Procedure to Obtain a Dubai Teaching License

Are you considering a career in teaching in Dubai? Obtaining a teacher's license is a crucial step in this process. Whether you're a local resident or an international educator, understanding the requirements and procedures for acquiring a teaching license in Dubai is essential. Let's delve into the details and steps involved in securing your teaching license, ensuring you're well-equipped for the exciting journey ahead in the field of education.

How do education professionals in the UAE obtain their licenses through the Educational Professions Licensure System?

The Educational Professions Licensure System was established to uphold the UAE's vision of fostering a Knowledge Economy and ensuring high-quality education standards. By requiring all education professionals to obtain a license, the UAE aims to enhance the profession and ensure excellence in the education system. The license is obtained through two tests: one on pedagogy and another on subject matter specialization. If a candidate does not meet the exam criteria, customized training courses are provided. Education professionals can register for exams at scheduled stages, with exams tailored to their specialization and location.

Eligibility Requirements

A bachelor's degree or higher required
A criminal clearance record needed
Medical fitness report from the UAE mandatory
Original educational certificates are necessary
Certificates from universities outside the UAE must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the country's embassy in the UAE.

Here is a step-by-step procedure for the application:

Registration:
As a first-time user of TLS, you will need to register by clicking on the Sign-Up button on the main page.

For Users with MOE Email ID (Public Schools):

Select your Emirate/Zone from the dropdown list.
Choose your current school from the dropdown list.
Provide your full name and telephone number.
Enter your MOE Email ID (ending with @moe.gov.ae or @moe.ae).
Set a password and confirm it.
Agree to the Terms and Conditions by ticking the checkbox.
Click the "Sign-Up" button to complete the registration.

For Users without MOE Email ID (Private Schools):

Select your Emirate/Zone from the dropdown list.
Choose your current school from the dropdown list.
Enter the School PIN provided by your school.
Provide your email ID, full name, and telephone number.
Set a password and confirm it.
Agree to the Terms and Conditions by ticking the checkbox.
Click the "Sign-Up" button to finish the registration.

You will receive an email to verify your account.
Once verified, log in by entering your email ID and password.

Application

After successfully registering on the Teacher Licensing System (TLS) platform, proceed to access the application form.

Enter personal details, educational qualifications, employment history, references, and any additional required information in the application form.
Upload scanned copies of essential documents: Emirates ID, academic certificates, passport, police clearance certificate, resume, transcript, and residency visa.
Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and in the specified file format.
Confirm that the provided information aligns with the application guidelines.
Thoroughly review the application form and attached documents.
Proceed to submit the application by clicking the "Submit" button.
The application will be transmitted to the Ministry of Education (MOE) for further processing.
Upon successful submission, receive a confirmation email from the MOE.
The confirmation mail will also consist of details about the day and time of your specialization test.
Regularly monitor the email inbox for further communication or updates regarding the application status from the MOE.

Please note:

The license is obtained by passing the tests designed for each targeted category in the education sector.
If the applicant fails to meet the exam criteria, the system then introduces training courses that are customized based on the level shown in the exam to achieve the required outcome.
You can also access the Ministry of Education's mock exam platform to familiarize yourself with the exam format and practice answering questions under simulated testing conditions.

Mock Exam

Upon successfully passing the tests, candidates are granted a Dubai teaching license, with validity ranging from one to three years based on their test scores, expertise, and experience.

Do teachers licensed in their respective English-speaking countries need to follow the same procedure?

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has implemented a system that recognizes teaching licenses from specific countries.

Licence Name	Issuing Country
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)	United Kingdom
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)	United Kingdom
Full Registered Teacher	Ireland
Professional (Full) Registration	Scotland
USA Professional Educational License	United States
Canada Teaching License	Canada
Fully Certified Teacher	New Zealand
Fully Registered Teacher	Australia

Transitional License (Temporary License):

Applicants can also pursue a transitional license through the MOE website, enabling them to teach while their licensure application is in progress.
The transitional license has a duration of two years and incurs a fee of AED 50,000.
To qualify for a transitional license, applicants must meet specific conditions:
- Link their profile in the educational profession licensure system to their Emirates ID.
- Provide the certificate number that has been equalized/attested by the Certificate Equivalency Department at the Ministry of Education or enter the application number for the certificate equalized/attested.
- Register for the tests related to the job type once available.
- Submit the profile for approval by the school principal.
- Payment of fees for the issuance of the license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the procedure for those who are not registered in the TLS?

A. Education professionals who are not registered in the system will not be invited to undergo the process for taking the tests and as a result, they will not be issued a license.

Q. How can I renew my professional license?

A. Preparing an e-portfolio is the main requirement to renew your license. Further details about its content and the process of evaluation will be communicated in the coming stages.

Q. How long is the Dubai teaching license valid for?

A. The Dubai teaching license is valid for either one or three years, depending on factors such as test scores, expertise, and experience.

Q. What happens if you don't pass the Dubai teaching license tests?

A. If you don't meet the exam criteria, you have two more opportunities to retake the assessment. Additionally, TLS offers training courses to help you improve if you didn't achieve the required outcome on your first attempt. These courses, ranging from one to six months, are customized to your specific needs.

Q. Can teachers with extensive experience but no formal qualifications apply for the Dubai teaching license?

A. Yes, individuals with significant teaching experience but no formal qualifications can apply for the Dubai teaching license. However, they may need to undergo additional assessments or training to meet the requirements.

Q. Are there any exemptions or waivers available for certain applicants?

A. Exemptions or waivers may be available for certain applicants, depending on factors such as qualifications, experience, and previous assessments. Applicants should check with the Ministry of Education (MOE) or relevant authorities for more information.

Q. How long does it take to complete the Dubai teaching license application process?

A. The duration of the Dubai teaching license application process can vary depending on individual circumstances. However, it typically involves completing the required assessments, training (if necessary), and submitting the necessary documentation.

Q. Can I apply for a teaching license in Dubai if my degree is from a non-English speaking country?

Yes, you can still apply for a teaching license in Dubai if your degree is from a non-English-speaking country. However, you may need to provide evidence of English language proficiency, such as through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the requirements of the licensing authority.