A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your BC Certificate of Qualification (COQ)

If you’re dreaming about teaching in beautiful British Columbia, there’s one phrase you’ll hear right away — Certificate of Qualification (COQ).

The BC Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB) is the body that issues this certificate. Without it, you can’t teach in BC’s public K–12 schools. Think of it as your official “teaching passport” for the province.

Now, a quick heads-up — your immigration status (whether you’re a PR, work permit holder, or international applicant) is completely separate from your teaching licence. You get licensed first, and then you focus on job offers and immigration.

Independent schools sometimes hire under an Independent School Teaching Certificate (ISTC), butmore and more prefer teachers who hold a full COQ.

Who This Is For

This guide is for internationally educated teachers and Canadian-trained educators alike — anyone planning to teach in BC’s public schools.

You could be an elementary or kindergarten teacher (NOC 41221) or a secondary school teacher (NOC 41220). Either way, the path to your COQ runs through the same TRB application process.

Step 1: Create Your TRB Account

Let’s start with the basics — open your TRB file.

Head to the Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB) portal, create an account, and pay the intake fee. Once you’ve done that, you’ll get a TRB file number — essentially your applicant ID.

As soon as your file is created, the system generates a customized document list based on your background. That list will be your checklist moving forward. Keep it handy.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until you have all documents in hand. Start the file early; the verification steps take time.

Step 2: Identity and Name Documents

Here’s something many applicants overlook — consistency in names. Every single record (passport, degree, transcript, certificate) must match.

If you’ve changed your name (marriage, spelling correction, etc.), include notarized or certified copies of name-change documents. The TRB is strict about documentation — mismatched names can stall your file for weeks.

Step 3: Criminal Record Check (CRRP)

Even if you’ve had a background check elsewhere, BC requires a province-specific Criminal Record Check through the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP).

You’ll get an access code from TRB — use it to authorize your screening. This is one of the most time-sensitive steps, so get it done early. Processing can take anywhere from two to six weeks.

Step 4: Academic Degree Verification

TRB doesn’t accept copies or scans from applicants — everything must come directly from your institution.

Ask your university to send your official transcripts (plus a grading key) straight to TRB. If your degree doesn’t clearly show the program length or graduation date, request a formal confirmation letter.

Remember, “direct from source” is the golden rule here.

Step 5: Teacher-Education Verification

This is where the TRB confirms that you’re actually a trained teacher.

Your teacher-education program transcript must also come directly from the institution. Depending on your background, the TRB might ask for:

• A program verification form
• Detailed practicum information (hours, grade levels, subjects, evaluators)
• Course descriptions or syllabi if your program structure isn’t clear

This step often takes the longest for internationally trained teachers — especially if your practicum records aren’t specific about age levels or total teaching hours.

Step 6: Professional Standing

If you’ve ever been licensed to teach in another province or country, TRB will need to confirm your good standing there.

Each licensing body must send an official Statement of Professional Standing directly to TRB. Make sure it’s recent — most are valid for only six to twelve months.

Common issue: Applicants forget a previous short-term licence, and TRB pauses the review until all statements are received.

Step 7: Work History (Supporting Documents)

This one’s optional but valuable. Send employment letters that describe what and where you’ve taught.

They’re not a substitute for your practicum proof, but they give TRB context — especially if you’ve been teaching internationally or at private schools.

Step 8: Language Proficiency (If Required)

If your teacher-education program was conducted in English or French, you’re usually exempt from language testing.

However, if TRB isn’t fully satisfied with your proof, they might request an IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, or CELPIP result. Only submit one if asked — no need to front-load this.

Keep in mind: test results are typically valid for two years.

Step 9: Translations and Authentication

Documents not in English or French must be professionally translated. That means:

• Certified translator
• Translator affidavit (if requested)
• No self-translations — even if you’re fluent

You can use an affidavit-based certified translation from your home country or a Canadian certified translator from an approved association like STIBC (Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC).

Step 10: Submit, Track, and Respond

Once everything’s sent, check your TRB portal regularly.

If TRB asks for additional information — maybe extra practicum proof, a course outline, or an updated criminal record check — respond quickly. Delays on your end can stretch a three-month process into nine.

Step 11: Outcomes and Bridging Options

Depending on your file, you’ll receive one of four outcomes:

If you fall into the Conditional COQ category, don’t panic. Most international teachers take one or two additional courses at a BC university to bridge the gap — often in methodology or supervised practicum.

Step 12: Timelines and Fees

Processing times depend heavily on how fast your institutions send documents. On average:

Common fees include:

• TRB application: approx. CAD $245
• Criminal Record Check: ~$28
• Transcript/courier charges
• Notarization and translation fees
• Possible upgrade course tuition (if required)

Plan for around CAD $600–$1,000 total, not counting any additional coursework.

Step 13: After You Get Your COQ

Congratulations — once you’re certified, you can start applying for jobs through Make a Future and district HR portals.

Next, apply to the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) for salary placement. TQS evaluates your academic credentials to determine where you’ll start on the district pay grid.

Then, attend district onboarding — union orientation, payroll setup, and your first staff meeting. It’s a great moment to finally feel part of BC’s teaching community.

Step 14: Immigration Tie-In (Brief)

Your COQ isn’t immigration status, but it’s a game-changer for it.

If you’re eyeing BC PNP Skilled Worker or EEBC (Express Entry BC) pathways, your teaching licence makes you job-offer eligible. You’ll be considered “qualified for the occupation” — a core BC PNP requirement.

So, while your COQ doesn’t automatically grant PR, it definitely boosts employability and long-term settlement options.

Step 15: Compliance and Pitfalls

Here’s what trips up applicants most often:

• Transcripts not sent directly from the institution
• Practicum details missing or unclear
• Criminal Record Check done through the wrong channel
• Expired Statement of Professional Standing
• Mismatched names across documents
• Using uncertified translators
• Slow replies to TRB follow-ups

If you avoid these, your application can move smoothly within a few months.

Conclusion: Your Next Two Steps

If teaching in BC is your goal, your first move is clear — open your TRB file and start sending documents directly from each institution.

While that’s underway, begin exploring jobs on Make a Future and mapping out your immigration pathway (BC PNP or Express Entry).

And if you want to stay organized? Book a BC COQ Readiness & Document Audit session with a certified consultant — they’ll help you line up your documents, plan your timeline, and create a bridging plan if needed.

Because once you hold that COQ, you’re not just certified — you’re ready to teach, earn, and build your new life in Canada.

FAQs — The Ones People Don’t Usually Ask