Education Ministry Orders the Scrapping of Teacher Licensure Exams
- The Ministry of Education has directed the cancellation of the Teacher Licensure Examination
- Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu gave the National Teaching Council a deadline to scrap the exam
- The minister said the change was part of plans for a new framework for assessing teacher qualifications
The Ministry of Education has directed the National Teaching Council to abolish the Teacher Licensure Examinations by August 30, 2025.
Citi News reported that the directive was issued by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu during the inauguration of the new governing board of the National Teaching Council on Tuesday, July 15.
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According to the Minister, the decision formed part of broader reforms aimed at introducing a new framework for assessing teacher qualifications.
He said the new assessment would prioritise academic training and practical fieldwork.
He also announced a final window for candidates who have previously failed the licensure exams to re-sit them before the phase-out takes full effect.
“The last of the Teacher Licensure Exams must be concluded not later than August 30. If there is a final opportunity for those who sat and couldn’t make it, that process should not go beyond August 30."
In April, Iddrisu commissioned a National Teaching Council Committee to develop a new framework for assessing teacher qualifications.
Currently, the National Teaching Council is mandated by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020 (Act 1023), section 60(b), to conduct examinations for the licensing of persons who successfully complete teacher education programmes.
In order to be recognised as a teacher in Ghana, one must pass the Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE).
The first licensure examination was in September 2018.
Mahama's promise to cancel teacher licensure exams
When campaigning to be president, John Mahama vowed to cancel the teacher licensure exams.
Mahama said the teacher certification programme was unnecessary because of the prior tests that trainees take.
The now-president made a similar promise ahead of the 2020 election, which was captured in the National Democratic Congress manifesto.
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Mass failures during teacher licensure exams
The teacher licensure examination has been plagued with mass failures since it was instituted.
For example, in 2023, of the 20,181 teachers who sat for the 2023 Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination 2&3, 9,556 failed.
Due to reforms implemented in 2023, the National Teaching Council gave candidates three chances to pass the exam.
About 30,000 non-professional teachers were given until the end of 2024 to regularise their stay in the classroom.
The National Teaching Council and the Ghana Education Service were collaborating to ensure appropriate teaching registration and licensing. No update has been given on the status of this directive.
GES introduces self-placement system for teachers
YEN.com.gh reported that the Ghana Education Service introduced a self-placement system for newly qualified teachers.
The system is for teachers who have completed their programmes at education colleges and passed their licensure exams.
Over 20,000 applications were received from qualified teachers, with 12,720 successful candidates in the first batch back in 2024.
Source: YEN.com.gh
