This certificate restricts educators to teach:
- Only the subjects related to their specialized post-secondary training, unique life skills or practical experience (e.g. religious studies or board authority approved courses)
- Only for the independent authority seeking to hire them
- Specific grades, depending on the applicant’s credentials, training and experience
The certificate is initially valid for up to 60 months. It can be upgraded to a non-expiring certificate if the teacher demonstrates successful teaching experience for at least 1.5 years full time (or equivalent part time). Teacher-on-call experience (substitute teaching) is not accepted.
SSR certificates are not issued for Special Education or for core, provincially-regulated subjects such as: Drama, English, Fine Art, French, Math, Music, Science (including Biology, Chemistry and Physics), Social Studies (including History and Geography), Physical Education, and Technology Education.
In some cases, an application for these courses may be considered, depending a school authority’s specific school or community identity or if it's difficult to find teachers for a specific teaching area. As an alternative, you may consider applying for a Letter of Permission.