Your Guide to Becoming a Certified Teacher in Canada

By Vikrant Singh, April 06, 2025

Considering a career in education in Canada? Teaching is a highly respected and increasingly in-demand profession across the country. But before you step into the classroom, there are several steps to take—starting with certification.

In Canada, teaching is a regulated profession. This means that anyone wishing to teach in a public school system must first become certified through the appropriate provincial or territorial authority.

Why Certification Matters

Unlike some other countries, Canada regulates education at the provincial and territorial level. This means that certification requirements can vary significantly depending on where you intend to teach.

However, regardless of location, all internationally trained educators must fulfill the region’s certification criteria before they are eligible to work as professional teachers.

In This Guide:

The general steps to become a certified teacher in Canada
Where to apply for certification in each province or territory
Overview of teaching opportunities and employment types
Updates on immigration pathways for educators in 2025

A Snapshot of the Certification Process

While requirements differ across jurisdictions, the following is a general outline for internationally educated teachers (IETs):

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the minimum qualifications typically required across provinces:

Education Requirements: Most regions require a post-secondary degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree, from a recognized institution. Foreign credentials must be assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Teacher Education Program: A recognized teacher training program is generally required. This includes both theoretical coursework and practical classroom experience.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French (depending on the region and language of instruction) is essential.
Character and Background Checks: Most regions require documentation to prove good moral character, such as criminal record checks, references, and academic evaluations.

Provincial Variations:

Ontario requires teachers to complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP).
British Columbia mandates a familiarization program for teachers trained outside Canada.
Specializations like technological education may have additional criteria.

Step 2: Apply to the Provincial or Territorial Regulatory Authority

Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, apply to the regulatory body in the province or territory where you intend to teach.

You’ll need to submit:

Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)
Criminal background checks
Transcripts and diplomas
Language test scores
Certified translations (if applicable)
Application fees (vary by region)

Step 3: Complete Additional Requirements (If Applicable)

Some regions allow teachers to begin working under a provisional or interim license before obtaining full certification.

For example:

Alberta issues an Interim Professional Certificate, valid for three years. After two years of teaching experience, you may apply for a Permanent Professional Certificate.

Other provinces follow similar models, where full certification depends on demonstrated classroom experience.

Where to Apply by Province or Territory

Province/Territory	Certifying Body
Alberta	Alberta Education
British Columbia	BC Ministry of Education and Childcare
Manitoba	Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning
New Brunswick	Office of Teacher Certification
Newfoundland & Labrador	Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Northwest Territories	Dept. of Education, Culture and Employment
Nova Scotia	Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Nunavut	Nunavut Educators Certification Services (NECS)
Ontario	Ontario College of Teachers
Prince Edward Island	Department of Education and Early Years
Quebec	Ministère de l'Éducation
Saskatchewan	Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board
Yukon	Yukon Teacher Certification, Department of Education

Tip: As of 2024, many regions collaborate with Pathways to Teach Canada, a centralized portal that simplifies the certification process for internationally trained teachers.

Transferring Certification Across Provinces

Thanks to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, certified teachers can often transfer their credentials between provinces. However, each province may require an application process and additional documentation for recognition.

Understanding the Teaching Job Market in Canada

Teaching positions in Canada fall into a few main categories:

🧑‍🏫 Full-Time Permanent Teachers

Work the standard 10-month school year
Receive unionized benefits and defined benefit pensions
Enjoy paid holidays: winter break, March break, and summer vacation

📅 Supply (Substitute) Teachers

On-call positions for short-term teacher absences
Flexible schedules, daily pay
Often a stepping stone to permanent roles

📆 Long-Term Occasional (LTO) Teachers

Full-time contracts to cover extended absences (e.g., parental leave)
Last anywhere from a few weeks to a full academic year
May be unionized in certain jurisdictions

Public vs. Catholic Schools

Most provinces fund both public and Catholic school boards. While the curriculum is largely the same, Catholic schools include faith-based elements and often require teachers to be practicing Catholics. Public schools are secular and do not impose religious criteria.

Immigration and Permanent Residency Opportunities for Teachers

Canada is actively seeking qualified teachers. In response to growing demand, the federal government has added Education as a priority category in the Express Entry system.

As of 2025, the following teaching roles are eligible under category-based Express Entry draws:

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
Instructors for persons with disabilities
Early childhood educators and assistants
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers
Secondary school teachers

This makes it easier for foreign-trained educators to secure permanent residency while contributing to Canada’s vital education sector.

Final Thoughts

While the path to becoming a certified teacher in Canada can be complex, it's a worthwhile investment for those looking to build a meaningful and stable career. By following the steps and meeting the province-specific requirements, internationally trained teachers can bring their skills to classrooms across Canada—making a lasting difference in the lives of students and communities.

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