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Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination Reform Officially Begins Nationwide

14th October 2025

Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination Reform Officially Begins Nationwide

The National Teaching Council (NTC) has begun implementing the reformed Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) with the first batch of candidates sitting for the new-format exams from October 13 to 15, 2025, across Colleges of Education and Universities in Ghana.

NTC Begins Implementation of Reformed Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination

The National Teaching Council (NTC) has officially rolled out the reformed Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE), marking a new chapter in Ghana’s teacher education and professional standards system.

The first batch of candidates under the new format began their examinations on Monday, October 13, 2025, across various Colleges of Education and Universities that offer Education-related programmes. The examination is scheduled to continue until Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

A Major Shift in Teacher Assessment

The new GTLE format represents one of the most comprehensive reforms in teacher evaluation since the examination’s introduction in 2018.

According to the NTC, the reform aims to enhance the quality of teaching and learning by ensuring that all aspiring teachers meet rigorous professional standards before entering the classroom.

The restructured assessment focuses on practical knowledge, professional ethics, and pedagogical competence, aligning Ghana’s teacher certification framework with international best practices.

“This reform reflects the evolving demands of our education system. It ensures that teachers are not only knowledgeable but also well-equipped with the practical skills to transform learning outcomes,” an NTC official stated.

Key Features of the New GTLE Format

The reformed examination is competency-based and covers the following core areas:

Pedagogy and Professional Practice
Curriculum Studies and Assessment Literacy
Digital Literacy and Inclusive Education
Subject-specific Methodologies

Unlike previous editions that relied heavily on paper-based theoretical tests, the new GTLE introduces practical assessments, teaching demonstrations, and scenario-based questions that reflect real classroom experiences.

National Rollout and Institutional Participation

The examination is being conducted simultaneously across all public Colleges of Education and partner universities under strict supervision by the NTC and institutional coordinators.

This nationwide rollout demonstrates the Council’s readiness to standardize teacher certification while improving accountability and quality assurance across the education sector.

NTC Encourages Candidates

The NTC has extended best wishes to all participating candidates, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and integrity during the examination process.

“We wish all candidates the very best as they take on this important step towards shaping the future of Ghana. Your success in this examination is not just a personal milestone but a contribution to the nation’s educational development,” the statement concluded.

Background

The Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination was first introduced in 2018 under the Education Act, 2008 (Act 778), with the aim of promoting professional teaching standards. Over time, stakeholder feedback from teacher unions, academia, and the NTC led to the current reform, which integrates competency-based assessment with professional growth frameworks.

The reform aligns with the Pre-Tertiary Teacher Professional Development and Management (PTPDM) policy, ensuring that teacher training and licensure are harmonized with the National Teachers’ Standards (NTS).

By Ferdinand Ellis | EducationGhana.org
Education Policy Analyst and Editor