FETAC was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 2001 by the Minister for Education and Science under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999. FETAC has responsibility for making awards previously made by BIM, Fáilte Ireland (CERT), FÁS, NCVA and Teagasc and has made over 430,000 awards to date. They accredit 6 levels of qualification.

County Dublin V.E.C. provides a large number of Further Education courses at FETAC Level 5/6 for students with Leaving Certificate standard of education (or equivalent qualification). Most courses are of either 1 or 2 years duration. Additional certification for specific courses has been obtained from many national and international examining and professional bodies. It is important for students enrolling on a particular Further Education course to check with individual college authorities as to whether that course leads to a FETAC award and if it meets with the learner’s progression requirements.

These courses are of tremendous educational benefit to the individual and additionally can be used as a stepping stone into mainstream 3rd level education. Course co-ordinators can usually advise as to links individual courses may have with 3rd level institutions both in the Republic of Ireland and the U.K.