026

I chose CMIT because it is a recognised institution with a good reputation in Early Learning and Care, and it offers a programme that fully meets the QQI Level 5 requirements. In addition, CMIT provides a practical learning approach, strong student support, and a learning environment that helps develop the skills needed to work with children in Ireland.

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

Lyndsey was very helpful and very quick with responses to all my questions. I really look forward to taking all that I’ve learned in the course into my Early years setting and sharing it with my colleagues and children.

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

The course exceeded my expectations. It was well-structured, the content was clear and relevant, and the tutor support was excellent. I gained real insight into the Early Learning and Care sector in Ireland and feel confident in applying what I’ve learned.

Student December 2025

No Title

January 19, 2026

The course exceeded my expectations. It was well-structured, the content was clear and relevant, and the tutor support was excellent. I gained real insight into the Early Learning and Care sector in Ireland and feel confident in applying what I’ve learned.

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

Very good course and I enjoyed it, my tutor was helpful and gave great feedback.

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

My tutor, Lindsey Higgins, is incredibly informative, helpful, encouraging and has been amazingly prompt in responding to my many messages and assessment submissions.

Student December 2025

No Title

January 19, 2026

I chose to study at CMIT, because they offer a flexible study schedule, which is very important for me. The course structure allows me to learn at my own pace, and the institution provides good support and resources for students.

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

Very well organised.

Student December 2025

No Title

January 19, 2026

Very well organised.

Student December 2025

No Title

January 19, 2026

I chose to study with CMIT because of its practical, career-focused programs that combine both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. I value the college’s emphasis on real-world skills and professional development, which I believe will prepare me effectively for a successful career in my field. Overall, I think the course has been very informative and practical. It provides a solid foundation in the subject while also giving opportunities to apply what we learn through real-life examples and activities. I feel it’s helping me develop both the knowledge and skills I need for my future career.”

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

I’m really excited to be studying Early Learning and Care (ELC) at CMIT. I’m doing this because I love working with kids and want to make a positive impact on their lives. CMIT’s program is helping me gain the skills and knowledge I need to create a nurturing environment for children to thrive.

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

I really enjoyed this course the assessments were clear and easy to follow.

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

The course is easy to understand as long we sacrifice time and efforts in the manual. I meant it requires a lot of reading and research. Before enroll the course, i did some research for different courses and then compared. It took me time but actually i am very happy i choose CMIT. It is quick compared tp others that take 12 months to fi finish the course and CMIT is easy to study on your own time. I just regret not started long time ago!

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

I really enjoyed the course.

Student December 2025

No Title

January 19, 2026

I am very happy with the course so far. The content is clear, relevant and well organised, and the structure of the assessments helps me apply what I am learning in real practice. The support from my tutor has been excellent, and the feedback I receive is detailed and helpful. Studying with CMIT has been a very positive experience.

Student December 2025

No Title

January 19, 2026

CMIT has provided wonderful material regarding the course. The process from start to end was easy. I have received lot of support during my joining and throughout the course. Special thanks to my tutor Lindsey Higgins who always cleared my doubts and also replied my queries at the earliest possible.

Student December 2025

No Title

January 19, 2026

I chose to study at CMIT because it offers high-quality, practical courses focused on Early Learning and Care, with strong emphasis on inclusive education and supporting children with additional needs. The course structure, resources, and guidance from experienced educators provide me with the knowledge and skills needed to work confidently in an Early Childhood setting.

Student December 2025

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January 19, 2026

It has been a good experience for improving my qualifications and it fits into my routine.

Student December 2025

No Title

January 19, 2026

I like it, It’s easy to understand.

Student January 2026

No Title

January 19, 2026

I chose CMIT because it was more flexible than the other colleges. I can work at my pace, and I can finish the course quicker compared to other colleges.

Student January 2026

No Title

January 19, 2026

Overall, the course has been satisfactory so far. The material is helpful, and I am gradually adjusting to the learning style. I believe it will continue to improve as the course progresses.

Student January 2026

No Title

January 19, 2026

Overall, this course was well-structured and engaging, the content was easy to follow and understand. I feel more confident when applying what I learned.

Student January 2026

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December 16, 2025

I chose to study with CMIT because is fully online and self-paced, which means I am able to plan my study time around other responsabilities. Being able to log in from home and manage my own schedule, will help me stay focused and motivated.

Student December 2025

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December 16, 2025

The course was comprehensive, well-structured, and adaptable to my work routine. It provided strong theoretical foundations and practical insight for working in early years education in Ireland.

Student November 2025

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December 16, 2025

Very good course, initially I thought it was hard to navigate the student portal until i got used to it.

Student November 2025

No Title

December 16, 2025

I found CMIT so helpful and good for studying I am going to do my level 6 with the as well everything was organised and easy to understand

Student November 2025

No Title

December 16, 2025

I found CMIT so helpful and good for studying I am going to do my level 6 with the as well everything was organised and easy to understand

Student November 2025

No Title

December 16, 2025

The course has been very clear and well-organised. I find the modules easy to follow, and the flexibility helps me study while working. The support materials are very helpful.

Student November 2025

No Title

December 16, 2025

Overall, I had a very positive experience with the course. The content was clear and well-structured, and the online format made it easy to follow and fit into my routine. The support provided was helpful, and the assignments allowed me to apply what I was learning in a practical way. I feel that the course contributed to my professional development.

Student November 2025

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November 24, 2025

Very good.

Student November 2025

No Title

November 24, 2025

Being able to study at my own pace was a big factor, access to tutor support also, The online classes to gain extra knowledge and guidance, no major deadlines, cost was affordable as well.

Student November 2025

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November 24, 2025

I personally found it very helpful and would recommend it to anyone wanting to complete their level five while working.

Student November 2025

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November 24, 2025

I heard through friends and colleagues that done courses through CMIT and they speak very positively and gained qualifications. My course is going brilliant, very happy to have chosen CMIT for my course as there were many options but this one stood out the most.

Student November 2025

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November 24, 2025

It is a great course to do at your own pace. I had 4 admissions to Resus in A&E this year due to Brittle Asthma attacks and I was still able to complete this course.

Student November 2025

No Title

November 24, 2025

All great.

Student November 2025

No Title

November 24, 2025

The course was very well structured and the support from my tutor was excellent. I feel I learned a lot and gained confidence to work in the Early Learning and Care sector.

Student November 2025

No Title

November 24, 2025

or the last couple of years I’ve been working as an after school assistant. I have a great interest for child development and I find it fascinating how the young mind works. I really enjoy making and planning activities for the afterschools and my manager suggested that I would be brilliant working in ecce as I always include tuff trays and natural objects in my activites and she found that my personailty would be great for young children as Im kind and considerate. Upon research and a lot of thought, I decided to start my level 5. i was advised by a lot of people that cmit was a brilliant college, and that the tutors are really quick and efficient at helping. During my entire course I only needed assistance from the tutor once, as the course itself provided me with all of the information I needed. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to start a career in a preschool setting. my placement has taught me so much and I really look forward to taking my new found skills and starting my career in early childhood.

Student November 2025

No Title

November 24, 2025

I chose to study with CMIT because it offers flexible, accredited online courses that fit well with my schedule. The platform allows me to study at my own pace while still receiving support from tutors when needed. I also appreciate that CMIT courses are recognised and career-focused, which helps me gain practical skills and qualifications that will support my professional development.

Student November 2025

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