Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career in education in British Columbia.
Teachers in BC work in a dynamic environment where they are able to make a difference
in the lives of students.
The information in this section describes how to obtain a BC College of Teachers
certificate. You will need this certificate to show that you qualify to work in
BC’s education sector – that you have the academic qualifications, teaching experience
and personal characteristics required for working with children.
The Becoming a Teacher section applies to you if you have completed a teacher education
program in either BC or in another province or country. If you have not yet completed
a teacher education program, please see the
Teacher Education page for a list of BC universities that offer approved
programs leading to certification.
Who requires a BC College of Teachers certificate?
If you would like to teach in BC’s kindergarten to grade 12 public education sector,
you must have a certificate of qualification from the BC College of Teachers. This
certificate also enables you to work in all independent schools and First Nations
schools in the province.
- Public schools: All teachers, administrators and superintendents employed in the
province’s kindergarten to grade 12 public school system must have a valid BC College
of Teachers certificate. This includes full-time, part-time and teacher-on-call
positions. If you would like to work in a BC public school, you must apply to us
for a certificate and you must pay an annual membership fee to maintain your certificate.
- Independent schools and First Nations schools: A BC College of Teachers certificate
will allow you to teach in BC’s independent schools and First Nations schools, although
it is not always required. You will need to contact each school directly to find
out its requirements. For information about BC independent schools, please visit
the BC Ministry of Education
website. For more information about First Nations schools, please visit the
First Nations Schools Association.
How do you apply for a BC College of Teachers certificate?
You need to apply to the BC College of Teachers for a certificate by submitting
forms and other documentation to us. We will then evaluate your qualifications based
on the following three areas:
- your academic record, including teacher education training and subject area studies
- your relevant teaching experience
- your fitness, or suitability, for working with children.
We assess each area according to the College's
Standards. If you meet the requirements for all three areas, you will be
eligible for a certificate. If you do not meet the requirements of one or more areas,
we will tell you what you must do to qualify for a certificate, such as completing
additional coursework.
The application process is slightly different depending on whether you completed
your teacher education program in BC, elsewhere
in Canada or
outside of Canada. Please click on the link that applies to you for further
information. Please see the Previously
Certified Members section if you are re-applying for or reinstating a certificate.
What are some of the basic requirements to qualify for a BC College of Teachers certificate?
To qualify for a certificate, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- a BC grade 12 diploma or its equivalent
- a degree or its equivalent
- at least four years of post-secondary study
- completion of an acceptable teacher education program
- familiarity with the Canadian education system
- English proficiency, or, in the case of those who teach in French, French proficiency
- recent teaching experience
- a fit and moral character to work with children.