UAE Ministry of Education mandates professional licenses for educators

The UAE Ministry of Education places great importance on delivering high-quality education to students by ensuring the availability of qualified teachers and professionals. These individuals are expected to possess in-depth knowledge of their subject areas and teaching methodologies, stay up to date with the demands of the knowledge era, and serve as ethical role models for their students.

To achieve this vision, the Ministry has implemented the Educational Professional Licensing System to assess the competencies of education professionals, ensure their readiness to practice with excellence, and provide them with development and support opportunities.

Educational professional licensing system

The educational professional license has become a mandatory requirement for education specialists in the UAE. It has played a vital role in enhancing the profession and ensuring high-quality performance across the education sector. This system equips education professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to compete globally.

A prerequisite to practice the profession

The Ministry has affirmed that obtaining a professional education license has been a mandatory requirement to practice the teaching profession in the UAE since 2021. It serves as an official authorization issued by the Ministry, granting the holder the legal right to work in education-related roles. The license aims to uphold high performance standards across educational institutions.

Three types of approved professional licenses

The Ministry has outlined three types of professional licenses based on job roles:

• Teacher License: Covers all teachers across various disciplines, including subject teachers, activity instructors, kindergarten teachers, special education, and vocational education.

• School Leadership License: Designated for school principals and their deputies at all levels.

• School Professionals License: Applies to non-teaching specialized roles such as learning resource specialists, science lab technicians, librarians, academic and career counselors, and classroom assistants.

Registration process for obtaining the license

The Ministry has clarified that all education professionals in both public and private sectors must register through the electronic licensing system using the UAE Digital Identity (UAE Pass), according to the following categories:

• Teachers in private schools: Must register using the access code provided to school principals.

• Teachers in public schools: Register via their official work email address.

• Unemployed educators or job seekers: Register via the “Teach for UAE” portal using the identifier code 77784.

License requirements vary by type and include registering on the online platform, attesting or equating academic qualifications, holding a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and passing subject-specific and professional exams based on the targeted license category.

International license holders undergo a detailed evaluation process, which includes submitting supporting documents such as the international teaching license certificate, licensing history, proof of teaching experience, and a criminal record clearance from the most recent country of residence.

Professional exams and assessments

The Professional Licensing Department announces exam schedules at the start of each academic year, and registered professionals can book their exam slots directly via the system. The exams are structured as follows:

• Teachers: Subject-specific exam and a professional exam on educational foundations.

• School Leadership: A leadership competency assessment.

• School Professionals: Role-specific exams tailored to each job category.

 Retaking exams after exhausting attempts

Candidates who have exhausted the three allowed attempts will not be permitted to reapply until six months after their last attempt, giving them sufficient time for preparation and training before receiving three new attempts.

Results announcement

Results for approved exams are typically released within one month of the test date. For new subject exams, results may take up to three months. Results for school leadership assessments are announced two months after the test date.

International teaching licenses

Obtaining an international teaching license is one of the key requirements for practicing the teaching profession in the UAE. It is also one of the main standards used to assess teachers. Many educators seek to acquire this license by passing the required teacher qualification tests.

What are international teaching licenses in the UAE?

International teaching licenses are permits issued by certain foreign countries, and teachers holding these can apply for license equivalency in the UAE. Upon fulfilling documentation requirements and registering in the electronic licensing system, and after obtaining security clearance from their home countries, eligible teachers may receive authorization to work in UAE schools without restrictions.

What are the standards for teachers in the UAE?

The UAE has established comprehensive teacher standards to guide recruitment and elevate educational outcomes to a global level. These standards also form the basis for the unified licensing framework for teachers:

• Professional and ethical conduct

• Professional knowledge

• Professional practice

• Professional development 

In addition, there are distinct standards for school leadership licensing, including:

• Professional and ethical leadership

• Strategic leadership

• Instructional leadership

• Operational leadership

The Importance of the Educational Professional License

• Aligns UAE education with global standards

• Highlights outstanding educators

• Identifies diverse teaching talents

• Supports distinguished educators in advancing the educational mission

• Enhances student performance through modern, best-practice methods

• Encourages innovation in teaching disciplines

• Promotes continuous professional development and improves teacher competency

Key Steps and Requirements to Obtain a Teaching License

• Pass the subject-specific test

• Pass the professional teaching exam

• Equate or attest the highest academic degree