Teachers License Requirements with BA English?

[ChrisB87]

Hey,

So, can anyone tell me the exact requirements for the teachers license?

From what i understand it's:

• Bachelor degree
• TEFL/CELTA (unless you've got a BA English and then there's no need...is this correct?)
• Thai culture course

Also, how often do you have to renew your license? and do you need to do the culture course every time?

Thanks

[SlyAnimal]

Initially you only need a bachelors degree. Your school then requests a temporary or provisional teaching license (I forget which one it is, as it's often just referred to as a waiver). This lasts for 2 years.

After that expires, your school can apply for a second 2 year waiver. This is usually granted provided you have made some progress on working towards your full teachers license.

Same deal for a 3rd waiver.

Completing the culture course + passing the 4x teachers license exams will award you your full teachers license. But they aren't required for your first waiver.

[ChrisB87]

Thanks... i assume "by working towards the full teachers license" that means just taking some of the 4 exams?

What is involved in the exams? and can they be taken in different parts of Thailand?

Thanks

[SlyAnimal]

The exams are multiple choice and have a reputation for terrible English and very subjective questions, which make them extremely difficult. However they are improving on this, in the last set of examinations I heard that the pass rates were 50%+ for 3 of the 4 exams in the centre I did my exams at (1 exam had a 0% pass rate though, the English was really horrible lol).

The examinations can be taken at 4 different regional locations (In Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Bangkok or Hat Yai from memory).

[aidenai]

After you've passed the professional knowledge test (4 sections) and have sat the Thai Culture course you're eligible for the teacher license. Unlike the provisional teaching permit, the teacher license isn't tied to your school/ employer. The teacher license is valid for 5 years.

Edited August 6, 2013 by aidenai

[ChrisB87]

The exams are multiple choice and have a reputation for terrible English and very subjective questions, which make them extremely difficult. However they are improving on this, in the last set of examinations I heard that the pass rates were 50%+ for 3 of the 4 exams in the centre I did my exams at (1 exam had a 0% pass rate though, the English was really horrible lol).

The examinations can be taken at 4 different regional locations (In Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Bangkok or Hat Yai from memory).

Thanks for the info! Its good that they are improving!

After you've passed the professional knowledge test (4 sections) and have sat the Thai Culture course you're eligible for the teacher license. Unlike the provisional teaching permit, the teacher license isn't tied to your school/ employer. The teacher license is valid for 5 years.

Hey thanks for the info and the private message link you sent. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but definitely will later.

So what is the difference between the teachers license and the provisional teaching permit? Is it the provisional teaching permit is just for people who don't have degrees yet, but want a waiver for 2 years? (i guess), whereas the teachers license is for those with a degree and are qualified already?

Thanks again!

[SlyAnimal]

Both require degrees.

A Teachers license means you have passed the 4x exams + finished the culture course. This lasts for 5 years, and a bachelor degree is required before you can start doing the exams/culture course.

A provisional or temporary teaching permit (I forget which one), is when you have a bachelor's degree and are granted a 2 year teacher's license while you try to pass the exams/culture course.

[aidenai]

If I may add - a provisional teaching permit is a permission to the school to employ a specific teacher without the teacher is holding a teacher license as stipulated by law. Therefore, changing schools mean applying for new provisional teaching permits. The number of provisional teaching permits is limited to 2 or 3.

[ChrisB87]

Great info guys! Thanks a lot!

I have always been confused about it and never found anything on the government websites, but this has really cleared it all up for me!

So from what you guys have said..there is no requirement for a TEFL/CELTA to get the teachers license?

Thanks again! (i don't mean to push my luck, hehe)

[aidenai]

Great info guys! Thanks a lot!

I have always been confused about it and never found anything on the government websites, but this has really cleared it all up for me!

So from what you guys have said..there is no requirement for a TEFL/CELTA to get the teachers license?

Thanks again! (i don't mean to push my luck, hehe)

No requirement for a TEFL/ TESOL or CELTA certificate to get a TCT teacher license, TCT provisional teaching permit, a work permit or a visa/ extension of stay.

[ChrisB87]

Great job guys, thanks a million!