SLTSC Introduces Mandatory Licensing Fees for Teachers Nationwide

The Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission has announced that all teachers in the country are now required to pay licensing fees, in line with the TSC Act, 2011 and the Education Act, 2023.

The initiative, supported by key education stakeholders including the Sierra Leone Teachers Union, the National Council of Head Teachers, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Finance, aims to strengthen the teaching profession and improve the quality of education nationwide.

Effective immediately, teachers are required to pay fees for both the licensing examination and the issuance or renewal of their teaching licenses. The licensing examination fee is Le 300, while new teacher licenses for first-time applicants cost Le 250. Proficient teacher licenses are set at Le 150, highly accomplished licenses at Le 100, and distinguished teacher licenses at Le 50.

The Commission emphasized that teacher licensing is mandatory for all educators in both public and private schools. It noted that no teacher will be recruited into public service or considered for certain professional development opportunities without passing the licensing examination, which requires a minimum score of 50 percent.

To support preparation, the SLTSC has launched an online practice platform where candidates can study relevant topics, access practice questions, and take mock examinations. Teachers who do not meet the pass mark will be required to pay a repeat examination fee before retaking the test.

The Commission further stated that three cohorts of licensing examinations were conducted at no cost to teachers between 2024 and 2025, with support from the Free Education Project. The introduction of fees, it noted, is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the licensing programme while maintaining high professional standards.

Teachers will be given at least one month’s notice before each examination. Details regarding payment procedures, booking of examination slots, and venues across all 16 districts will be communicated in advance. The Commission has urged school leaders, education stakeholders, and the public to support the initiative, which aligns with the National Teacher Policy for Sierra Leone (2020) and seeks to raise education standards nationwide.