Abu Dhabi: The Teacher and Education Leadership Standards licensing program aims to standardize teacher qualifications for both UAE nationals and expat teachers working in UAE’s private and public schools across the country. As UAE aims to provide quality education to all the buds and tries to bring blossom, the country always makes sure that the teachers and other staffs are professionals and requires adequate knowledge as well as experience.

The Educational Professions Licensure System was launched in line with the vision of the UAE in order to develop a knowledge economy and to insure a high-quality education along with the best standards of education. In the system of TLS (Teacher’s Licensing System), all teachers, principals, vice-principals and school managers need to have an educational professions license while working in the UAE.

The pilot phase of this project began by the beginning of 2017. UAE’s far vision and perfection to its standards made the TLS mandatory for teachers who looks forward for a professional career growth. Later on, by the end 2020, the TLS became a major requirement for education professionals. In order to obtain the license, an applicant must pass two tests, namely: A pedagogy test and another test based on the applicant’s area of specialization.

What are the requirements to be a teacher in the UAE?

In order to become a teacher in the UAE, applicant must hold a minimum of bachelor’s degree or a 4-year university degree. This applies to Government/Public schools as well as private schools in the country. Additionally, the Criminal Clearance Record, Attested educational certificate, Equivalency certificate from MOE, Original transcripts of record, applicant’s KYC documents etc.. are also required to apply for the Teacher’s license.

In order to apply for the license, teachers need to register in the TLS system. Registrations will be opened for selected group of teachers on the basis of educational cycles. The teachers needs to create an online profile in the portal. After the credential registration is completed, the teachers will receive a notification to get registered for the exam. Once the date is confirmed, teachers need to appear for the assessment. Once the assessment is finished successfully, applicant or the teacher can further proceed for the licensing process. If they fail or could not make up the assessment, the teachers need to appear for further training and then need to complete the licensing process.

Who all are eligible to apply for a teacher license?

Currently, Arabic, English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology that is the cycle 3 teachers working in the government or private high schools are only eligible to apply for the licensing. The teachers must teach the curriculum approved by UAE Ministry of Education and they need to have registered in the first phase of the teacher licensing system. This phase was introduced far back on 2018. Many will be confused that whether bachelor degree or master’s degree in educational training is mandatory in obtaining the license. But, currently the diploma or the teaching degree is not required for teachers to obtain the license. These are mandatory as a part of KHDA/ADEK requirements. In TLS system, it has not yet made necessary.

How does the renewal of TLS license takes place? What is the validity of the License?

To renew the license, teachers have to develop a portfolio over three years. Normally the validity of a teacher license will be between One to Three years depending upon the test scores, qualifications and professional experience. During the time of renewal, there will be no specific assessments or exams. There will be permanently evolving areas of professional development.

In case if the teacher migrates from one emirate to another, applying new license is not necessary. However, applicant have to notify the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) or the ADEK and obtain a new character certificate from the local police services. He/She don’t have to go through the entire testing process again.