Many colleagues have been asking about how to get a teaching license and employment in Canada as a Ghana-trained teacher.
If you are serious about teaching in Canada, understand this first: teaching is a regulated profession. You must be licensed by the province you intend to work in. There is no “one Canada license.” Each province has its own certification body.
1. Choose Your Province
Examples: Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, etc.
Each province has its own Teacher Regulation Branch or College of Teachers. Go to their official website and read the requirements for internationally educated teachers.
2. Open an Online Account & Pay Application Fee
Most provinces require you to:
Create an online profile.
Pay an assessment/application fee (often between CAD 200–300+).
Receive a checklist of required documents.
After opening your account, you usually have a limited period (often one year) to submit all required documents.
3. Academic Documents (Very Important)
You will need:
• Official transcripts for all your degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s if any).
These must be sent directly from your university to the certification body.
• Detailed course outlines or syllabus.
This is very important. They want to see:
The courses you studied.
Credit hours.
Evidence of supervised teaching practice (usually at least 12 weeks).
If you attended a College of Education or University in Ghana, request:
Academic transcript
Detailed syllabus
Confirmation of teaching practice duration
Some provinces may require credential evaluation through an approved agency.
4. Statement of Professional Standing
This is where many people make mistakes.
As a Ghanaian teacher, you will need a current, valid license from the National Teaching Council (NTC).
You may be asked to request a “Statement of Professional Standing” from NTC to confirm:
You are licensed.
Your license is in good standing.
There are no disciplinary issues.
Make sure your NTC license is active before applying.
5. Language Proficiency
Since Ghana is an English-speaking country, some provinces may accept:
An official letter from your university stating English was the language of instruction.
Others may still require IELTS Academic. Always check the province’s specific rule.
6. Identification & Police Clearance
You may need:
Passport
Marriage certificate (if name changed)
Change of name affidavit (if applicable)
Police clearance (often from Canada and possibly Ghana)
7. Processing Time
After submitting all required documents, processing can take several months (sometimes 4–6 months or more). Be patient.
8. Immigration Status
Very important:
In most cases, you must be:
A Canadian citizen, OR
A Permanent Resident, OR
Have legal authorization to work in Canada
before you can be fully licensed or employed.
9. Employment
Once licensed, you can apply to:
Public school boards
Catholic school boards
Private schools
Charter schools (in some provinces)
Teaching is classified as a skilled occupation in Canada. Teachers earn a competitive salary, with substitute teachers starting at $26-$29/hour in Alberta for example, and experienced teachers earning up to $80,000-$100,000 annually. Teachers also enjoy paid holidays and structured salary scales based on qualifications and years of experience.
10. My Advice to Ghanaian Teachers
If you are planning to relocate:
Gather your transcripts and syllabus before leaving Ghana.
Renew your NTC license.
Keep records of your teaching experience (appointment letters, payslips, recommendation letters).
Research the province carefully before applying.
Do not rush the process. Read everything yourself. Every province is slightly different.
If you are passionate about education and willing to go through the process properly, it is possible.
Thank you for having a time to read our article ...
Keep following Lincoln media Resourcez Edu for more Educational Study materials and updated information....
