Mature Code Nurses 2013
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
You must have applied for a place on the course through the CAO before the 1st February. To sit the written assessment you must apply online through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) website www.publicjobs.ie.
To apply through www.publicjobs.ie you should first register i.e. create a profile if you have not done so already. Please do not confuse registering (creating a profile) with submitting an application form. Once you have created a profile you must then access the application form, complete and submit it.You must submit the application form between 15th February and 5th March 2013.
Once you have submitted your application form on www.publicjobs.ie it is suggested that you return to your account and ensure that it has been successfully submitted via ‘My Applications’. Only fully submitted applications will be accepted.
Can I apply through www.publicjobs.ie before the 15th February?
No, the online application form will not be available on www.publicjobs.ie until this date.
Why do I have to apply to both the CAO and www.publicjobs.ie?
The way in which applicants are required to apply for the Mature Code Nursing 2013 campaign differs because the CAO must receive an application for access onto all courses they facilitate. The most effective way to ensure that PAS have full and accurate details on all candidates who are required to undertake a written assessment is to have a direct application through www.publicjobs.ie
I have missed the closing date for the CAO applications - can I apply now?
The closing date for receipt of CAO applications is 1st February 2013; you must contact the CAO directly regarding your application. PAS can only accept applications to take the written assessment if you have initially applied through the CAO.
I haven’t applied to the CAO – Can I still apply through www.publicjobs.ie?
Unfortunately not. This course is allocated through the CAO therefore all applicants must apply to them before applying, through PAS, to sit the written assessment.
I have missed the closing date for submitting an application through www.publicjobs.ie - can I apply now?
Unfortunately the closing date for accepting applications is the 5th March 2013. No further applications can be accepted after this date.
I submitted my application for the Mature Code Nurses to the CAO but I did not realise I had to apply through www.publicjobs.ie, what can I do?
The necessary steps to make a valid application are available on page 33 of the Nursing Career and Midwifery booklet. This booklet has been available on the Nursing Careers Centre website since November 2012. Candidates were also informed that they should access this booklet in the CAO handbook.
Can anyone apply?
No, these particular courses are for Mature Applicants for Nursing/Midwifery only. i.e. 23 years old on or before 1st January 2013 (born on or before 1st January 1990).
For each nursing/midwifery course, a quota of places is allocated specifically for applicants on grounds of mature years
I don’t have a profile on www.publicjobs.ie – What do I do?
Firstly access www.publicjobs.ie and click on the link in the top right hand corner ‘New User? Register Now’. Complete the short personal profile form. You must have a valid email address to register on www.publicjobs.ie. You must use an email address that you have access to as you will be notified via email when you have messages on your www.publicjobs.ie message board. You will receive notices about the test, results etc., to your message board so when you register and apply you should spend some time familiarising yourself with your profile and message board pages. Please note that PPSN is not mandatory when registering.
I applied last year, do I use the same candidate I.D.?
No – When you register on www.publicjobs.ie you will be allocated a candidate ID – you should use this candidate ID for the 2013 Nurses written assessment. Please be aware that if you already have a www.publicjobs.ie account set up you can log on to this account and apply.
I applied last year but didn’t receive an offer, can I apply again?
Yes – Once you meet the requirements for the course you can apply again but you should be mindful of the new format for applying.
I tried to set up a profile but it’s telling me my email address and/or PPSN is already in use, what do I do?
This means that you already have a profile on www.publicjobs.ie. If you cannot remember your details please email and include your PPSN and Date of Birth for verification purposes.
I want to set up a job alert but don’t know what category to choose, what should I do?
PAS will not be issuing job alerts for this campaign so there is no need to set one up.
I’ve changed my email address, what do I do?
If you remember your username and password you should access your www.publicjobs.ie account and update your email address – remember to save the changes before you exit. If you cannot remember your details please email and include your PPSN and Date of Birth for verification purposes.
I have a CAO number and a Candidate ID, which one should I be using?
Your CAO number is an 8 digit number beginning with 13 and you should use this number in all communication with the CAO.
Your www.publicjobs.ie Candidate ID is a 9 digit number and should be used in all your communication with PAS, you will need this number at the written assessment.
Where can I find the Test Familiarisation Booklet?
The material will be available from 12th April 2013 and can be found on www.publicjobs.ie.
When is the written assessment?
The written assessment will take place in Cork, Dublin and Galway on Saturday 27th April 2013. Details of which written assessment session you have been allocated to will issue to your www.publicjobs.ie message board by 18th April 2013.
What format will the written assessments take?
The written assessment will consist of a Skills Experience Questionnaire, a Verbal Test, a Numerical Test and Job Simulation Exercise. For those who undertook the tests previously, it may be worth noting that the content of the tests has changed for 2013. You can access information about the written assessment in the Test Familiarisation material from the 12th April, 2013 on www.publicjobs.ie.
Are there any books/websites I could access to help me prepare for the written assessment?
It is recommended that you go through the Test Familiarisation Material when it is available. You may also find it useful to look at the sample verbal and numerical tests, which are available in the ‘Advice Centre’ on www.publicjobs.ie , in order to practice answering questions under time constraints.
I haven’t received a notice for the written assessment?
The written assessment notice will be issued to your www.publicjobs.ie message board by 18th April 2013. If you have not received it by this date you should contact PAS at (01) 858 7480.
Where is the written assessment taking place?
It is expected that the written assessment will take place in the following venues:
Dublin – The Convention Centre– www.theccd.ie
Cork - The Neptune Basketball Arena - 0214395873
Galway - Leisureland – www.leisureland.ie
This is subject to change.
I cannot attend the exam on the 27th April, can I sit it another time?
Currently this is the only testing day available.
I cannot attend the session I have been scheduled for, what can I do?
There are currently two written assessment sessions taking place on Saturday the 27th April in all 3 venues. While we are not in a position to officially change the time you have been allocated you are welcome to go along to the morning/afternoon session and we will endeavour to facilitate you. It is important to point out that there is a risk that we won’t be able to accommodate you.
Please be aware that the number of sessions and venues may change depending on the number of applications received.
Can I choose which location I want to sit the written assessment?
Yes, when you apply through www.publicjobs.ie you will be given the opportunity to select Cork, Galway or Dublin. You will not however be given the option of a morning or afternoon session as this is allocated automatically.
When will the results of the written assessments issue?
The results will be available through your www.publicjobs.ie message board in June 2013. We will not give results over the phone.
When will I receive an offer?
Offers will be made by the CAO in early July. You should check page 22 of the CAO handbook (available on www.cao.ie) for details on offers. PAS are not involved in the offer process.
Can I apply again next year?
Yes, once you meet the eligibility criteria set out for future campaigns.
Can you recommend any courses I can take to prepare for the written assessment?
We do not endorse any preparation courses. Please see details above on preparing for the written assessment.
How can I contact www.publicJobs.ie?
You can email us at or alternatively you can call us on Tel: (01) 858 7480.