Become a British Columbia certified teacher

Last updated on September 20, 2024

To teach in the public and independent school systems in B.C., educators need a teaching certificate. More educators are eligible to teach in B.C. under the revised requirements and qualifications in the Certification Standards. This means we have more applicants and more teaching certificate holders. As a result, we have some service delays.

Choose the right application

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements for a particular teaching certificate, try our Teaching Certificate Application Selection Tool. The selection tool can help you better understand the certificate options that are available to you based on your education, work or life experience.

Understand the application process

There are 5 stages in the application process. The stages show what you can expect during each part of the process, when to contact us if you have difficulties, and how much time you may have to wait before finding out if you are eligible to receive a teaching certificate. Learn more about the application process.

Start an application

Start the application process to obtain a Certificate of Qualification, Independent School Teaching Certificate or a First Nations Language Teaching Certificate.

Step one

Explore the different types
of certificates and
Letter of Permission

Learn about the types and requirements for each teaching certificate
- Certificate of Qualification
- Independent School Teaching Certificate
- First Nations Language Teaching Certificate
Understand in which schools or school systems the certificates can be used
Learn about the Letter of Permission

Step two

Apply for a certificate

Get started on a rewarding career as a British Columbia educator by applying for a teaching certificate.

Step three

Find a teaching position

Make a Future is one site to find hundreds of jobs in British Columbia's schools. This is a joint partnership between the Ministry of Education and Child Care, public school boards and independent schools.

Apply from outside of B.C. or re-apply for certification

Apply from another province or country

Find out how to apply for a teaching certificate in British Columbia if you are a teacher from another Canadian province/territory or country

Re-apply if your teaching certificate expired or was cancelled

Learn about the process for re-applying for a teaching certificate in British Columbia

Attend an information session about B.C. teacher certification

We offer presentations that will help guide you through the process for becoming a teacher. Each presentation focuses on a specific stage of the application process

Career paths in teaching

Teacher education programs

Teacher education programs at B.C. universities are one to two years long. Course work and practicum experience focus on education, competence and professional conduct standards for educators in B.C.

Teach in French

French-language educators are needed across B.C. for French K-12 education programs like Core French, Intensive French, French Immersion, and the Francophone Program

Teach in a B.C. offshore school

B.C. certified offshore schools are authorized to offer B.C. curriculum in countries around the world

Early childhood education

Early childhood educators deliver programs for infants and young children. Find out about the requirements for getting certified as an early childhood educator

Did you find what you were looking for?

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.