A total of 37,000 teacher trainees and prospective educators are participating in this year’s Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE), which began nationwide this week.
Out of the total number, 32,000 candidates are sitting the exam for the first time, while the remaining 5,000 are retaking it after previously unsuccessful attempts.
During a monitoring visit to one of the examination centres at Accra Senior High School, the Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to educational reform and support for teacher development.
He interacted with candidates, encouraging them to remain focused and give their best efforts.
The minister reassured first-time candidates that provisions would be made for those who may not pass on their first attempt.
He reiterated an earlier directive to the National Teaching Council (NTC) to create a final resit window for previous candidates who have not yet passed, with a firm deadline of August 30, 2025.
Shift in Licensing Framework
Mr. Iddrisu also announced a significant policy shift in the nation’s teacher licensing framework. He revealed plans to transition from the current standardised examination model to a more comprehensive, skills-based assessment system.
According to the Minister, the new regime will place less emphasis on formal written exams and more on practical teaching experience, academic performance, and classroom-based assessment.
The upcoming system will be integrated into the final-year evaluation of teacher trainees in accredited institutions.
“This change is part of our broader educational reforms aimed at improving teacher quality without compromising professional standards. We are delivering on our manifesto commitment and will continue to uphold quality while embracing innovation,” he said.
The Minister explained that the decision aligns with international best practices, where teacher qualification systems are increasingly grounded in hands-on classroom performance, peer reviews, and structured practicum evaluations.
Enhancing Professional Standards
Mr. Iddrisu further highlighted the importance of continuous professional development, insisting that teacher quality must be built on a strong foundation of academic preparation, ethical standards, and in-service training.
He emphasized that the reforms are not only intended to address challenges associated with licensure examinations but are also geared toward ensuring fairness, inclusiveness, and the long-term improvement of educational outcomes.
His visit forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Education to monitor the conduct of the licensure exam and to engage stakeholders in shaping a more effective and equitable teacher qualification process.
The Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination is administered by the National Teaching Council as part of the country’s regulatory framework to ensure professional standards and competence among teachers entering the public education system.
