The State Examinations Commission is to carry out an analysis of Leaving Certificate exam papers to see if questions and topics have become too predictable.
The study is one of several recommendations made in a report published today by the Department of Education and Skills.
The report, which was compiled by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and Higher Education Authority, looks at the current points and Leaving Cert systems and examines the need for change.
It cites reports of candidates memorising pre-packaged answers and essays in order to gain maximum marks and points and was critical of media commentary, which it says tends to equate predictability in the exam with quality.
The report recommends an analysis of this issue and includes proposals for change if necessary.
Among other proposals is a recommendation that colleges reduce the number of first year courses by offering one general entry Engineering or Law programme, for instance, instead of several.
The report says such a step would help reduce competition for points.
This report says there is agreement that assessment systems affect learning and there is consensus on the need for reform.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the Minister for Education agreed with the thrust of the report, but added that consultations with universities were taking place.
Ruairi Quinn said one of his first meetings last March was with the seven heads of the universities.
He said he told them he had been critical of the Leaving Cert examination and if it was going to be changed, they would have to be part of the solution.
Mr Quinn said this was the first time there had been a joint effort between second level and third level and was hopeful there will be changes implemented in time for the exams in two or three years.
The Teachers' Union of Ireland welcomed elements of the report, saying a broad based introductory year at third level would make it easier for students to decide on subject specialisation in second year and beyond.
In a statement, the TUI said such a move would "potentially clear the deck of much of the clutter and confusion in relation to the CAO process for Leaving Cert students".
