Teaching certificates in British Columbia
Last updated on April 24, 2026Learn about the different certificates that can qualify you to teach in B.C. schools within the province or abroad.
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Certificates
If you completed your teacher education program outside of Canada and you plan to apply for a B.C. teaching certificate on or after November 1, 2024, you may need to have your credentials assessed by Pathways to Teach Canada. After you submit your application form, we will tell you if this step applies to you.
Certificate of Qualification
A Certificate of Qualification is required for educators who work at B.C. public schools including full-time, part-time and on-call teachers.
Holders of this type of certificate can also use it to teach at B.C. independent, First Nations, or offshore schools.
Independent School Teaching Certificate
Teachers at B.C. independent and First Nations schools, or B.C. offshore schools, must have an Independent School Teaching Certificate (ISTC) or a Certificate of Qualification.
First Nations Language Teaching Certificate
A First Nations Language Teaching Certificate is required to work in B.C. schools as a First Nations language and culture teacher in British Columbia.
Letter of Permission
A Letter of Permission is a special permit that allows someone to teach without a teaching certificate in a particular school district or independent school authority or for a First Nations school for one school year or up to three school years. It is only to be used when a certified teacher is not available to fill a vacant position. The employer completes a request form and the prospective teacher (the applicant) completes a separate application form. Both forms need to be submitted for a Letter of Permission to be considered.