Thinking about teaching in Canada?
A Complete Guide to Becoming a Certified Teacher in Canada (2025)
Why Teach in Canada?
Is Teaching a Regulated Profession in Canada?
Overview of the Teacher Certification Process in Canada
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
Before applying, you must meet certain educational and professional standards:
Educational Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree is typically required. This degree must be equivalent to a Canadian university degree.
- A teacher education program (also known as a Bachelor of Education or equivalent) is also mandatory in most provinces. It should include coursework and practicum experience (student teaching in a classroom).
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If you studied outside Canada, you’ll need to have your degrees evaluated by a recognized credential assessment organization like WES, ICAS, or CES. This ensures your education meets Canadian standards.
You must prove proficiency in either English or French, depending on the province and the language of instruction. Commonly accepted language tests include:
- IELTS or CELPIP for English
- TEF or TCF for French
Minimum score requirements vary by province.
- Character and Background Checks
Minimum score requirements vary by province.
- Police background checks
- Character references
- Teacher evaluations (if previously employed)
- Additional certifications, like sexual abuse prevention training in Ontario
Step 2: Apply for Provincial Certification
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is to apply for teaching certification in the province or territory where you plan to work.
Here’s a list of where to apply in each region:
| Province/Territory | Application Body |
|---|---|
| Alberta | Alberta Education |
| British Columbia | BC Ministry of Education and Child Care |
| Manitoba | Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning |
| New Brunswick | Office of Teacher Certification |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Department of Education and Early Childhood Development |
| Northwest Territories | Department of Education, Culture and Employment |
| Nova Scotia | Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) |
| Nunavut | Nunavut Educators Certification Services |
| Ontario | Ontario College of Teachers |
| Prince Edward Island | PEI Department of Education and Early Years |
| Quebec | Ministère de l'Éducation |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board |
| Yukon | Yukon Teacher Certification Office |
Note: Application fees and required documentation vary by province. Most applications require official transcripts, identity proof, ECA reports, and proof of name change (if applicable).
Step 3: Complete Additional Provincial Requirements
Some provinces require further steps even after certification:
- Alberta: Offers an Interim Professional Certificate, valid for three years. You must teach full-time for two years to qualify for permanent certification.
- British Columbia: Requires a familiarization course for those trained outside Canada.
- Ontario: Mandates completion of the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP).
Can Teachers Move Between Provinces?
Thanks to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), certified teachers in one province can often transfer their certification to another province. However, some documentation and additional steps may still be required. It’s always best to contact the regulatory body in your new province before moving.
Teaching Jobs in Canada: Career Pathways
There are multiple types of teaching opportunities across Canada, including:
1. Full-Time Permanent Teachers
- Employed on long-term contracts
- Eligible for union benefits and pensions
- Typically work 10 months/year with breaks in summer, winter, and spring
2. Supply (Substitute) Teachers
- Fill in for absent teachers
- Paid daily
- Often used as a stepping stone toward full-time employment
3. Confirm Eligibility Under Express Entry Categories
- Temporary full-time contracts
- Replace permanent teachers on leave (e.g., maternity or medical leave)
- May span weeks or even the entire academic year
Public vs. Catholic School Boards
In many provinces, publicly funded schools fall under either secular (public) or Catholic school boards:
- Public schools: Open to all; no religious affiliation
- Catholic schools: Require teachers to be practicing Catholics in most cases
Both types follow provincial curricula and offer equivalent diplomas.
Immigration Pathways for Teachers: Express Entry in 2025
In response to labor shortages, the Canadian government has prioritized education professionals in its immigration system.
What’s New in 2025?
A new category-based selection stream within Express Entry now specifically targets:
- Early childhood educators and assistants
- Elementary school teachers
- Secondary school teachers
- Special education instructors
- Educational support workers (e.g., assistants and aides)
This means qualified educators may now receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) faster than before through:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Bonus: Pathways to Teach Canada
Final Thoughts: Is Teaching in Canada Right for You?
Need Help?
Important Links
- Demand For Skilled Professionals In Canada
- Apply for Canada PR Visa from India
- Migrate to Canada from India
- How to immigrate to Canada as an Engineer?
- How to Immigrate to Canada Without a Job Offer?
- Job Opportunities in Canada
- Average Salary in Canada
- High Salary Jobs in Canada
- Demand for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada
