FAQs: Teachers’ licences

Q Who is eligible to apply for a UAE teachers’ licence? A

For now, only Arabic, English, maths, physics, chemistry and biology teachers working with Grades 10-12 pupils at government high schools or private high schools that user the Ministry of Education curriculum have been invited to register for the first phase of the licensing system.

But aren’t all teachers supposed to be licensed?

By the end of 2020, all principals, vice principals, cluster managers and teachers working across all public and private schools in the UAE will have to hold a teacher’s licence to legally work in the country.

How can I apply?

If you are among the 5,076 teachers selected by the ministry to participate in the first phase of registration, you will receive an email this month directing you to a website where you can register. I have completed my online Teachers Licensing System registration. What now?

In April, you will have to sit for an exam to measure how proficient you are in the subject you teach. The ministry will send you an email with your exam details. Then, in September, you will have to write a professional test to assess your knowledge of UAE culture and heritage, teaching ethics, classroom management and other standards related to teaching methods.

What if I fail the tests? You will have two more chances to pass. But before you can resit the tests, you will be required to enrol for training tailored to your specific needs, which will be determined by your test scores.

Where can I get training? Training programmes are being developed by the ministry in partnership with local institutions.