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Exam Review

Key Facts: LCPE Exam

20% / 30% / 50%

Physical Activity Project, Performance Assessment and written exam weightings (2018 specification)

Curriculum Online — LCPE Assessment

2 strands

Towards optimum performance and Contemporary issues in physical activity

NCCA LCPE Curriculum Specification

3 activities

Students study three physical activities from three different physical activity areas

NCCA LCPE Curriculum Specification

6 areas

Adventure, Aquatics, Athletics, Artistic and aesthetic, Games, Personal exercise and fitness

NCCA LCPE Curriculum Specification

8–10 weeks

Typical span of the Physical Activity Project with four digital sections

Curriculum Online — LCPE Assessment

Common level

Performance Assessment is assessed at a common level by the SEC

Curriculum Online — LCPE Assessment

June 2027

2018 LCPE specification is examined for the last cohorts through June 2027

Curriculum Online — Physical Education Specification

Sept 2026

Redeveloped LCPE specification introduced for fifth-year students from September 2026

Curriculum Online — Physical Education Specification

Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE) is an Irish senior-cycle optional subject examined by the SEC at Higher and Ordinary Level (Performance Assessment common). Under the 2018 specification examined to June 2027, marks are Physical Activity Project 20%, Performance Assessment 30% and written examination 50%. Content is organised in two strands: Towards optimum performance and Contemporary issues in physical activity, applied through three physical activities from different activity areas. A redeveloped specification starts for fifth years in September 2026 (project 50% + written 50%). This 100-question MCQ bank drills theory and assessment-process knowledge only — not a performance substitute.

Sample LCPE Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the LCPE exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In LCPE, what best distinguishes skill from ability?
A.Skill is learned and developed through practice; ability is more inherent potential that underpins performance
B.Skill is only genetic; ability is always learned in PE class
C.Ability is the same as technique; skill is only used in team games
D.Skill and ability are official synonyms in the LCPE specification
Explanation: The specification expects learners to discuss the difference between skill and ability: skill is acquired and refined through practice, while ability refers to relatively stable capacities that influence how well skills can be learned and performed.
2Which description best matches a skilled performance in physical activity?
A.Any high-intensity effort that causes fatigue, regardless of control
B.A fluent, controlled sequence of movements with appropriate selection of skills and techniques for the situation
C.Only elite-level Olympic performance with world records
D.Performance based solely on strength without decision-making
Explanation: LCPE describes a skilled performance as one in which movements are fluent and controlled, the right options are selected, and the skills and techniques used reflect the performer’s ability and experience.
3Technique in physical activity is best defined as:
A.The innate talent a performer is born with
B.Only the rules written by the national governing body
C.The way in which skills are executed
D.The number of hours spent in competition each season
Explanation: In the LCPE specification, technique is the way in which skills are executed. Learners analyse and improve both the skill repertoire and the quality of technique.
4Which pair correctly matches a body plane with a typical movement description?
A.Transverse plane — only side-to-side lateral raises with no rotation
B.Frontal plane — only spinning around a vertical axis like a pirouette
C.Sagittal plane — only pure rotation of the trunk without flexion
D.Sagittal plane — forward and backward movements such as running or a forward roll
Explanation: The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right and is associated with forward/backward movements (flexion/extension), such as running or a forward roll. Frontal plane movements are side-to-side; transverse plane movements involve rotation.
5Most human limb movements in sport act as which class of lever?
A.Third-class levers, where the effort is between the fulcrum and the load
B.First-class levers only, like a pure see-saw with no exceptions
C.Second-class levers only, always favouring force over speed
D.Zero-class levers, a category unique to aquatic sports
Explanation: In sports biomechanics, many limb actions (for example biceps curling a forearm) operate as third-class levers: the effort is applied between the fulcrum (joint) and the load, favouring speed and range of movement over mechanical advantage.
6Newton’s third law is most clearly illustrated when a sprinter:
A.Maintains constant velocity with zero net force for the entire race without any force application
B.Pushes backward and downward on the blocks and is accelerated forward and upward by the equal and opposite reaction
C.Doubles mass while keeping force constant and therefore doubles acceleration
D.Relies only on gravity as the sole propulsive force along the track
Explanation: Newton’s third law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The sprinter’s push on the blocks produces a reaction force that propels the body forward. First law concerns inertia; second law links force, mass and acceleration (F = ma).
7Which sequence correctly names the typical stages of learning a new motor skill?
A.Autonomous → cognitive → associative
B.Associative → retirement → cognitive
C.Cognitive → associative → autonomous
D.Elite → intermediate → beginner only
Explanation: A standard skill-acquisition model used in PE describes three stages: cognitive (understanding the task, many errors), associative (refining technique, fewer errors) and autonomous (skill largely automatic, attention free for tactics).
8A coach breaks a tennis serve into ball toss, trophy position, swing and follow-through for a beginner. This practice method is best described as:
A.Whole practice only with no segmentation
B.Massed practice without rest
C.Random open-skill competition only
D.Part practice
Explanation: Part practice divides a complex skill into components for learning, then recombines them. Whole practice practises the skill in its entirety; massed practice concerns work-to-rest density; random practice concerns order of skill variety.
9Distributed practice is generally preferable to massed practice for many school-based skill sessions because it:
A.Builds in rest intervals that can reduce fatigue and support learning and retention
B.Eliminates all need for feedback from coach or peers
C.Guarantees autonomous-stage performance after one session
D.Only applies to closed skills performed underwater
Explanation: Distributed practice spaces practice with rest intervals; massed practice is continuous with little rest. Distributed schedules often reduce fatigue and can support better learning and retention in educational settings, though optimal design still depends on the skill and learner.
10Variable (varied) practice is most appropriate when the goal is to:
A.Practise only one identical closed-skill attempt under identical conditions forever
B.Prepare performers for open skills where conditions change (for example game situations)
C.Remove all decision-making from invasion games
D.Avoid any transfer of learning to competition
Explanation: Varied practice changes parameters or contexts of the skill, supporting schema development and transfer to open, unpredictable environments. Fixed practice repeats the same conditions and may suit highly consistent closed skills.

About the LCPE Exam

Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE) is an optional senior-cycle subject in Ireland examined by the State Examinations Commission. The 2018 specification (examined to June 2027) develops informed, skilled, self-directed and reflective performers through two strands: Strand 1 Towards optimum performance (skill and technique; physical and psychological demands; structures, strategies, roles and conventions; planning for optimum performance) and Strand 2 Contemporary issues in physical activity (promoting physical activity; ethics and fair play; plus two prescribed topics from inclusion, technology/media, gender, and business/enterprise). Learners study three physical activities drawn from three different physical activity areas and are assessed by a Physical Activity Project (20%), Performance Assessment (30%, common level) and written examination (50%). A redeveloped specification is introduced for fifth-year students from September 2026. This free bank is an English-language multiple-choice study aid for LCPE theory and process knowledge; it does not replace the practical project, performance assessment or official written paper.

Exam sponsor: State Examinations Commission (SEC), Ireland. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Three components (2018 specification): (1) Physical Activity Project — 20% (about 100 marks), digital coursework over 8–10 weeks in a performer or coach/choreographer role with four sections (performance analysis; four performance goals; ongoing training/practice and reflection; concluding analysis); (2) Performance Assessment — 30% (about 150 marks), common level, video evidence of skills/techniques in one selected activity different from the project activity; (3) Written examination — 50% (about 250 marks, typically 2 hours 30 minutes) at Higher or Ordinary Level covering Strand 1 Towards optimum performance and Strand 2 Contemporary issues (Topics 5–6 plus two prescribed topics from Topics 7–10). A redeveloped specification is introduced for fifth years from September 2026 with a Physical Education Project (50%) and written examination (50%).

Time Limit

Written examination: typically 2 hours 30 minutes. Physical Activity Project: about eight to ten weeks during the course. Performance Assessment: completed during the course and submitted digitally.

Passing Score

No pass/fail mark for the subject. LCPE is graded H1–H8 (Higher) and O1–O8 (Ordinary); grades at or above H6/O6 award CAO points, and individual third-level courses may require specific minimum grades.

Exam / Certification Fees

There is no separate fee for Physical Education alone; a single Leaving Certificate entry fee covers all subjects, with an exemption for medical-card holders. Confirm the current amount with your school and the State Examinations Commission.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

45%

Strand 1: Towards optimum performance

Topic 1 Learning and improving skill and technique (skilled performance, biomechanics, stages of learning, practice design); Topic 2 Physical and psychological demands (health- and performance-related fitness, FITT and training principles, periodisation, psychological factors, diet, hydration and energy systems); Topic 3 Structures, strategies, roles and conventions (tactics/composition, safe practice, rules, coach/choreographer and official roles); Topic 4 Planning for optimum performance (performance analysis tools, goal setting, artistic/aesthetic criteria, training plans).

35%

Strand 2: Contemporary issues in physical activity

Topic 5 Promoting physical activity (benefits, concepts of activity, supports/barriers, national governing bodies, pathways to excellence); Topic 6 Ethics and fair play (ethical principles, unfair practice, doping and supplements); plus prescribed electives from Topic 7 Inclusion, Topic 8 Technology, media and sport, Topic 9 Gender and physical activity, and Topic 10 Business and enterprise in physical activity and sport.

20%

Assessment components and physical activity areas

Physical Activity Project (four sections, performer or coach/choreographer, 8–10 weeks); Performance Assessment criteria and digital capture; written exam case-study demands; and the six physical activity areas (Adventure, Aquatics, Athletics, Artistic and aesthetic, Games, Personal exercise and fitness) with related safe-practice knowledge.

Preparing for the LCPE Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No pass/fail mark for the subject. LCPE is graded H1–H8 (Higher) and O1–O8 (Ordinary); grades at or above H6/O6 award CAO points, and individual third-level courses may require specific minimum grades.
  • Assessment: Three components (2018 specification): (1) Physical Activity Project — 20% (about 100 marks), digital coursework over 8–10 weeks in a performer or coach/choreographer role with four sections (performance analysis; four performance goals; ongoing training/practice and reflection; concluding analysis); (2) Performance Assessment — 30% (about 150 marks), common level, video evidence of skills/techniques in one selected activity different from the project activity; (3) Written examination — 50% (about 250 marks, typically 2 hours 30 minutes) at Higher or Ordinary Level covering Strand 1 Towards optimum performance and Strand 2 Contemporary issues (Topics 5–6 plus two prescribed topics from Topics 7–10). A redeveloped specification is introduced for fifth years from September 2026 with a Physical Education Project (50%) and written examination (50%).
  • Time limit: Written examination: typically 2 hours 30 minutes. Physical Activity Project: about eight to ten weeks during the course. Performance Assessment: completed during the course and submitted digitally.
  • Exam / certification fees: There is no separate fee for Physical Education alone; a single Leaving Certificate entry fee covers all subjects, with an exemption for medical-card holders. Confirm the current amount with your school and the State Examinations Commission. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

LCPE: Suggested Study Strategy

1Link every theory point to one of your three selected physical activities — the written paper and project both reward application, not isolated definitions.
2Master the health-related and performance-related fitness components, then practise designing FITT-based sessions and simple periodised plans for your sport.
3For the Physical Activity Project, keep clear digital evidence: baseline analysis, four SMART performance goals, ongoing reflection, and a concluding comparison using the same analysis tools.
4Know the difference between skill and ability, the stages of learning, and practice types (whole/part, massed/distributed, fixed/varied) for skill-acquisition questions.
5Revise both Strand 2 compulsory topics (promoting physical activity; ethics and fair play) and your cohort’s two prescribed topics from Topics 7–10.
6Use past SEC papers and marking schemes from examinations.ie for written style and mark allocation, then use concept questions like these to check theory recall between practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Leaving Certificate Physical Education assessed?

Under the 2018 specification (examined to June 2027), LCPE has three components: Physical Activity Project 20%, Performance Assessment 30% (common level), and written examination 50% (Higher or Ordinary). The project and performance assessment must be in two different activities.

What is the Physical Activity Project?

A digital coursework project over about eight to ten weeks in either a performer or coach/choreographer role. It has four sections: performance analysis; identification of four performance goals; evidence of ongoing training/practice and reflection; and concluding analysis.

What topics are covered in LCPE?

Two strands: Strand 1 Towards optimum performance (skill/technique, physical and psychological demands, structures/strategies/roles, planning) and Strand 2 Contemporary issues (promoting physical activity, ethics and fair play, plus two prescribed topics from inclusion, technology/media, gender, and business/enterprise).

Is the LCPE exam multiple choice?

No. The official SEC written paper uses short answers, a case study and longer applied questions, and certification also includes the Physical Activity Project and Performance Assessment. This free bank uses English single-best-answer multiple-choice questions on the same theory to check recall and understanding; it is not a performance substitute or an official-format simulation.

Is the LCPE specification changing?

Yes. The 2018 specification is examined to June 2027. A redeveloped Leaving Certificate Physical Education specification is introduced for fifth-year students from September 2026, with assessment moving toward a Physical Education Project (50%) and written examination (50%). Confirm your cohort with your school.

Are these official SEC questions?

No. These are original OpenExamPrep questions written to match LCPE specification theory and process knowledge. Official past papers, marking schemes and assessment guidelines are available from Curriculum Online and the State Examinations Commission archive.