Teacher regulation in B.C.

Last updated on August 16, 2024

Under the Teachers Act, there are 5 main bodies that make decisions about how educators are trained for and become certified to teach in the Kindergarten to Grade 12 school system in B.C. These bodies work to protect the public interest.

Main bodies involved in regulating the teaching profession in B.C.

Read about the 5 main bodies that form the regulatory structure. The Teacher Regulation Branch of the Ministry of Education and Child Care provides operational support for these bodies.

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British Columbia Teachers' Council

The British Columbia Teachers’ Council sets the standards for a person to receive and maintain a teaching certificate in B.C. This teaching certificate is called a certificate of qualification. The British Columbia Teachers’ Council also sets the standards for post-secondary teacher education programs that are offered in B.C. Learn more about the British Columbia Teachers’ Council.

Independent School Teaching Certificate Standards Committee

The Independent School Teaching Certificate Standards Committee sets the standards for a person to receive and maintain an independent school teaching certificate. Learn more about the ISTCSC.

Director of Certification

The Director of Certification uses the standards that are set by the British Columbia Teachers’ Council and the Independent School Teaching Certificate Standards Committee to issue teaching certificates and letters of permission. The Director of Certification also suspends or cancels teaching certificates and letters of permission. The Director of Certification must provide information to the public about the people who hold B.C. teaching certificates and letters of permission. This information includes the status of the person’s teaching credential and shows a record of any disciplinary action. Learn more about the online registry of certificate holders.

Commissioner for Teacher Regulation

The Commissioner for Teacher Regulation oversees the discipline process. The Commissioner reviews complaints and reports about the conduct or competence of certificate holders and people who hold letters of permission. Learn more about the Commissioner for Teacher Regulation.

Disciplinary and Professional Conduct Board

The Disciplinary and Professional Conduct Board is a group of people who are members of the British Columbia Teachers’ Council. These members are appointed to the Disciplinary and Professional Conduct Board by the Minister of Education and Child Care. The Commissioner for Teacher Regulation selects people from this group to serve on hearing panels. Learn more about disciplinary hearing panels.

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