1. Obtain required documentation
   Many IETs find it challenging to obtain required academic documents such as official transcripts, especially after leaving their home country. You are encouraged to contact your educational institution and request your official transcripts which must include educational hour credits and supervised student teaching hours.
   
   Review minimum eligibility requirements. You may be required to take additional courses to qualify for certification.
   
   Below is a list of documents you will be required to submit as part of the assessment and certification process:
   • Identity documents (and evidence of name change)
   • Current criminal record check that includes a vulnerable sector check
   • Official transcripts sent directly from teacher education institution (must include courses and grades (syllabus if available)
   • Secondary school leaving certificate (high school certificate (must include courses and grades)
   • Statement of professional standing (if profession is not regulated in your country, then reference letter)
   • Verification of currency of teaching practice (required if you have not taught in the last 10 years or finished your teacher’s education program more than 10 years ago)
   • Evidence of language proficiency
     
     
2. English or French Language Proficiency
   If your primary language is not English or French, you will be required to write one of the accepted English language proficiency tests or record a 20-minute French interview.
   
   The following English language proficiency tests are accepted:
   • Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet based test (TOEFL-iBT)
   • International English Language Testing System Academic test (IELTS-Academic)
     
     
3. Interim Professional Certification (IPC)
   As a first step, you can apply for an IPC which will begin the evaluation of your professional and educational qualifications by Alberta Education.
   Note: Alberta Education is the only body that assesses credentials for teaching certification.
   
   You are required to open an account with the Teacher Workforce Information System (TWINS) and submit the supporting documents for evaluation. Processing time for internationally educated applicants takes at least 120 business days.
   
   The following outcomes can be anticipated:
   • An IPC is issued allowing individuals to teach anywhere in the province grades kindergarten to grade 12 (valid for 3 years before requiring extension/re-issue).
   • Upgrading (i.e. additional training) is required which can include academic, language, and/or bridging training (cost & duration varies).
   • A Letter of Authority may be issued in eligible circumstances at the recommendation of an employing Alberta school authority. 
   • The application is declined if minimum requirements are not met.
     
     
4. Permanent Professional Certificate (PPC)
   A designated officer within a schooling authority can recommend an individual for a PPC if the following certification requirements have been met:
   • Completion of 2 years full-time teaching in Alberta while holding a valid IPC
   • 2 successful evaluations based on the Teaching Quality Standard 

Requests for a PPC must be initiated by a designated officer. Alberta Education does not accept requests for a PPC from individual teachers until the designated officer has made a recommendation. Your employing school authority can provide information about their PPC recommendation process.

Costs associated with having credentials assessed and applying for certification may include some or all of the following:

• Fees to obtain educational documents (i.e. transcripts, certificates, letters)
• Fees for document translation and certification
• Application fee (for IPC)
• Language assessment fees (TOEFL or IELTS exam)
• IPC extension/re-issuance
• Application fee (for PPC)

Clients of the BredinWorks for Internationally Educated Professionals program in Edmonton may be eligible for support in paying some of these expenses. Another option may be to seek financial assistance with a Servus-Bredin Microloan.

This site includes 12 career pathway Fact Sheets specifically created for IETs exploring employment opportunities in Alberta. Those are as follows:

• Early Childhood Education
• Education Support
• Administrative Support
• School Admissions
• Educational Research
• Communications
• Project Management
• College Instruction
• Corporate Training and Development
• Working with Youth
• Career Development
• Banking

These career options were selected and developed by a group of experts comprised of educators, teachers, government representatives, career counsellors and IETs. The career options were chosen based on a number of criteria including:

• Use of skills and knowledge similar to teaching
• Positive labour market conditions (or jobs in demand)
• Limited upgrading or retraining required
• Fulfilling work/environment with opportunities for advancement
• Successful career pathways of other IETs

To assist you with finding a career pathway that is right for you, try the Career Navigator in our Career Pathways tab.