How to Become a Professional Teacher in Ghana.

The teaching profession in Ghana is regulated by the National Teaching Council (NTC). They are mandated to register and license all teachers in Ghana. But before that, one needs to have obtained a bachelor’s degree in education, either early childhood, junior, or secondary high school, from an accredited university or college of education. In addition, a person with an undergraduate degree but not in education can do a one-year top-up postgraduate diploma in education to be able to become a professional teacher in Ghana.

However, before one can be registered and licensed as a teacher, he/she needs to undergo a pre-service training. This training is offered by universities such as the University of Cape Coast (UCC), University of Education, Winneba (UEW), University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), USTED, and UDS, and the 49 public colleges of education in Ghana. Currently, the 49 public colleges are mentored by these universities.

The Colleges of Education

The colleges offer training to teachers to be eligible to teach only in the basic schools. They offer programmes such as early childhood, primary education, and junior high education. The training lasts for four (4) years. Some reputable colleges include Presbyterian College of Education (Akropong), Foso College of Education (Assin Foso), Accra College of Education (Accra), Ola College of Education (Cape Coast), St. Joseph College of Education (Bechem), Presbyterian Women’s College of Education (Aburi), SDA College of Education (Asokore Mampong), among others.

Application Forms.

Application forms are released once every year to allow prospective applicants to apply. When released, they are usually announced in the graphics and other digital platforms. Forms are mostly out between February and May each year. In 2026, the application forms were sold at the cost of GH¢350 at any branch of Prudential Bank. Additionally, one can purchase the forms via mobile money by using the shortcode *924*8#. The colleges of education academic calendar usually starts in October. You should note that all students attending any of the 49 public colleges receive a monthly allowance.

Admission Requirements

All WASSCE candidates should have credit (thus A1 to C6) in Six (6) subjects. That is, three core and elective subjects each.

The Universities.

The universities also offer training to prospective teachers. They train people to teach either in the basic or secondary schools, depending on the programme of their choice.

National Service

Graduate teachers from both colleges and universities embark on one year mandatory national service. This serves as a probation period for them. In most cases, the college graduates start their service in March and the university graduates in September.

Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination.

Before one can be employed by the Ghana Education Service, he/she needs to write and pass this exam. The exam tests candidates on three areas:

1. General Professional Knowledge

2. Related Pedagogy, and

3. Subject Content Areas.

One is expected to pass all three subjects before they can be licensed to teach in any school in Ghana. This particular exam is written twice a year: one in March and the other in September.

Teacher Recruitment

The Ghana Education Service is the body that recruits teachers into the service. Normally, the GES opens applications for graduate teachers to apply. During the application, the required documents are:

1. college or university certificate,

2. national service certificate,

3. Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination result slip

4. GTLE provisional license certificate, and

5. Ghana Card.

The Ghana Education Service, after a certain period, then releases the postings of successful applicants.

The process of becoming a professional teacher in Ghana involves academic training, practical experience and professional assessment. Being able to follow these steps will enable you to enter the teaching profession successfully.

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