Teacher Qualifications Service

(Applications and documentation available in French)

The Teacher Qualifications Service (TQS), established in 1966, is the agency in Alberta responsible for evaluating a teacher’s years of education for salary purposes. Evaluations completed by the service are released on a statement of qualifications. Statements of qualifications are accepted by all public, separate and francophone school boards in the province, as well as some private boards, for the purpose of determining the placement of teachers on salary scales.

The principles governing evaluations are established and reviewed annually by a body known as the Teacher Salary Qualifications Board (TSQB). New principles take effect July 1 of the year they receive approval. The principles can be found on the Association website, www.teachers.ab.ca, together with the application form and procedures for obtaining an evaluation of educational qualifications for salary purposes.

Procedures for obtaining an evaluation of teacher education for salary purposes:

1. Complete an application form and submit it to the ATA Teacher Qualifications Service with the appropriate fee and official supporting documents. The application form can be downloaded from the Association website.
2. Apply for an Alberta teacher's certificate from the Registrar, Teacher Development and Certification Branch, Alberta Education, 44 Capital Boulevard, 10044 108 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 5E6 and provide evidence to the ATA Teacher Qualifications Service (check out www.education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/teaching/certification).