The Minister for Education is assuring Leaving and Junior Cert students that 'they've done the work'.
English paper one and Home Economics are first up on the Leaving cert, while Junior Certs will today sit English and Religious Education.
It's the first time this year's sixth years are facing a formal State exam, as their Junior Cert was cancelled during the Covid-19 pandemic.
135-thousand students are sitting State exams this year.
The State Examinations Commission says this year's exams involve the delivery of 4 million examination papers to the exam centre superintendents who are responsible for supervising the written exams.
Minister Norma Foley is encouraging students to have confidence in themselves, and although the exams are important, they're not the 'be-all and end-all'.
"I would say to students that at this point they have done the work and I know they have done the work.
"It's a great, great achievement to have got to this point in your education.
"Do the best that you can and give it your all. I always say to my own students, all will be well. Everything does work out in the end".
Minister Foley says support is available to anyone who's worried about their exams.
"If there comes a point where you are under particular stress or there's a particular difficulty for you, reach out.
Everybody in the school community is invested in every student doing the best that they can do.
So seek support from family and from friends, and support one another as you go through the system.
The very best of luck to everyone beginning the State Examinations today. pic.twitter.com/CY37Buaywb
— Norma Foley T.D (@NormaFoleyTD1) June 7, 2023
Minister Foley also acknowledged the impact that State exams have on an entire household.
"I always feel when one student in a household is taking an exam, the whole house is taking the exam. So I want to acknowledge the support that comes also from families, parents and guardians and siblings as well.
