BC College of Teachers

The British Columbia College of teachers, created under the Teaching Profession Act, is the professional regulatory body for teachers in BC. The College is directed through legislation to set standards for the profession. This includes the education of teachers, issuing teaching certificates, conducting certificate reviews and where necessary, suspending or cancelling certificates (BCCT webpage).

The College is responsible for the evaluation of qualifications and the issuing of teaching certificates.

Here are some of the basic eligibility requirements:

*BC Grade 12 equivalence
*At least four years of post-secondary study and completion of a teacher education program
*Teaching Experience
*Familiarity with the BC education system and curriculum
*Suitability

Under the provisions of the Teaching Profession Act, applicants for a BC Certificate of Qualification must meet both the standard qualification and the standards of fitness as set out in the bylaws and policies of the College.

Standards of Qualification and Fitness:
To teach in the public schools, band schools, and most independent schools of British Columbia, an educator must hold a Certificate of Qualification issues by the College. Teachers in BC are required to have completed a bachelor's degree preferably in a teachable subject, as well as a minimum of 30 credits in a teacher education program. Teachers are also expected to be fluent in English (with an exception of in the French-language system).

Please note that while the BCCT sets minimum academic requirements for teacher applicants, admission requirements to teacher education programs at BC universities vary. Faculties of Education set admission requirements based on their assessment of adequate academic qualification for their specific program. It is assumed, however, that meeting the admission requirements to an elementary education program in BC's universities will also cover the minimum academic qualifications required by the BCCT.  Applicants pursuing degrees in applied program areas such as CYC, SOWK, BUS etc. may find that they don't have enough room in their degrees to complete course requirements of an elementary education program.



This information is intended as a summary of some aspects of the BCCT requirements. Please check the BCCT website or contact the TEP Education Advisor, if you have further questions.