Teaching License in the UAE The UAE has become a great location for teachers from around the world who are seeking greener pastures. A tax free salary, coupled with a high standard of living and so many more benefits that other countries simply cannot match, the UAE is certainly a rewarding place to be a teacher. Pair this with a community of like minded people from the world over and you’ll understand why it has become an ideal location for teachers that want to take their career forward. If you’re looking to make that move, this blog will serve as a great starting point as it will answer all your burning questions.

The Teaching License System

Before any teacher can begin working in the UAE, they have to go through the Teaching License System. This system is part of the broader Emirates Standardized Test for Teachers (EmSAT) for licensure. Upon completing this process, you will be a certified teacher by the Ministry of Education and hold a certified teaching license. This license will pave the way for future job opportunities in the region.

The TLS License is broken down into three stages:

1. Pedagogy Exam – This exam is a multiple choice question exam and you will be prompted to answer questions related to the methods and practices of teaching. If you are already a teacher in your home country, you would have faced a similar exam so it is nothing to stress too much about. It is likely that some questions will be based on a case study provided to you.
2. Specialization Exam – This exam will relate to the specific of your subject. For example, if you are a science teacher, you will be faced with questions on the same subject. It is important to be well versed in your area of teaching before facing this exam. The questions will be specific to the level of your teaching related to that subject. IE Grades 2 to 8 or Advanced Level questions. 
3. Equivalency – This stage involves getting your current qualifications attested. These would include your BSc Degrees, BA Degrees and other qualifications and certifications attested at the UAE Embassy in your home country. This process can take some time, so prepare in advance. You may also seek the help of an agent to do this for you. SetHub can help streamline this process. Your Mark Sheet will also need to be submitted, although it does not need to be attested. An authenticity letter is also required from the Embassy. This process is carried out by the Embassy contacting your University in an effort to cross check if your qualifications are genuine. Once you have all these documents, you can apply for Equivalency VIA the Ministry of Education’s Website.

If you do not pass the TLS exams during your first try, you are allowed to resit for them after a month has passed. This gives you enough time to try again and improve your knowledge in the areas that you struggled with. Do stay updated with the Ministry of Education’s guidelines, as the 30 day window may change depending on the exam and regulations in place at the time.

Once you have ticked the boxes on all three of the above steps, you can apply for your TLS License via the portal on the Ministry of Education’s Website.

When to apply

If you are looking for a teaching job in the UAE, it is useful to know that you need to not apply for your TLS license prior to securing that job. It is advisable to apply for your job first, and then proceed with the license application.

This is because the institution that seeks to hire you will help you out with this process. They will provide you with everything you need to know so that you can submit a perfect application that is more likely to get accepted by the Ministry of Education. 

License Validity

The TLS license granted to you is valid for three years. Renewals are based on continuous professional development and updates to your teaching qualifications. You may also need to submit updated portfolios. These requirements change from time to time and as a license holder, you will be updated by the Ministry of Education.

License Fees

You should budget around AED 1200 for the entire process to obtain your TLS license. If you work with an agent for the attestation of your documents, expect to pay a little more for their expertise on the subject.

SetHub is well versed with helping teachers complete the licensing process. Whether you are currently in Dubai or still in your home country, reach out to us for a quick consultation and our experts will guide you in the right direction.

Things to consider

Before you embark on the rewarding process of becoming a certified teacher in the UAE, you must consider the challenges involved.

While the UAE offers competitive salaries for teachers, the cost of living can be quite high, depending on the type of lifestyle you seek to live. Accommodation, entertainment and sending your own children to school can take up a big portion of your salary.

As a teacher, you must be prepared for a workload that is unpredictable and always changing. Expect to deal with added responsibilities and working after hours to fulfill the educational requirements of your students.

Despite these challenges, the UAE makes up for them in many ways, such as the multicultural environment, diverse teaching opportunities and room for professional development. 

The official licensing process is more structured and specific than what we’ve outlined for you. As a teacher, you need to follow the UAE’s Ministry of Education guidelines regarding your licensure and renewals.

In conclusion

Becoming a teacher in the UAE is rewarding, but it also requires preparation. The process involves passing exams related to pedagogy and specialization, as well as ensuring your qualifications are properly attested. Although the process may seem daunting, securing a teaching position first can provide valuable support from your employer, helping you get through the licensing requirements faster.

How can SetHub help?

If you have any questions about the Teaching License System in the UAE, SetHub is here to help. We are all about helping you get a head start with life in the UAE, no matter what your profession is, and therefore, our team is always ready to assist you with any queries or concerns that you might have!