Teacher education program
Professional Development Program (PDP Teacher Certification)
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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Part of the route toTeacher·Certificate
A professional teacher preparation program that certifies university graduates to teach in British Columbia schools.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
WorkBC training funding
Up to $7,500 tuitionIf you are out of work or underemployed, a WorkBC case manager can approve and pay for this training. Get approval before you pay.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
BC Access Grant
Up to $4,000 a yearFor low and middle income students in full-time programs under two years at public schools. Assessed when you apply through StudentAid BC.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- General BC secondary school curriculum and coursework at the Grade 11 level.
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- General high school graduation (BC Dogwood Diploma) or equivalent mature student status.
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- A bachelor's degree
- Experience with children or youth at the age you want to teach, volunteer or paid (SFU sets no hour count)
- Minimum 6 credits of university English literature and composition
- Completed recognized bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 (or 2.75 on the last 60 credits)
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Apply online by January 31
- Submit official transcripts and proof of undergraduate degree conferral
- Submit reference letters and detailed resume of youth learning experience
Step 5 of 8
Teacher education program
⏱ 16 months (3 Terms)- 16 months
- Educational foundations, social justice pedagogy, and inclusive secondary education
- Extensive classroom teaching practicums in Lower Mainland school districts
- Professional teaching portfolio development and reflective practice seminars
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 1 school in BC- Simon Fraser University — 16 months (About $13,000 for the whole program)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- Certification application through the BC Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Teacher
- Explore Teacher wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(1 school)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.