Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a Teacher
About the application package
About teachers coming from outside of BC
BC certificate holders
Certificate Services Area
Standards
Teacher Education
Professional Conduct

1. Becoming a Teacher

How do I become a teacher if my degree is in something other than education?

You need to complete a teacher education program at a Canadian university and qualify for a teaching certificate in the province where you complete it. Since you already have an undergraduate degree, you would be looking for an after-degree program. These range from about 10 months to two years in duration and may result in a degree being conferred. Some programs do not result in a degree; however, they are just as valid for purposes of certification. The program cannot be completed through distance education. Each province is responsible for teacher certification, so if you change provinces you would need to apply to each subsequent province for a teaching certificate.
I qualified as an elementary school teacher (grade seven) and I would like to teach at the lower secondary level. Do I have to do the teacher education program all over again?

No, you would not repeat the B.Ed. year. Your teaching certificate does not specify your grade level, so the certificate is valid no matter what grade you wish to teach. As for employment, you should discuss this with your school district to find out what is required for the transition you seek. You may want to take some post-degree courses or a program that would enable you to take just the courses you need in order to learn about a new teaching area or level. This, however, is up to you and your employer. You do not need to seek approval from the Teacher Regulation Branch to change teaching levels.
If I do not qualify, will you refund the evaluation fee?

No, the work completed by the Teacher Regulation Branch is substantial, whether or not the applicant qualifies.
I am an experienced teacher with a three-year Bachelor of Education degree from England. I know three years is not enough for certification in BC, but I'm settled in BC now and I want to teach here. What should I do?

You should apply to us for an evaluation of your credentials, even though you would not qualify initially. We will outline for you the courses and/or program you need to complete to meet our requirements. We can provide you with advice on selecting courses and help you to qualify as quickly as possible.

2. About the application package

Why do I have to complete an Authorization for Criminal Record Search for the Teacher Regulation Branch when I have already completed one for another organization?

Under the Criminal Records Review Act the Teacher Regulation Branch has the responsibility of collecting a criminal record check authorization form from each applicant and certificate holder. This check is based on the relevant offences listed in the Criminal Records Review Act. Some teacher education programs, volunteer organizations and employers also request a criminal record check on their employees. These checks are normally completed through the local police detachment. A person may well find himself/herself completing a criminal record check for several organizations.
Can a teacher verify the photocopy of my birth certificate, or must I take it to a lawyer or notary public?

Yes, any certificate holder may sign the photocopy of the birth certificate, confirm that it is a true copy, and quote their certificate number.
What are the employment prospects for teachers moving to BC?

These vary according to time of year, the geographical location you are interested in, and the subject areas for which you are applying. Hiring is done by the individual school districts. Information about employment opportunities can be found at www.makeafuture.ca.
I am a qualified teacher in my own province, but I don't have the six credits of English that you require. Can I still apply, or must I do the English first?

Yes, our requirements make allowances for issuing an interim certificate if you are missing no more than 12 credits of academic course work. You would need to complete the English in the first three to four years you are teaching in BC.
Once I have submitted my application, how long does the evaluation take, and when will I know whether I qualify?

We send an acknowledgement of the application about three weeks after receiving it, advising you of any other information we need. Once all of the information has been received, the evaluation is usually completed within a month. Our peak period is July to October and due to the volume of work, the wait may be longer at that time.
Your application requires a teaching report, but I am a school principal, so I don't have one. What shall I submit instead?

School and board administrators are evaluated by the person they report to, usually the superintendent or assistant superintendent. The report should be an evaluation of your current position in the education system.

3. About teachers coming from outside of BC

I started a teacher education program in another province, but I didn't complete it. May I apply for certification in BC anyway?

No, because a complete teacher education program is required. As you did not complete your education program and did not qualify for a teaching credential, your incomplete program would not be recognized for certification here. You should apply to a teacher education program offered by a BC university, which will review your transcripts and advise you of any prerequisites for entering their program. Once you have completed their program, you may apply for certification.
If I am granted permanent resident status and arrive in Canada, how long does the process of certification take?

The application process typically takes from two to six months, depending on the time it takes for the Teacher Regulation Branch to receive all your documents. The evaluation is usually completed within a month thereafter. You may apply now (or perhaps six months before your anticipated residency) for the evaluation. If you qualify, your letter of eligibility will assure you a certificate soon after you move to BC and provide us with the relevant work authorization documents.
I'm moving to Canada, but I'm not sure where I will settle. Does a teacher need to apply for certification in each province in which s/he wishes to work?

Yes, each province has its own credentialling body, with the associated fees and application requirements. It is an expensive process, so you might want to wait and apply only once when you are sure about which province will become your new home.
I'm about to finish my Bachelor of Education in Alberta, but I will move immediately to BC. Do I still have to apply for my Alberta certificate?

Yes, when you finish your Bachelor of Education in Alberta, you will have to apply to the Alberta Department of Education for an Alberta teaching certificate. You must have both the B.Ed. and the Alberta teaching certificate in order for us to evaluate your application for a BC certificate.
If I already have a teaching certificate from another province, does that qualify me to teach in BC?

No, certification is under provincial jurisdiction. If you move to BC, you will have to apply to the Teacher Regulation Branch of the Ministry of Education for a BC teaching certificate. A teaching certificate from another province is not valid for working in the BC public school system.
If I complete a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education, can I apply for a teacher's certificate?

The BA in Adult Education is not a credential for teaching in the public school system and does not lead to certification in BC. If you are applying after qualifying as a teacher outside BC, (which must include receiving a teaching certificate in the province or state where you completed the program), we can accept your application, but it is possible that you will not qualify for certification. If that is the case, our evaluation will outline what you will have to do to qualify.
I have never completed a teacher education program, but I have a university degree and a lot of teaching experience. Do I still need to complete a teacher education program?

Yes, you do. The teaching experience cannot be used to reduce the education requirements; however, the experience may enhance your application for admission to an education program.
I want to apply for teaching positions in BC, but I don't live in Canada and I don't have a work visa, so I can't get a BC teaching certificate. The school boards say I must qualify for a certificate before they will accept my application. What should I do?

Before coming to Canada, you may apply to the Teacher Regulation Branch for an evaluation of your credentials. If you qualify, you would be issued a Letter of Eligibility indicating that you will receive a teaching certificate once you have your work permit and are living in BC. You would include a copy of this letter with your applications to school boards. It assures them that you are a qualified teacher and that they may offer you a teaching position. Once you have the job offer, you may request the work permit from Immigration Canada.
You have asked me for a Statement of Professional Standing from England because I taught there last year. I was recruited by a teacher placement company, so I didn't apply for an English teacher certificate. What should I do?

You need to ask your employer in England to write to us confirming that you were employed by them and were not required to qualify with the General Teaching Council of England.
What are the secondary teaching subject areas in BC?

Art, Biology, Business Education, Chemistry, Chef Instructor, Computer Science, Dance, Drama, Earth Science, English, First Nations, French, General Science, Geography, German, History, Home Economics, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Social Studies, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Special Education, and Technology (Industrial) Education.
Counselling Psychology and English as a Second Language are not acceptable subjects for initial certification in BC. Generally these teaching areas are developed as additional subjects, after completion of the initial teacher education program. You will need one of the subject areas listed above in order to qualify for certification in BC. If you do not have one of the acceptable subject areas, but you hold a current, valid, unrestricted teaching certificate in another Canadian province or territory, you may qualify for a BC Basic Certificate under the Agreement on Internal Trade.
What is the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT)?

The AIT is an agreement between the provinces and territories of Canada. The intent of the agreement is to enable labour mobility across Canada for all trades and professions, including teaching. The BC government passed Bill 11 on October 29th, 2009 in support of the AIT. This legislation requires that the Teacher Regulation Branch grant a teaching certificate to persons with valid Canadian certificates. This change came into effect January 1st, 2010.
What is a Basic Certificate?

As of January 1st, 2010, Basic Certificates were issued to those who did not meet BC’s academic requirements for teachers, but who did have a current, valid, unrestricted teaching certificate in another Canadian province or territory. Teachers must still meet Teacher Regulation Branch requirements for fit and proper person, teaching experience in the last 10 years, and language proficiency. A Basic Certificate does not have an expiry date and does not require you to complete any coursework; remains valid as long as you maintain good professional standing as an educator and keep the certificate valid by paying your annual fee; and is valid for teacher-on-call (substitute, supply, etc.), part-time, and full-time teaching in the BC kindergarten to grade 12 public school system.
Can I teach in BC with my certificate from another Canadian province or territory?

No, you must have a BC teaching certificate to teach in BC. For the application process and forms, please refer to the Becoming a Teacher section of our website. If you completed a teacher education program in Canada, click on Canadian Graduates. If you completed a teacher education program outside of Canada, click on International Graduates.
I have another Canadian teaching certificate, but it isn’t valid right now. Can I qualify for a Basic Certificate?

No, the AIT applies to you only if you have a current, valid, unrestricted teaching certificate in another Canadian province or territory. If you have a certificate in another Canadian jurisdiction that is suspended, cancelled, expired, restricted, or invalid for any reason, you will not be able to qualify for a Basic Certificate. In some cases, you might be able to regain your certification in a jurisdiction, at which point you would fall under the AIT. You will need to contact the education authority directly for information about whether or not this is possible and how to do this.
I am an Ontario-certified teacher, but my certificate is suspended because I haven’t paid my fees. Can I qualify for a Basic Certificate?

No, but you could if you pay your Ontario membership fee. You would then have a current, valid Ontario certificate that we would accept under the AIT. Please contact the Ontario College of Teachers directly for information about how to do this.
I am certified in more than one jurisdiction in Canada. Do all of my certificates need to be valid to qualify for a Basic Certificate?

No, we can issue a Basic Certificate as long as you have current, valid, unrestricted certification in one of the jurisdictions. However, we do require statements of professional standing from every each jurisdiction when you first apply to us for certification as these documents are part of our evaluation for fit and proper person.
I am a Canadian-certified teacher. Is it possible to qualify for a Professional Certificate instead of the Basic Certificate?

Yes, when you apply to us, we will evaluate your file in its entirety. If you meet all of BC’s standards for teacher certification, including all of our academic requirements, you will receive a Professional Certificate.
What is the difference between the Basic Certificate and the Professional Certificate?

The Professional Certificate is issued to teachers who have specifically met BC’s standards for teacher certification. This includes the academic requirements that all teachers who have completed their training in BC have fulfilled. The Basic Certificate is issued under the Agreement on Internal Trade to teachers who have not met all of BC’s academic requirements for teacher certification, but who have a valid teaching certificate in another Canadian jurisdiction.
How can I upgrade to a Professional Certificate if I receive a Basic Certificate?

You would need to complete the additional coursework that is required to fulfill BC’s academic standards for certification. We outline what this coursework is for every applicant who qualifies for a Basic Certificate when we provide the application results. Upgrading a Basic Certificate to a Professional Certificate is entirely optional and there is no limit on the time taken to complete the coursework.
I had a BC teaching certificate, but it expired. Does the AIT affect me?

If you wish to teach in BC, you need to re-apply to us for a new certificate. If you have a current, valid, unrestricted teaching certificate in another Canadian jurisdiction, you may qualify for a Basic Certificate. Please refer to the Previously Certified Teachers section on our website for the application process and forms.
I was denied a BC teaching certificate, but I have a current, valid teaching certificate in another Canadian jurisdiction.

Please send us a written request for a re-evaluation under the Agreement on Internal Trade.
How about my salary category?

We do not determine your salary category. Please visit the Teacher Qualification Service website at www.tqs.bc.ca for information related to salary.
I don’t have a current, valid Canadian teaching certificate. Can I still qualify for a BC certificate?

You wouldn’t be able to qualify for a Basic Certificate, but you may qualify for one of our other certificates. We would complete an evaluation under our requirements for BC certification, and you would receive one of three possible results: qualify for a non-expiring Professional Certificate and have no coursework requirements; qualify for a 5-year Conditional Certificate and have coursework requirements to complete before the certificate expire; or not qualify for a BC teaching certificate and have requirements to complete in order to qualify.

4. BC certificate holders

Can you tell me whether the Master's program I plan to take will be recognized? I have a BC professional certificate, but I want to complete a Master's degree to upgrade my salary category.

You should direct your question to the Teacher Qualification Service (604-736-5484) regarding the recognition of a Master's degree for upgrading to TQS category six (see also www.tqs.bc.ca).
I'm moving to another province, which wants a statement from you confirming that my BC certificate is in good standing. How do I obtain this?

We can send a letter confirming your status in BC, but a signed request form for the statement is required because we will be releasing confidential information about you to a third party. Please see the Statement of Professional Standing Request Form.
I will finish my undergraduate degree next year, and want to apply to a teacher education program. Are there courses I could be taking in my final year that will help me to get accepted into a teacher education program?

We cannot specify the courses you need, since each university has its own entrance requirements (including pre-requisite courses) to its teacher education program. You should check with the Faculty of Education to which you are applying.
I want to change my teaching subject area. Can I apply to teach subjects I didn't cover in my B.Ed., if I have a few courses in the subject at the university level?

Your BC teaching certificate will not specify your teaching area. As for employment, assignment to a teaching position is at the discretion of the employer, so you would need to convince the employer that you have the necessary credentials to teach a particular subject. They will consider your transcript and professional experience. Each employer may have different criteria, so you should speak directly with human resources staff.

5. Certificate Services Area

Is it okay to teach with a suspended certificate if I have until October 31 to pay my annual certificate fee?

No. You must be a valid, practising certificate holder in order to be legally employed in the K-12 system in BC. Please ensure that your practising fee is paid by September 1, if you plan to return to the classroom for the start of the school year.
I am a certificate holder who will be retired by July 1. What should I do?

If you are planning on working as a teacher on call, or plan to return to teaching at some point in the future you will need to maintain your certificate and pay an annual practise fee. If you never plan to return to a classroom, you can allow your certificate to lapse. Please note that you will be required to reapply for your certificate under the requirements in place at the time if you do decide to return to teaching. Think carefully about letting your certification lapse if you are unsure what you might decide to do in the future.
I am a teacher who is on a maternity leave of absence. What fee must be paid to keep my teaching certificate valid?

The full practice fee. Teachers on maternity or paternity leaves are considered practising. The practice fee is due by June 30. Please refer to the arrangements made between you and your employer at the commencement of your leave. The Teachers Act requires school boards to deduct fees, but teachers on maternity leave may not receive paycheques during this period. Therefore, it is important for you to find out if you must pay your fee directly to the Teacher Regulation Branch.
When will I receive my new certificate verification card?

If your fee is paid and processed to your file by June 1, your new card will be forwarded over the following summer. If your payment is processed after June 1, your card will be mailed usually within three weeks of payment. Prior to receiving your card you may wish to check your status on the Public Register of Certificate Holders on this website. You may wish to print the screen if you require confirmation of your status.
I am currently on long term disability. Do I need to pay a fee?

Yes. Teachers on long term disability benefits are considered practising teachers and the practice fee will need to be paid by you directly.
I will be practising up until September, at which time I will be retired and plan on letting my certification lapse. Will I be able to pay a pro-rated fee?

If you will be teaching between July 1 and June 30 of next year, you are considered a practising teacher. You will need to pay the full practice fee.

6. Standards

How were the current Standards developed?

A committee of the former College Council with representatives from the Qualifications Committee, the Discipline Committee and the Teacher Education Committee reviewed research from many English-speaking jurisdictions in the world. The research included examination of teaching standards from Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, Australia, many US states and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the US. As well, the committee consulted standards and codes of conduct from other professions including medicine, law, accounting, engineering, nursing, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Books and scholarly articles were referenced.
The Standards were adopted in October of 2003 for a six-month period. Within that period, the committee invited feedback to the Standards through the website and meetings with educational partner groups, both individually and collectively. These meetings were well attended and produced, along with written feedback from individuals, many suggestions for improvement. A second edition of the Standards, revised on the basis of feedback, was adopted by Council in May 2004 and the third, current standards were approved in 2008.
How are the Standards to be reviewed?

The new BC Teachers Council will begin the process of reviewing the existing standards in 2012.
How are the Standards used?

The Teacher Regulation Branch will use the Standards as it carries out its statutory responsibilities in the areas of certification, teacher education and discipline. The standards form the basis for certification as well as for the determination of competence or appropriate professional conduct.
The standards are an integral part of the process by which the graduates of BC teacher education programs can be recommended to the Branch for certification.

7. Teacher Education

What universities in British Columbia offer teacher education programs?

Teacher education programs are available in nine institutions around the province and some of these institutions offer programs in outlying areas of the province. The programs are for both elementary and secondary with the exception of Thompson Rivers University, which offers only an elementary program. Check with each institution for details.
What are the requirements to enter a teacher education program?

The requirements to enter teacher education programs vary from program to program. Some programs allow entry with as few as 60 credits and some require a degree. See each program for further information.
What is the job market like for graduates of teacher education programs?

Graduates will find the job market quite volatile. At the moment, there is declining enrollment in BC but there also is a large number of retirements expected in the next few years. How this will translate into jobs is not easy to predict. At the moment, some rural districts are experiencing shortages of teachers while other urban areas have large pools of applicants for each job. Teachers with specialties in secondary technical education, math, chemistry, physics, languages, French immersion and other specialties are generally in higher demand than teachers of English, Social Studies, Physical Education or Biology. Elementary teachers are not in short supply except in specialty areas such as French immersion, band/music or English as a Second Language specialist. Check with each school district for current information.

8. Professional Conduct

Where should I go to express a concern or make an inquiry?

Contact the Teacher Regulation Branch if you have quesitons reading the conduct or competence of a teacher. Many concerns may be best dealt with at the local level. Before submitting a complaint to the Branch, you may want to discuss your concerns with the teacher or his or her supervisor.
What kinds of complaints can be considered by the Teacher Regulation Branch?

Complaints must relate to the conduct (for example, the actions or behaviour) or the competence of the educator.
What happens if I complain?

If you call the Teacher Regulation Branch, an Intake Officer will speak to you. The Intake Officer will ask you about the nature of the complaint and what steps you have taken to address it.
The Intake Officer will provide information on the person complaint process. You will also be given information about how to send in a written complaint.
How do I make a complaint?

A complaint can be made to the Teacher Regulation Branch regarding the conduct or competence of a holder of a teaching certificate. To be considered by the Branch, a complaint must be in writing, must include the full name of the teacher who is the subject of the complaint, must be signed, must relate to the conduct or competence of the certificate holder, should include a summary of the issues or concerns, and should include information about any steps taken to resolve the complaint.