How to Get Certified to Teach in Canada
Step-by-Step Guide for International Teachers
Are you a foreign teacher asking yourself how to become certified to teach in Canada? With the world-class Canadian education system and multicultural environment, teaching in Canada is a fantasy for most; yet, in order to start your teaching experience, certification is necessary.
In this blog, we provide you with a step-by-step explanation of how to get certified to teach in Canada, specifically designed for foreign teachers looking to teach in Canadian schools.
Why Choose Teaching in Canada?
Prior to venturing into how to become certified to teach in Canada, these are some reasons why teachers prefer this teaching profession in Canada:
- Good remuneration and packages
- Work-life balance and stability
- Opportunities to secure permanent residency
- Cultural and diverse classrooms
Step-by-Step Guide on How to get Certified to Teach in Canada
- Select Your Province or Territory: Certification is managed by provincial regulatory authorities, rather than a national one. Each province has its own process and rules. For example:
- Ontario: Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)
- Alberta: Alberta Education – Teacher Certification
- British Columbia: Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB)
Therefore, the initial step in how to become certified to teach in Canada is determining where you intend to reside and work.
2. Meet Academic Qualifications: You will usually require the following:
- A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a teaching degree recognized by Canada
- Practical classroom or student teaching experience
- Minimum 1–2 years of teacher training
- If you have a non-education degree, you can be asked to do further study in Canada.
3. Get Your Credentials Assessed: Your professional and academic credentials need to be evaluated through agencies that are recognized by them, such as:
- WES (World Education Services)
- ICAS
- ICES
*This is a critical part of the process for anyone looking at how to get certified to teach in Canada.
4. Prove Language Proficiency: If English or French isn’t your first language, you’ll need to take:
- IELTS or CELPIP for English
- TEF or TCF for French
- Each province has its own language benchmarks that must be met for certification.
5. Apply for Teacher Certification: Submit your application to the provincial teaching authority. Required documents may include:
- Transcripts and degrees
- Credential evaluation results
- Identification of identity
- A teaching license from your native country (if required)
- Background or police check of record
*This is the official process of how to become certified to teach in Canada and usually takes a few months.
6. Meet Additional Requirements (If Required): Depending on the evaluation, certain provinces may require you to:
- Take additional university courses in Canada
- Pass a provincial teacher‘s exam
- Complete supervised teaching (practicum)
7. Start Your Job Hunt: After becoming certified, you can start applying for teaching jobs. Useful job websites are:
- ApplyToEducation.ca
- EducationCanada.com
- School board websites
*Getting a job can also aid your PR process under schemes like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Tips for Quicker Certification
- Have all your documents ready in advance
- Make sure that your translations are certified
- Stick to the official province checklist
- Look for new updates on the regulatory website
Learning how to get certified to teach in Canada becomes much simpler when you‘re proactive and well-organized.
FAQ: How to get certified to teach in Canada?
Q1. Can I submit my certification application from abroad?
Yes. All provinces permit online international applications, but certain procedures might need to be done in person afterwards.
Q2. What if my teaching diploma is not from an English-speaking nation?
You might need to submit English proficiency test scores and possibly undergo further training.
Q3. Do I need Canadian teaching experience?
Not always, but it‘s usually preferred. Some provinces permit you to begin with international experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about education and looking to build a teaching career in Canada, understanding how to get certified to teach in Canada is your first step. While the process can seem overwhelming, with the right guidance and preparation, it’s absolutely achievable.
Need help with your teacher certification or visa?
At Navyah Immigration Services, we are dedicated to assisting professionals such as yourself in learning how to get certified to teach in Canada and deal with the documents and immigration process easily. From WES evaluation to PR avenues, we‘re here to facilitate your success.
Call Navyah Immigration Services now and turn your teaching dream into a reality!