Interested in teaching in Canada? Whether you’re already in the classroom or just starting to consider this career path, becoming a certified teacher is an essential step. Here’s this guide, to becoming a certified teacher in Canada.
Because teaching is a regulated profession, you can’t just start teaching without approval from the appropriate education authorities. And since each province and territory has its own rules, your certification process will depend on where you plan to work.
While the requirements vary slightly across regions, all internationally trained teachers need to get certified to work in Canadian schools. The good news? Teachers are in demand, and with education now a category in Canada’s Express Entry system, it’s becoming easier for educators to move here permanently.
Step-by-Step Overview: How Teacher Certification Works In Canada?
For becoming a certified teacher in Canada, you’ll need to follow a specific pathway. Each province and territory has its own certification body, but generally speaking, if you’re trained outside Canada, your journey will look something like this:
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible
Before submitting any paperwork, it’s important to check that you meet the basic qualifications to teach the age group or subject you’re aiming for.
Here’s what most provinces typically require:
Post-Secondary Education
A university-level degree—often a Bachelor’s—is needed. If you completed your studies outside of Canada, you’ll also need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to show your education meets Canadian standards.
Teacher Education Program
You must have completed a formal teacher training program, which includes both coursework and hands-on classroom experience. The length and content of the program can vary by province.
Language Proficiency
You’ll need to prove you’re fluent in English or French (sometimes both), depending on the province. Different provinces accept different language tests and scores.
Good Character Requirements
Some provinces ask for documentation to confirm your good standing. For example, in British Columbia, you might be asked to provide:
- A criminal background check
- Academic records
- References
- Past teaching evaluations (if available)
Additional Requirements by Province
- In Ontario, you’ll need to complete a Sexual Abuse Prevention Program.
- In British Columbia, internationally trained teachers must take a familiarization course approved by the BC Teachers’ Council.
Field-Specific Criteria
If you’re planning to teach in areas like technology or trades, you might need extra qualifications or relevant work experience.
Step 2: Submit Your Application for Certification
Once you know you qualify, you’ll need to apply to the appropriate teaching regulatory authority in the province or territory where you want to teach.
Commonly required documents include:
- A valid passport or ID
- Police background check
- Proof of language proficiency
- University transcripts and diplomas
- High school certificate
- Name change documents (if applicable)
- Certified translations for documents not in English or French
There’s also an application fee, which varies depending on where you’re applying.
Step 3: Follow Up on Province-Specific Next Steps
Some provinces may have additional requirements after you apply. While most ask you to get fully certified before working, others allow you to teach with a temporary or provisional license.
For example, in Alberta, new teachers get an Interim Professional Certificate valid for three years. During that time, you can teach and gain the experience needed to qualify for a Permanent Professional Certificate. After two years of full-time teaching, you can apply for the permanent credential.
Other provinces offer similar paths, allowing educators to work and build up experience before securing full certification.
Where to Apply: Provincial And Territorial Certification Authorities
Here’s where to apply based on your preferred teaching location:
| Province/Territory | Where to Apply |
| Alberta | Alberta Education |
| British Columbia | Ministry of Education and Childcare |
| Manitoba | Dept. of Education and Early Childhood Learning |
| New Brunswick | Office of Teacher Certification |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Dept. of Education and Early Childhood Development |
| Northwest Territories | Dept. of Education, Culture and Employment |
| Nova Scotia | Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) |
| 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 |
In 2024, several provinces came together to launch Pathways to Teach Canada—a centralized portal designed to simplify the certification process for internationally trained educators. This platform allows you to apply, track your application status, and access resources, all in one spot. If you’re eligible, it can save you a lot of time and effort.
Transferring Your Certification Between Provinces
Already certified in one province and thinking about moving? Thanks to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, teachers can transfer their credentials between provinces and territories.
However, this process isn’t automatic. You’ll still need to apply through the new province’s teacher regulatory body and provide supporting documents. The process is generally smooth but may require a bit of paperwork.
What Teaching Jobs Look Like In Canada
For becoming a certified teacher in Canada, here’s what teaching jobs look like.
Canada offers a variety of teaching roles to fit different experience levels and lifestyles. Here’s a quick look:
Permanent Full-Time Teaching Jobs
These are regular positions that run during the school year (10 months). Teachers get scheduled breaks—usually 2–3 weeks in December, 1 week in March, and about 2 months off in summer.
Most full-time teachers are unionized and have access to benefits like a defined pension plan, which guarantees lifetime payments after retirement based on your years of service and salary history.
Supply/Substitute Teaching
Supply teachers fill in when full-time staff are absent, usually on short notice. You join a list maintained by the school board and may work at different schools each day. It’s a great way to gain experience and make connections. Pay is usually daily, and the schedule is flexible.
Long-Term Occasional (LTO) Teachers
These are full-time contracts that last longer—like covering maternity leaves or extended absences. LTO roles can run for weeks or months, and while they’re temporary, you’re still considered a full-time teacher. In some provinces, LTOs can contribute to pension plans and join unions.
Public vs. Catholic School Systems
In many provinces, there are two publicly funded school systems:
- Public (non-religious) schools
- Catholic (faith-based) schools
While the curriculum is mostly the same, Catholic schools teach from a Catholic perspective. To work in Catholic schools, you may need to be a practicing Catholic. Public schools, however, don’t require any religious affiliation.
The Growing Need For Teachers In Canada
For becoming a certified teacher in Canada, it is vital to know the increasing need for teachers in Canada.
Now’s a great time to consider teaching in Canada. The country is facing a shortage of education professionals, and the federal government is making it easier for qualified teachers to immigrate.
In 2025, more teaching roles have been added to Canada’s targeted Express Entry draws. This means you could get priority when applying for permanent residency.
Roles now included in the Express Entry education category:
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
- Educators for individuals with disabilities
- Early childhood educators and assistants
- Kindergarten and elementary school teachers
- Secondary school teachers
If you qualify under one of these categories, your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence are much higher.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
