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Is the Professional Practice Pathway right for you?
This pathway is ideal if you are:
You don’t need to go back to entry-level learning — this pathway builds on what you already know.
What skills will you develop?
Learners on this pathway typically develop:
Learning is practical, applied, and aligned with real workplace responsibilities.
How the Professional Practice Pathway works
Step 1: Start at the Right Level:
Step 2: Achieve Professional QQI Certification:
Step 3: Strengthen Your Professional Position:
We help you choose the level that suits your experience — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Support designed for working adults
At Lir, Professional Practice learners benefit from:
Support is there when you need it — without unnecessary hand-holding.
Where can this pathway support?
The Professional Practice Pathway can support:
Many learners choose this pathway to formalise experience and strengthen their professional standing.
Yes — this pathway is designed for learners who already have some workplace experience or familiarity with office, finance, payroll, HR, or supervisory tasks.
Many learners are:
🟪 Working in admin, finance, payroll, or HR roles
🟪 Taking on more responsibility at work
🟪 Changing career direction
🟪 Looking to formalise experience with a recognised qualification
If you’re unsure whether your experience is sufficient, we can help you decide the most appropriate starting point.
The duration depends on:
🟪 The Level 6 course you choose
🟪 Your study pace
🟪 Whether you are studying alongside work or other commitments
Most learners complete their studies over several months, with flexibility built in to suit working adults. The focus is on competence and understanding, not rushing through content.
Most learners on this pathway start directly at QQI Level 6.
Level 5 is only recommended if:
🟪 You are changing into a new specialist area
🟪 You need a refresher before moving to Level 6
🟪 You want to rebuild confidence before progressing
We guide you to the level that best matches your experience — there is no automatic requirement to complete Level 5 first.
The Professional Practice Pathway supports learners who are:
🟪 Working in or moving towards Bookkeeping or Payroll roles
🟪 Supporting HR or people management functions
🟪 Moving into supervisory or management responsibilities
🟪 Seeking promotion or increased responsibility
It is designed to strengthen professional credibility and confidence in higher-responsibility roles.
Yes — tutor support is provided throughout your course.
Support includes:
🟪 Guidance on assessment requirements
🟪 Feedback on assignments and portfolios
🟪 Help if you’re balancing study with work commitments
You are not expected to manage alone — support is part of the learning experience.
Assessment is based on the particular module you are completing. The assessment method(s) are on the course webpage - for example a combination of 2 or 3 of the following:
🟪 Portfolio of Work
🟪 Skills Demonstrations
🟪 Learner Record
🟪 Project
🟪 Case Studies
🟪 Exam
As you are completing your coursework in the Lir eLearning Hub, you are also completing your assessment in an easy, no pressure manner.
Assessments are designed to support learning, not to catch you out.
Yes — the Professional Practice Pathway is designed with adult learners in mind.
Learning is:
🟪 Flexible and structured
🟪 Suitable for part-time study
🟪 Designed to fit around work, family, or personal commitments
🟪 You can plan your study time in a way that works for your life.
Yes — QQI qualifications are nationally recognised in Ireland.
They are widely used across:
🟪 Office and administrative roles
🟪 Public and private sector organisations
🟪 Further education and progression routes
They demonstrate that you have achieved recognised standards and practical skills.
Yes — this pathway can support further progression, depending on your goals.
Learners may progress to:
🟪 Additional Level 6 professional qualifications
🟪 Greater responsibility or leadership roles
🟪 Specialist development within their current field
Progression is guided by your experience, role, and career objectives.
Both pathways lead to recognised QQI qualifications, but they are designed for learners at different career stages.
Office Career Pathway
This pathway is best if you are:
🟪 Starting out or returning to work
🟪 Changing career into office or admin roles
🟪 Building confidence and core office skills
🟪 New to formal study or returning after a break
It focuses mainly on QQI Level 5, providing a supportive foundation and clear options to progress when you’re ready.
Professional Practice Pathway
This pathway is best if you are:
🟪 Already working in an office, finance, payroll, HR, or supervisory role
🟪 Taking on more responsibility at work
🟪 Looking to formalise experience with recognised qualifications
🟪 Ready to progress without starting from the beginning
It focuses primarily on QQI Level 6, supporting professional credibility, advancement, and progression.
That’s very common — and we can help
If you’re unsure:
If you choose to explore this Pathway further: