Special Needs Assistant Combined (2 Modules) - QQI Level 5 & 6

Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have a good standard of English.

Learners should also be in a position to complete the required 40 hours of work experience during the course. If you are not already working in a suitable setting, you will need to arrange your own placement.

If you plan to use previously completed QQI modules towards a Major Award, these modules must meet QQI certification requirements. Copies of relevant certificates must be provided to City College Dublin.

Currently, the Department of Education and Science stipulates that all those gaining full-time employment in schools must have at least 3 passes at Junior Certificate or equivalent.

This online SNA course covers the following two QQI modules:

SNA Level 5 Programme Syllabus – 5N1786

• History of Special Needs in Ireland
• The role of the Special Needs Assistant
• Medical Conditions
• Communication
• Confidentiality
• Working as part of a Multidisciplinary Team
• Professionalism & Accountability
• Legislation
• Health & Safety

SNA Level 6 Programme Syllabus – 6N1957

• The Role of the SNA
• Assessment Procedures
• Observation, Recording, Report Writing & Data Protection
• Disability Awareness
• The Primary & Secondary School Curriculum
• Equal Opportunities
• Legislation
• Literacy Skills
• Professionalism

*Course content is subject to review after each intake and may be updated in line with industry standards.

Continuous Assessment

On successful completion of this online SNA course, learners will receive two QQI component certificates:

QQI Level 5 Component Certificate in Special Needs Assisting (5N1786)
QQI Level 6 Component Certificate in Special Needs Assisting (6N1957)

Together, these qualifications provide recognised Special Needs Assisting training for learners seeking to begin or progress in SNA and education support roles.

Not sure which qualification or learning format is right for you? Explore our full range of SNA courses to compare Level 5, Level 6, combined and online study options.

This course is designed for learners who want to complete both Level 5 and Level 6 Special Needs Assisting through a flexible online programme. As an on-demand course, you can start anytime and work through the learning at a pace that suits your schedule.

The two-module pathway allows you to complete both Special Needs Assisting qualifications without enrolling on separate courses, making it particularly suitable for learners balancing study with work or family commitments.

You will be required to complete 40 hours of work experience. This will give you hands-on practical experience and enhance your overall learning experience. You will be required to secure your own work placement.

Garda Vetting is a legal requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 for the vetting of persons carrying out work with children or vulnerable persons.

Students must complete the Garda Vetting process before commencing work placement.

Students who have spent more than 6 months living outside of Ireland will need to provide a copy of their Police Clearance Certification for all international addresses that they have lived at, before starting placement.

This is a flexible course which would suit numerous people including:

• Learners seeking a flexible online SNA course
• Individuals returning to education
• Those working or parenting alongside study
• Learners who want to complete both Level 5 and Level 6 SNA qualifications