Options

1. Updating candidates are qualified teachers who received their certificates in another province or country, and who apply to the British Columbia College of Teachers for certification to teach in B.C. If you are new to Canada, please click here for more information.
2. Updating candidates were qualified to teach in B.C., but they have not taught in 10-19 years and their certificates have lapsed.
3. Re-employment candidates are qualified teachers holding permanent teaching certificates and are in good standing with the British Columbia College of Teachers, but do not have recent teaching experience.
4. Teaching Specialization development may be required for qualified secondary teachers who wish to teach in the elementary grades. Elementary admission requirements apply to secondary candidates without exception.

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Admission Requirements

Please be advised that all admission requirements and academic prerequisites must be met prior to the curriculum and instruction courses. Applicants are expected to meet contemporary academic requirements for the program to which they apply.

Elementary and Secondary Admission requirements

In some cases, prerequisites may be taken concurrently, a possibility presented during admission evaluation and advising. Please consult with the Program Coordinator in the Teacher Education Office.

Language Competency Tests

English Language Requirements

When you apply to the Teacher Updating Program, you'll need to demonstrate highly competent English written and oral language skills. An applicant must satisfy both the UBC English admission requirements and any additional requirements established by the Faculty of Education.

Where acceptable standards of both written and oral English are not demonstrated during the program, updating candidates will be required to improve before continuing with courses and before proceeding to the extended practicum.

Applicants who have not completed all their post-secondary studies at an institution(s) where English is the primary language of instruction are normally required to complete 6 credits of English. In addition these applicants may be required to complete an acceptable written English test, before beginning the program.

The Faculty accepts a Language Proficiency Index (LPI) score of 5 or higher as satisfying this requirement. For information on the LPI, click here (link opens in new window). Oral English will be assessed at the beginning of the term. Learn more about English requirements here.

French Language Requirements

Applicants updating for French Immersion or French as a Second Language are required to pass the French Language Appraisal at the appropriate level. For more information about the French Language Appraisal.

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Admission Evaluation

The Faculty of Education does an admission evaluation at no charge. Candidates referred by the British Columbia College of Teachers should present their letters from the College as well as all official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. For a preliminary evaluation, photocopies of official transcripts will do; however, official transcripts must be submitted directly from all post-secondary institutions at the time of formal application.

Please be advised that individuals who have previously registered in a similar program at a university other than UBC within the most recent 5 years are not usually eligible for the UBC Teacher Updating Program.

When you apply to the Teacher Updating Program, you must provide:

1. a copy of the British Columbia College of Teachers verification of certificate status
2. a resume of teaching experiences
3. copies of transcripts.

During the admission evaluation, advice will be given on courses, timetables, and registration procedures. Please be reminded that the Faculty may have additional requirements to those of the College of Teachers.

Candidates with international transcripts should provide the following documents:

1. Original transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions attended;
2. Original degree certificate;
3. Official MOSAIC translation of documents which are not in English or French;
4. Course descriptions and syllabi if available.

Mail in or drop off all documents for evaluation to:

Teacher Recertification Program Coordinator Teacher Education Office Faculty of Education The University of British Columbia 2125 Main Mall Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 Phone: (604) 822-5242 Fax: (604) 822-8227 Email: teacher.ed@ubc.ca

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Program Description

The Updating Program normally involves 12 credits of courses in curriculum and instruction plus teaching practica. The courses and practicum will be specific to either the Elementary or the Secondary option. Each Updating program is a reflection of the specific needs and background of the applicant involved and an individual assessment is required.

Note that a criminal record check is required of all persons who work with children and therefore is a requirement for admission.

Elementary Option Sequence

Introductory 2-Week Practicum - January

Coursework - Mid-January to March

Extended practicum *- beginning in April

Secondary Option Sequence

Coursework - September to December

Introductory 2-Week Practicum - October (classes suspended)

Extended practicum * - Beginning in February

* The extended practicum is 6-13 weeks as determined by the Faculty.

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Application Dates & Form

While you may apply anytime, please be advised of the following. Elementary candidates who apply after November 1, may experience difficulty in finding a seat in classes and a practicum placement. Secondary candidates who apply after August 1 may experience similar difficulties.

• Faculty of Ed Application for Teacher Updating Program

Please also submit the following forms with your Application:

• Faculty of Education Teacher Updating Program - Personal Profile
• When you are registered in the BEd program, you will be required to provide the Teacher Education Office with a signed criminal record check consent form. Instructions will be included in the admission letter. Please note there will be a fee for this service. It is not recommended that applicants obtain a criminal record check in advance as any prior criminal record checks undertaken will not fulfill this requirement.

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Costs

Candidates must consult the on-line UBC calendar for exact fee calculations. Fees are calculated per credit cost. These costs do not include books and activity fees.

Curriculum & Instruction = 12 credits x per credit cost

Practicum = 8-14 credits x per credit cost

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Advising

Candidates will be advised, in writing, of the results of the evaluation.

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