Application Steps for Teachers
How to Apply for a B.C. Teaching Certificate
B.C. Certificate of Qualification
To teach in B.C.’s public, independent or First Nations schools, you must hold a Certificate of Qualification (COQ), sometimes referred to as a teaching certificate.
The COQ is issued by the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care to applicants who meet set professional standards. Your application is evaluated based on your:
- Academic history
- Teacher education training
- Relevant teaching experience
- Suitability to work with children
Based on your qualifications, you may receive one of several certificate types, such as a Professional, Basic or Conditional Certificate. In unique situations, educators may be issued a Letter of Permission, allowing them to teach temporarily without full certification.
Applying for a Certificate of Qualification is straightforward, but processing can take time. Here is a quick overview of the process on the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s website.
How to Apply
Your application pathway depends on where you completed your teacher education program – in B.C., within Canada or internationally.
Use the Teaching Certificate Application Selection Tool to help you determine what type of certificate you qualify for.
Required Documentation
Submitting all required documents accurately and promptly helps ensure faster processing. Some items, such as official transcripts and character references, must be sent directly by third parties, so contact them early.
A full list of required documents is available on the Teaching in BC website. At the minimum, your application must include:
- Completed Certificate of Qualification (COQ) application form
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Recommendation and official transcript from your teacher education program
- Consent to a criminal record check
- Two confidential character references
- Valid identification (e.g., birth certificate or other government-issued ID)
- Practicum reports
- Application fee
Processing Times
Processing times vary throughout the year based on the volume of applications. After submission, an evaluator will first verify that your application is complete.
Once all required documents have been received, full processing typically takes 20 to 60 business days. Delays may occur during peak periods, such as when B.C. universities graduate new teacher candidates, or when international applicants face challenges obtaining official documents.
You can reduce delays by ensuring your documentation is complete and submitted early.
Track your application status at any time by logging into the Applicants’ Area on the Ministry’s website.
Apply Today
It’s best to begin your certification application as early as possible. The sooner you apply, the sooner it can be reviewed.