Teacher Certification

Current legislation requires everyone appointed or retained in a public school in British Columbia to be a member of the British Columbia College of Teachers and hold a valid certificate of qualification issued by the College.

It is your responsibility to apply to the Registrar of the College of Teachers for initial certification or for a change in certification, and to provide all necessary documents.

If you have been convicted of a criminal offense and are considering a teaching career in BC, you should write to the BC College of Teachers for clarification of your status before you begin a teacher education program.

If you have not established permanent residency in Canada, and are considering a teaching career in BC, you should write to the BC College of Teachers for clarification of your status before undertaking a teacher education program.

If you want to teach in another province, contact the Ministry of Education in that province. See a list of all Canadian Ministries or Departments of Education.

To apply for certification or for more information, contact:

B. C. College of Teachers
400 - 2025 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6J 1Z6
Telephone: (604) 731-8170
Fax: (604) 731-9142

The Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) establishes teachers’ salary categories. When you have received your teaching credential from the College of Teachers, you can apply for your salary category from the TQS.

The British Columbia Teachers' Federation is a union representing all public school teachers in BC.