Thinking about teaching in Canada? Whether you’re already an educator or just starting to explore the profession, there are specific steps you’ll need to follow to become certified. This blog covers how you can become a certified teacher in Canada.
Well, teaching is considered a regulated profession across Canada. This means that you can’t simply start working as a teacher without official certification.
Since regulation happens at the provincial and territorial level, the path to becoming certified varies depending on where you plan to teach.
While requirements differ by province or territory, all internationally trained teachers must get certified before being allowed to teach in schools across Canada.
Teaching continues to be an in-demand career across many Canadian regions. In fact, in 2025, it may be easier to find teaching jobs than many other roles. Plus, with education added as a category in Express Entry, it’s becoming more accessible for teachers to gain permanent residency.
Overview: The Certification Journey
In order to become a certified teacher in Canada, one must abide by the certification journey.
Every province and territory in Canada has its own process and standards for certification. If you’re an internationally trained teacher, here’s what the general process looks like:
Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible to Teach
Before applying, you’ll need to ensure you meet certain eligibility criteria based on what grade level or subject area you plan to teach.
Here’s what most provinces and territories expect from applicants:
- Post-Secondary Education
Typically, you’ll need to have completed a university-level degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree. If your education was outside Canada, you’ll also need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm your credentials are recognized. - Teacher Training Program
Most jurisdictions require specialized training in education. This includes completing a formal teacher education program with a mix of coursework and practical classroom experience. Requirements may vary in length and focus. - Language Proficiency
Depending on the province and teaching role, you’ll need to prove you can communicate effectively in either English or French (or both). Accepted language tests and minimum scores differ from province to province. - Good Character Documentation
Some provinces request documents to verify your character. For instance, British Columbia may ask for:
- Criminal record check
- Academic records
- Confidential references
- Past teacher evaluations (if applicable)
- Additional Provincial Requirements
- In Ontario, you must complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program before becoming certified.
- In British Columbia, teachers trained outside of Canada must complete a familiarization course approved by the BC Teachers’ Council.
- In Ontario, you must complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program before becoming certified.
- Category-Specific Requirements
If you’re applying to teach in fields like technological education, there may be extra requirements or work experience needed.
Step 2: Submit Your Certification Application
Once you’ve confirmed you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is to apply to the appropriate provincial regulatory body.
When applying, you’ll usually need to submit the following documents:
- Valid ID (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
- Police background check
- Proof of language proficiency
- Transcripts and diplomas
- Secondary school certificate
- Proof of any name changes (if relevant)
If any documents are not in English or French, you’ll need to include certified translations.
Additionally, there is a fee to apply, which varies depending on the region.
Step 3: Additional Steps After Application (Varies by Province)
Some provinces have a two-step certification process. While most require you to be certified before starting to teach, others allow you to begin working under provisional certification.
For example:
- Alberta issues an Interim Professional Certification valid for three years. During this time, you can teach while working toward full certification. After completing two years of full-time experience, you can apply for the Permanent Professional Certificate.
Many other provinces have similar pathways. Permanent certification is usually granted after fulfilling additional criteria—most often full-time teaching experience in Canada.
Where to Apply for Teacher Certification by Province/Territory
Here’s a handy list of where to apply based on where you plan to teach in Canada:
| Province | Where to apply |
| Alberta | Alberta Education |
| British Columbia | British Columbia Ministry of Education and Childcare |
| Manitoba | Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Office of Teacher Certification |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Office of Teacher Certification, 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 | Registrar, Nunavut Educators Certification Services (NECS) – Teachers and Educators, Nunavut |
| Ontario | Ontario College of Teachers |
| Prince Edward Island | 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 partnered to create Pathways to Teach Canada—a streamlined platform that makes it easier for internationally trained educators to apply for certification.
This program offers a centralized way to submit applications, track status updates, and access helpful resources all in one place.
If you’re eligible, using this portal can save you time and make the process smoother, especially if you’re not sure where to start.
Transferring Certifications Across Provinces
In order to become a certified teacher in Canada, the next thing to know is how one can transfer certifications across provinces.
Well, thanks to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, teachers who are already certified in one province can apply to transfer their certification to another province or territory.
However, this doesn’t happen automatically. You’ll usually need to go through an application process, which may involve submitting certain documents, filling out specific forms, and providing additional details as requested by the new province’s regulatory body.
Working as a Teacher in Canada
There are a few different teaching roles available in Canada, depending on your experience, availability, and goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Full-Time Teachers – Permanent Positions
Permanent full-time teachers usually work throughout the school year—about 10 months—while classes are in session.
Typical breaks include:
- 2–3 weeks during the winter holidays (Christmas break)
- 1 week in March (March break)
- Around 2 months off in the summer
Most permanent teachers are part of a union. This means they benefit from standardized pay based on their qualifications and experience, along with job protections and pension plans.
One of the biggest perks is the defined benefit pension plan, which pays a guaranteed, inflation-adjusted amount for life after retirement. The payout is based on your years of service and previous earnings.
Supply Teachers
Supply teachers are on-call substitutes who step in when full-time teachers are away—often for a day or two due to illness or emergencies.
To work as a supply teacher, you typically sign up with a specific school board and get added to a roster. Most calls come in early in the morning asking if you’re available to teach that day.
A supply teacher might work five days in a week, each in a different classroom—and sometimes even in different schools. They’re paid on a per-day basis.
Many new teachers start as supply teachers to gain experience and build connections. Others choose this route for its flexibility, which can be ideal for balancing other life commitments.
Long-Term Occasional Teachers (LTOs)
An LTO is a full-time teaching contract that covers for a permanent teacher who is away for an extended time—like maternity or parental leave.
These contracts can last anywhere from a few weeks to an entire school year.
While LTOs are temporary, they are considered full-time teaching positions. Once the contract ends, so does the job.
In some provinces, LTOs (like supply teachers) may also be part of a union and eligible to contribute to a defined benefit pension plan.
Public vs Catholic Schools
In many provinces, there are two types of publicly funded school systems:
- Public (secular) school boards
- Catholic school boards
Both offer a similar curriculum and lead to the same diplomas, but Catholic schools provide a faith-based education aligned with Catholic values.
If you’re considering teaching in a Catholic school, keep in mind that many boards require teachers to be practicing Catholics. Public school boards, on the other hand, do not have any religious requirements for employment.
Growing Demand for Professionals in Canada’s Education Sector
In order to become a certified teacher in Canada, the last thing to know is the increasing demand for professionals in education sector.
If you’re a teacher looking to move to Canada, now might be the perfect time.
Education is one of the sectors experiencing labour shortages across the country. As a result, the federal government has added education as a category in the Express Entry system, thus making it easier for qualified educators to receive invitations to apply for permanent residence.
In fact, Express Entry now includes teaching roles in its category-based draws, giving priority to skilled professionals in education.
New roles added in 2025 include:
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
- Instructors for individuals with disabilities
- Early childhood educators and assistants
- Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
- Secondary school teachers
Being eligible for one of these targeted draws significantly increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry.
Begin your journey to Canada with Immigtoronto, offering expert guidance and dedicated for a seamless immigration process. Contact us for any queries at [email protected].
