UAE Teacher Licencing Opens In February

Applications from public and private schools will be accepted for the National Teacher Licencing programme in February. Passing means teachers are licensed by the UAE education regulator, have 'Competent Teacher Status', and proof that they meet Teacher and Educational Leadership Standards (Tels).

By 2021 all practicing UAE teachers will have to hold the qualification.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) said in the run up to 2021 failure to pass the first time would not mean teachers could no longer practice. According to a tweet sent by Minister of Education Hussain Al Hammadi: 

“Those who don’t pass the test the first time will get another two chances, and the ministry will provide training programmes to support teachers who need to enhance certain skills.”

Adek in Abu Dhabi and the KHDA in Dubai have already tested two pilot versions of the system in UAE private schools.

In Dubai, 106 teachers were issued Competent Teacher Status.

In his tweets, the minister said while the 2021 deadline remains in place, it's not all stick - there are benefits of the CTS too.

“The licence will give the teacher the priority to join the teaching profession as well as financial incentives and living allowances in addition to its importance in enhancing teaching methods and achieving outstanding academic outcomes for the students.”

Details regarding how teaching staff will be able to apply for the licence have yet to be clarified by the MoE.

More information would be made available later this month.