How to Get Teachers License Dubai
With its diverse population and a flow of newcomers into the country, the UAE has a stable demand for teaching and tutoring services. Working as a teacher in Dubai requires not only the proper education and skills but also a license proving that you have them. When it comes to schools with international curriculum, you would typically need a Bachelor’s degree in education and certificates from acknowledged educational authorities such as the British Council. But overall, a UAE teacher’s license is mandatory for those willing to work in the country’s educational institutions.
Why Do You Need a Teacher’s License in Dubai?
A Teacher's License in Dubai is required to ensure that educators in the Emirate meet certain standards and qualifications. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai oversees the licensing process and has implemented this requirement for several reasons:
Quality Assurance
The Teacher's License is a mechanism that ensures the quality of education provided in schools. The KHDA aims to enhance the overall quality of teaching and learning in Dubai by setting specific standards and requiring educators to meet them.
Professional Standards
The licensing process ensures that teachers adhere to professional standards in terms of education, ethics, and conduct. This helps maintain a high level of professionalism among educators.
Credential Verification
The certification process is aimed at verifying educational qualifications and teaching credentials to ensure that individuals teaching in Dubai schools possess the necessary qualifications and expertise in their respective subjects.
Continuous Professional Development
Teachers are subject to continuous professional development as part of their license renewal process. This guarantees that educators remain up-to-date with the latest pedagogical approaches, educational technologies, and subject matter expertise.
Language Proficiency
The licensing process may include a language proficiency requirement, ensuring that teachers can effectively communicate in the language of instruction, typically English.
Regulation of the Teaching Profession
Licensing regulates the teaching profession by establishing clear standards and expectations, contributing to the accountability and credibility of the education system.
Enhancing the Reputation of Education Institutions
The reputation of educational institutions in Dubai is enhanced by having licensed and qualified teachers. It reassures students and parents that the educators have met certain standards and are committed to professional development.
Alignment with International Standards
Education in Dubai is geared towards the best international practices. The licensing requirement for teachers is part of this effort to ensure that the education system is in line with global standards.
Steps to Acquire a Teacher’s License in Dubai
In order to regulate the licensing process for teachers, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) established the Teachers Licensing System (TLS), setting the eligibility requirements for teaching in public and private schools of the UAE. The steps to secure your TLS certificate are as follows.
1. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria:
- A valid UAE residency visa
- Original transcripts of education and training certificates proving your expertise
- Police clearance certificate ensuring the absence of criminal records
- Medical fitness report
2. Register on the TLS website:
- Visit the MOE website and sign up for a MOE ID.
- Activate your TLS account in the follow-up e-mail
3. Add your basic information and credentials:
- Passport
- Residency visa and Emirates ID
- Police clearance certificate
- Education and professional training certificates and transcripts
- CV and references
- English language test score
- Contact information
4. Submit the information and wait for the MOE approval:
Once you’ve submitted the required information, it will be checked and verified. You will receive a letter from the MOE specifying the details of the tests you must take to secure a license.
5. Pass the TLS tests:
Obtaining a TLS license requires passing two tests, one in your specialization area and the other in your teaching proficiency. The first one is typically held in April, the second – in September.
6. Collect the issued license:
Once you’ve successfully passed the tests, undergone the verification process, and met all the requirements, the MOE will issue your teacher's license. Depending on your test scores and credentials, the license will be valid for 1-3 years.
7. Renew your teacher’s license in time:
Keep track of the license renewal process and make sure to renew it as required by the KHDA. To maintain certification, teachers must complete a series of mandatory professional development courses.
Costs of Getting a Teacher’s License in Dubai
There are no fees associated with the process of receiving a teacher’s license. However, if you want to be able to work throughout the license acquisition process, you can apply for a transitional license, which costs AED 50,000. This license is valid for 2 years and also comes with a set of requirements.
Documents Required for a Teacher’s License in Dubai
- Passport and visa copies
- Passport-sized photographs:
- Emirates ID
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical fitness certificate
- Education certificates and transcripts
- CV
- Professional training and experience certificates
- Professional references (e.g., recommendation letters)
Summary
The licensing process for teachers in the UAE is quite straightforward, so with the necessary credentials, adequate skills, and proper experience, you’ll be able to secure your teacher’s license without any complications and expenses. The teaching profession is in high demand with a range of educational institutions looking for skilled professionals. Keep in mind that the certification process and requirements may change over time, so it’s recommended to stay informed about the recent developments in this field.
Benefits of teacher’s license
- Access to a highly demanded job
- Ability to work in UAE’s educational institutions
- Professional credibility
- Legal compliance with government regulations
- Free-of-charge licensing process
- Easy online registration with TLS
- Professional development
Get teacher’s license
FAQ
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Where can I get information and updates on TLS and the teacher’s license?
For the most recent information regarding the educational licenses in the UAE and details of the licensing process, visit the MOE website available in English and Arabic.
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What if I fail the TLS tests?
If you don't achieve the required result in your first test, it’s not the end of the world, as you’ll have two more attempts to do it. In order to help you in your efforts, there are several training courses introduced by TLS to suit your needs ranging from one to six months in duration.
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Is the teacher’s license the only available license for work in the education field?
No, the teacher’s license is one of the three license types of the Educational Professions License (EPL). The EPL is a permit issued to individual professionals by the MOE upon meeting certain requirements, allowing the holder to work in the education sector. Apart from the teacher’s license, the EPL also includes the School Leadership License and the School Professions License, each with its own criteria and work opportunities.
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