Dates Announced for Voluntary Certification of Teachers Without Higher Education

The Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia has approved the schedule for the voluntary certification of teachers without higher education for 2024, which will take place on March 28 and 29.

Considering the best interests of these teachers and recognizing their years of experience, the Ministry has initiated an extraordinary voluntary certification process. It is important to emphasize that failing to pass this stage will mean teachers will be unable to engage in pedagogical work until they meet the required qualifications.

As a reminder, the Law on General Education established the requirement for teachers to have higher education back in 2010. To ensure compliance with this legislative requirement, teachers without higher education were given a specific period, which has already been extended several times. Many teachers have since obtained higher education, thereby resolving the issue and meeting the legal requirements.

For compliance with Article 38, part 5 of the Law on General Education, a deadline was set for August 20, 2023. Thus, teachers working in educational institutions who did not meet the requirements established by Article 26, part 1 of the Law on General Education could not continue their professional activities after this date.

Last year, specialists without higher education were given additional opportunities to continue their professional work upon passing the required threshold through voluntary certification.

Additionally, it is noted that registration for the voluntary certification of teachers without higher education was scheduled from February 12 to February 21, 2024. The Ministry is also developing a support program aimed at the professional development of teachers without higher education. Accordingly, individuals whose professional activities have been suspended can receive education in any higher educational institution that grants teacher qualifications, with the state covering tuition costs.