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About this exam

The SOLAS Carpentry apprenticeship is a craft apprenticeship in Ireland, delivered through the national apprenticeship system coordinated by SOLAS and supported by the apprenticeship.ie information service. It is intended for people who want to train as carpenters and joiners through a structured mix of on-the-job work with an employer and off-the-job training in a training centre or educational setting. Because it is a craft apprenticeship, apprentices follow the pattern common to craft trades: alternating phases of workplace experience and off-the-job training, with assessments along the way. The apprenticeship.ie source confirms that craft apprentices have specific off-the-job training payments and allowances, and that SOLAS has launched a digital tool showing estimated duration of craft apprenticeships, so candidates should check the current duration for carpentry there rather than relying on older figures. The source does not publish a syllabus, question count, marking scheme, pass mark, fee, or retake policy for carpentry assessments. Preparation should therefore combine practical workshop and site skills - measuring, marking out, hand and power tool use, timber technology, first and second fixing, and safe working - with the theory covered during off-the-job phases. Prospective apprentices can contact the Freephone apprenticeship helpline on 1800 794 487, open 11am-5pm Monday-Friday, for advice on options, and should review the updated Apprenticeship Code of Practice for Employers and Apprentices, which sets out expectations on both sides. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with SOLAS.

What you'll study

Common questions

About SOLAS Carpentry preparation

Is this page an official SOLAS or apprenticeship.ie resource?

No. This is an independent study page and is not affiliated with SOLAS, apprenticeship.ie, or any training provider. It summarises publicly available information and offers general preparation guidance. Always confirm apprenticeship requirements, phases, and assessments through official channels before you apply or plan training.

Who can I contact for advice on carpentry apprenticeship options?

The apprenticeship.ie site states that a Freephone Helpline is available for advice and support on apprenticeship options. The number is 1800 794 487, and the line is open 11am-5pm Monday-Friday. Use it to ask about available apprenticeship options, employer requirements, and where to find current information on craft apprenticeships.

How long does the carpentry apprenticeship take?

The source does not state a duration for carpentry or any other craft apprenticeship. It only notes that SOLAS has launched a new digital tool allowing users to view the estimated duration of craft apprenticeships. Check that tool for the current estimate rather than relying on figures you have heard elsewhere, since durations can be revised.

What does the SOLAS Carpentry assessment cover?

The source does not publish a syllabus, module list, or assessment content for carpentry. In practice, craft carpentry training covers practical bench and site work, tool use, timber and materials knowledge, and safe working, alongside the theory taught during off-the-job phases. Ask your training centre for the current module and assessment outline.

What format is the assessment and how many questions are there?

The source provides no information on assessment format, question count, or marking. Craft apprenticeship assessment typically combines practical tasks with written or theory elements, but you should not assume any specific structure. Your training provider or employer will give you the definitive assessment arrangements for each phase.

What is the pass mark and what happens if I fail?

Neither the passing score nor any retake policy is stated in the source, so no figure can be given here. If you are concerned about a result, speak to your training centre or employer as early as possible. They can explain the applicable assessment regulations and what options exist for repeating a phase or assessment.

Do I get paid during off-the-job training?

The source confirms there are off-the-job training payments and allowances, and it specifies that these apply for craft apprentices only. It does not give amounts or conditions. Because carpentry is a craft apprenticeship, ask your employer or training centre for the current rates and how and when they are paid.

Is there a fee to do the apprenticeship?

The source does not state any apprenticeship fee, so no figure is offered here. Costs vary by route, phase, and provider, and some elements may be covered. Ask the Freephone Helpline on 1800 794 487, or your prospective employer, for the current position before you commit.

What is the Apprenticeship Code of Practice and does it affect me?

The source announces an updated Apprenticeship Code of Practice for Employers and Apprentices, with an information webinar on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 12.00pm to 1.00pm. It does not state an effective date for the Code. The Code sets expectations for both employers and apprentices, so review it before starting.

How should I prepare for carpentry training and assessment?

Build practical fluency first: accurate measuring and marking out, safe hand and power tool use, and tidy, precise joint work. Then reinforce the theory behind timber, materials, and construction detail. Practise under realistic time pressure, keep a record of mistakes, and revisit weak areas in order rather than revising only what you enjoy.