Teacher Certification

Date came into force or revised

Effective January 9, 2012

Status

Current

Policy statement

All educators in British Columbia, including teachers, principals, vice-principals, superintendents, and other educators must have a Ministry of Education teaching certificate to qualify for work in B.C.’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 education sector.

Rationale or purpose of policy

Educators are certified in British Columbia only when they have the necessary academic qualifications, teaching experience and personal characteristics required to work with children. Interaction between educators and students has a great impact on children's intellectual, emotional and physical development. Educators in the K-12 public and independent school systems in B.C. must be well-educated and prepared for the responsibility they share with parents to raise strong, healthy and informed citizens.

Authority

• Section 30 of the Teachers Act (PDF) covers the issuance of a certificate.
• Section 35 of the Teachers Act (PDF) covers the issuance of a letter of permission.

Policy in full

• Certification Standards (PDF)

Procedures related to policy

The following are links to documents or web pages that set out required procedures for teacher certification:

• Becoming a Teacher in B.C.
• Applying for a First Nations Language Teaching Certificate
• Applying for an Independent School Teacher Certificate
• Applying for a Letter of Permission
• B.C. Offshore Schools