Available to start

QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate
in Early Learning and Care

The professional qualification for experienced childcare workers ready to move into supervisory, leadership, and senior roles in early learning settings — delivered live and online with expert trainer support.

🎓 QQI Level 6 · 6M22411 📚 6 Accredited Modules · 120 Credits 💻 Live Weekly Classes 🤝 Dedicated Tutor Support ⭐ 4.9★ · 1,700+ Reviews
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⭐
4.9 Stars1,700+ verified reviews
🎓
QQI AccreditedAward code 6M22411
📚
120 QQI Credits6 modules · Major Award
👩‍🏫
Expert TrainersLive weekly classes
🔄
Progression RoutesInto third level & senior roles
The advanced qualification for early learning professionals in Ireland.

The QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (6M22411) is the nationally recognised qualification for childcare professionals who already hold a Level 5 certificate and are ready to advance their career. It prepares you for supervisory, leadership, and management roles in creches, preschools, and early learning settings across Ireland.

This programme builds on your existing foundation — developing your expertise in child development, curriculum design, inclusion, professional supervision, and reflective practice through six intensive, fully-supported QQI modules.

Who is this course for?

This is the right course if any of the following applies to you.

🎓
You already hold a Level 5 ELC qualification
You have completed the QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care (5M22413) or equivalent, and want to advance your qualification.
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You want to move into a leadership role
You're working in an early years setting and want to progress into a supervisory, room leader, deputy manager, or manager role. This qualification is a prerequisite for many senior positions.
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You want to progress to third level
The 6M22411 Level 6 certificate is among those that enable links to Early Years programmes at third level in Ireland — a strong foundation for further academic progression.

Course modules — 120 QQI credits

Six mandatory modules delivered over the programme period, each contributing to the full Major Award.

1
The Developing Child
6C21519 · 25 Credits
Project 60% · Examination 40%
2
Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care
6C21518 · 15 Credits
Assignment 20% · Case Study 20% · Project 60%
3
Curriculum and Pedagogy
6C21520 · 25 Credits
Project 40% · Skills Demonstration 60%
4
Supervision and Administration Skills in Early Learning and Care
6C21522 · 20 Credits
Learner Record 100%
5
Advanced Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care
6C21517 · 25 Credits
Collection of Work 50% · Skills Demonstration 50%
6
Inclusive Early Learning and Care
6C21521 · 10 Credits
Project 60% · Presentation 40%
Total credits on completion of all six modules 120 Credits — QQI Major Award

What you get

📚6 QQI-accredited modules · 120 credits
👩‍🏫Weekly live classes with expert ELC trainers
🤝Dedicated learner support team
💻Full access to our Learning Management System (LMS)
📝Printed learner pack with assessment guidance
🔄Draft feedback before final submissions
🏫Supervisory & leadership roles in early years settings
🎓Progression to Early Years programmes at third level

Pricing

Two flexible options to get started. Spaces are limited — enrol now to secure your place.

Most popular
Pay upfront
€1,200
Full Level 6 Major Award — 6 QQI modules, all support included. Best value option.
  • 6 QQI-accredited modules (120 credits)
  • Weekly live classes with expert trainers
  • Full LMS access & learner pack
  • Dedicated tutor support & draft feedback
  • QQI Major Award on completion
Enrol Now
Pay by instalment
€105
per month — spread the cost with no upfront lump sum.
Monthly payment€105.00
Payment plan starts from€105.00
Total programme fee€1,260
  • Everything included as above
  • Flexible monthly payments
  • Same qualification on completion
Enrol Now — Pay Monthly
🧪
Not ready to commit?

Try the ELC Level 6 Starter Pack first

Complete just the first two core QQI modules of the Level 6 Major Award before committing to the full programme. Pay €399 upfront or €51 fortnightly — and upgrade seamlessly when you're ready.

Module 3: Curriculum and Pedagogy · 25 credits
Module 2: Sociology & Social Policy in ELC · 15 credits
⚠️ Please note: You must complete all six modules to receive the Major Award. The Starter Pack earns you two individual QQI module awards — these count toward the full Major Award if you upgrade.
View Starter Pack →

Is this course for you? — Entry criteria

Required qualification

Applicants must hold a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care or Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care (or equivalent). Learners must be resident in Ireland.

Please provide a copy of your current CV or Level 5 Certificate with your application.

Mature applicants

Mature applicants with relevant life and work experience are welcomed. Our course advisors are available to discuss course details, career opportunities and assess your suitability for the programme.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in the context of appropriate work and life experience will also be considered, supported with a CV and documentation.

Tutor support and assessment

Clear guidance, draft feedback, and plenty of support to help you achieve your best.

ModuleCreditsAssessment method
The Developing Child (6C21519)25Project 60% · Examination 40%
Sociology & Social Policy in ELC (6C21518)15Assignment 20% · Case Study 20% · Project 60%
Curriculum and Pedagogy (6C21520)25Project 40% · Skills Demonstration 60%
Supervision & Administration Skills (6C21522)20Learner Record 100%
Advanced Professional Practice Placements (6C21517)25Collection of Work 50% · Skills Demo 50%
Inclusive Early Learning and Care (6C21521)10Project 60% · Presentation 40%
Pass
50–64%
Merit
65–79%
Distinction
80–100%

What are my progression routes?

The QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (6M22411) is among the qualifications that generally enable links to Early Years programmes at third level in Ireland. To maximise your progression opportunities, applicants should aim to achieve distinction grades in all six modules.

This qualification also directly prepares you for supervisory, room leader, deputy manager, and manager roles in creches, preschools, Montessori, and other early learning settings.

Supervisory & room leader roles
Deputy manager positions
Manager roles in ELC settings
Early Years degree programmes
Further QQI Level 7 / 8 study

Learner support

We go further than most. Here's what you can count on throughout your studies.

📦
Learner Pack
You receive a printed learner pack from your trainer at the first session — assessment instructions, comprehensive material, and induction information all included.
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Trainer Feedback on Drafts
Submit a draft and receive constructive feedback before your final submission — so you always know you're on track before it counts. Responses within 72 hours.
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LMS — 24/7 Access
All course materials, presentations, audio content and submission tools available around the clock through our easy-to-use Learning Management System.
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Technical Support
Phone and email support available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. Call 044 9349400 or email hello@forustraining.ie.
♿
Reasonable Accommodations
Learners with verified disabilities or specific learning difficulties may receive reasonable accommodation to enable them to successfully complete the programme.
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Compassionate Consideration
If unforeseen circumstances affect your ability to complete assessments — illness, bereavement, pregnancy, relocation — alternative pathways are available.
★★★★★
"I have done many online courses to achieve my Level 6 in childcare. Forus Training gives the perfect balance of online tutorials and tutor input. The site is easy to use and the tutors are very helpful."
Gráinne Harney — QQI Level 6 ELC, Forus Training
4.9 / 5 average rating
1,700+ verified reviews
Read all reviews →

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before you enrol.

Do I need a Level 5 qualification to enrol? +
Yes. Entry to the Level 6 programme requires a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care or Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care (or equivalent). Mature applicants with relevant experience may also be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
How is the course delivered? +
The course is delivered live and online through weekly sessions with expert ELC trainers. You also have full access to our Learning Management System (LMS) 24/7, where all course materials, resources and submission tools are available. This blended approach is recommended by our Programme Leader as it provides the best level of support and helps you maintain the right pace.
What qualification will I receive? +
On successful completion of all six modules you will receive the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (6M22411). This is a formal QQI award listed on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) — nationally and internationally recognised, and valid for further education and employment in Ireland and abroad.
Can I pay in instalments? +
Yes. The full Level 6 Major Award is €1,200 upfront, or you can pay from €105 per month via our instalment plan (total €1,260). The Starter Pack (first two modules) is €399 upfront or €51 fortnightly.
What is the Starter Pack? +
The Level 6 Starter Pack lets you complete the first two modules of the Major Award before committing to the full programme. The two modules you complete count directly toward the full 6-module award — so if you decide to upgrade, you simply continue from where you left off. Note: completing only the Starter Pack does not qualify you for the Major Award certificate.
When does the next intake start? +
Enrol now to secure your place on the next available intake. Spaces are limited. Visit the upcoming courses page for the full schedule of ELC start dates across all delivery options.
Where does the Level 6 certificate allow me to work? +
The QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate qualifies you for supervisory, room leader, deputy manager, and manager roles in creches, preschools, Montessori, after-school care, and other early learning settings across Ireland. It is also a recognised pathway to Early Years degree programmes at third level.
Not sure if this is the right course for you?

Get a free professional consultation — ask about entry requirements, the course content, career outcomes, or anything else. Our team is here to help.

Free Consultation →

Forus Training has been providing a unique blend of high-quality specialised courses since 2000. It is our mission to engage with learners on their continued professional and educational development — taking a holistic, learner-centred approach that reflects the most up-to-date developments and helps learners realise their goals.

2,700+
Events delivered
20,000+
Learners trained
4.9 ★
Google review rating
25+
Years of excellence