Pathways to Teach Canada is a required service that provides an easy way for internationally educated teachers to have their credentials and language skills assessed.
This service is the first step for internationally educated teachers interested in teaching in Nova Scotia.
The information obtained from this service can then be shared with the Nova Scotia Office of Teacher Certification when you apply for a Nova Scotia teacher’s certificate.
Criteria for Application
You must apply through Pathways to Teach Canada if you meet all the following criteria:
- You completed a pre-service teacher education program outside of Canada.
- Your program focused on teaching students aged 5-18 in the public school system.
- Your program authorized you to teach in the country that the program was completed.
- You are not certified in any other Canadian jurisdiction.
Exceptions
- You are an internationally educated teacher who is already certified in another Canadian province or territory: Apply directly for a teacher’s certificate here using the Teacher Certification System online portal
- You are an internationally trained school psychologist, social worker, or speech language pathologist, AND have registered in Nova Scotia in one of these specialities, apply for Teacher Certification - Special through the Teacher Certification System online portal
- You are internationally trained in a skilled trade (ex: carpentry, electrical, auto mechanics, etc.) who holds a journeyperson status in that trade and has completed an approved pre-service teacher education program, apply for Teacher Certification - Vocational using the Teacher Certification System online portal.
If you are an internationally educated teacher who does not meet any of these criteria, please contact the Nova Scotia Office of Teacher Certification with any questions you may have. certification@novascotia.ca
How to Apply
Here is the new, simplified process for internationally educated teachers to apply for a Nova Scotia teacher's certificate:
1. Visit Pathways to Teach Canada website
2. Determine your Pathway
3. Request an assessment, and select 'Nova Scotia' to receive the results
4. Monitor your Pathways to Teach Canada account
5. When your Pathways to Teach Canada report is ready, apply for a Nova Scotia Teacher's Certificate.
See the user guide (english | français) for instructions.
6. Submit remaining required documentation
7. Monitor the status of your application for a Nova Scotia teacher's certificate through the Teacher Certification System online portal.
Pathways to Teach Canada is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply through Pathways to Teach Canada?
If you completed a pre-service teacher education program for children aged 5-18 in a country other than Canada and are not certified in another Canadian jurisdiction, a Pathways to Teach assessment is required to apply for Teacher Certification in Nova Scotia.
How do I apply if I am certified in another province or territory in Canada?
If you are already a Canadian certified teacher, you can apply directly through the Teacher Certification System online portal.
Do I need to do the language assessment?
You must complete the Language Competency Assessment for the Teaching Profession if your teacher education program was completed in a language other than French, or in English.
When do I submit my application for a Nova Scotia teacher’s certificate?
Your Pathways to Teach Canada assessment results must be available before you apply for a Nova Scotia teacher’s certificate.
Will I need to submit new original copies of my documents when I apply in Nova Scotia?
You do not need to submit new original transcripts for your application, but if your Statement of Professional Standing is over one year old, you will need to provide an updated official copy.