Hi everyone.
I am currently a school COUNSELOR with a degree in Psychology and Counseling (MSc) from UK and I am BACP accredited. I don't have any teaching qualification.
I have been applying to a lot of different schools around Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines) unfortunately no offer has been made. In a lot of interviews they have asked me if I have any teaching certificate, qualification. Which I do NOT have, and I thought this is not a requirement for my position either.
Until I have had an interview with one school in Taiwan and they told me the teaching cert is not required, however the process for obtaining visa is much easier when I have it. Hence, my question is, if I apply for counseling positions in Asia (especially the countries mentioned above), would I be more attractive candidate if I had a teaching certificate? Maybe someone from recruitment from Asia could give me any insight into this? Thank you
TEACHING CERTIFICATE / QUALIFICATION FOR COUNSELOR
Response
First, its not a requirement, unless someone says its a requirement. A lot of things in IE arent required, but either facilitate the issuance of a visa or permit by the MOE for pro.edu. appointments. So an IS isnt required to provide evidence of a credential but if it significantly increases the likelihood of a visa or permit being issued than many ISs wont bother to try if they have other available options (other candidates who would be easier).
Second, in IE we have certificates, qualifications, credentials, and licenses. Your degrees are qualifications and your BACP membership licenses you to provide edu support services in the UK (even though its more a credential than a license). What you are asking about and what these ISs have indicated to you would provide value to your application is a credential (or if you appeal to the inverse position, you have a credential but need a license). Regardless, this is a three piece puzzle and your missing one of the pieces.
In US DOEs (the regulating authority) pro.edu credentials are issued for the role of Sch. Coun., this is what these ISs are referring to. It would be very difficult for you to obtain one of these, but if all youre concerned about is obtaining a credential in anything to facilitate the obtainment of a visa that is a lot easier to do. You first need to determine what it is you are looking for. On one end of the continuum you have certificates from ACSI and ABCTE for example that are basically pretty pieces of paper. ABCTE will run about USD$2K and ACSI about USD$100. These arent credentials, they are certificates, but some ISs will accept them and applicants have been successful in the past.
In the middle of the spectrum you have state DOE credentials and while a Sch. Coun. credential would take a lot of work, there are instructional (teacher) credentials. A popular option for non US residents is MA (Massachusetts). They offer a Provisional (Entry grade) credential that can be obtained through an assessment pathway (you take some pro.edu exams and submit an application). This credential would effectively be a lifetime credential and require no PD. It would cost you a few hundred USD and take a couple of months.
On the other end of the spectrum you have EPP/ITT programs that will provide you a credential. The best option (there are many) would be for you to find an online program offering you iQTS, and then transitioning that into QTS and using that for your applications (even as an ECT you wont have to do anything in the way of PD or renewal). Within this sphere, a niche option would be to pursue the Sunderland PGCEi which can be used to obtain HK Registered edu (Standard grade) status, and then use that to apply for QTS, it would cost about £10K (you could also seek certification through the Hong Kong Professional Counseling Association, HKPCA). Another option would be to obtain QTS through the AO route (TES would cost about £3K). This takes about 2-3 months. Yes another option would be to gain QTLS through SET possibly.
Second, in IE we have certificates, qualifications, credentials, and licenses. Your degrees are qualifications and your BACP membership licenses you to provide edu support services in the UK (even though its more a credential than a license). What you are asking about and what these ISs have indicated to you would provide value to your application is a credential (or if you appeal to the inverse position, you have a credential but need a license). Regardless, this is a three piece puzzle and your missing one of the pieces.
In US DOEs (the regulating authority) pro.edu credentials are issued for the role of Sch. Coun., this is what these ISs are referring to. It would be very difficult for you to obtain one of these, but if all youre concerned about is obtaining a credential in anything to facilitate the obtainment of a visa that is a lot easier to do. You first need to determine what it is you are looking for. On one end of the continuum you have certificates from ACSI and ABCTE for example that are basically pretty pieces of paper. ABCTE will run about USD$2K and ACSI about USD$100. These arent credentials, they are certificates, but some ISs will accept them and applicants have been successful in the past.
In the middle of the spectrum you have state DOE credentials and while a Sch. Coun. credential would take a lot of work, there are instructional (teacher) credentials. A popular option for non US residents is MA (Massachusetts). They offer a Provisional (Entry grade) credential that can be obtained through an assessment pathway (you take some pro.edu exams and submit an application). This credential would effectively be a lifetime credential and require no PD. It would cost you a few hundred USD and take a couple of months.
On the other end of the spectrum you have EPP/ITT programs that will provide you a credential. The best option (there are many) would be for you to find an online program offering you iQTS, and then transitioning that into QTS and using that for your applications (even as an ECT you wont have to do anything in the way of PD or renewal). Within this sphere, a niche option would be to pursue the Sunderland PGCEi which can be used to obtain HK Registered edu (Standard grade) status, and then use that to apply for QTS, it would cost about £10K (you could also seek certification through the Hong Kong Professional Counseling Association, HKPCA). Another option would be to obtain QTS through the AO route (TES would cost about £3K). This takes about 2-3 months. Yes another option would be to gain QTLS through SET possibly.
Re: Response
Hello, thank you so much for such detailed answer. I’ve been looking closely into all the possibilities over the summer. From what I’ve found Massachusetts unfortunately changed the regulations and it’s not possible to obtain the teaching license easily. I have however found that I could apply for a provisional teaching licence in Arizona. I won’t be able to complete all the requirements for full licence in this hiring season. However, would provisional teaching licence be sufficient for easier visa applications?
Alternatively I have also found out that I would qualify for school counselor licence in Florida and there are chances I might meet all the requirements before the new academic year starts.
Do you have any information if these would ease the visa process application and make more “easy” candidate to hire?
Thank you for all the help! I really appriciate it
PsyGuy wrote:
> First, its not a requirement, unless someone says its a requirement. A lot
> of things in IE arent required, but either facilitate the issuance of a
> visa or permit by the MOE for pro.edu. appointments. So an IS isnt required
> to provide evidence of a credential but if it significantly increases the
> likelihood of a visa or permit being issued than many ISs wont bother to
> try if they have other available options (other candidates who would be
> easier).
>
> Second, in IE we have certificates, qualifications, credentials, and
> licenses. Your degrees are qualifications and your BACP membership licenses
> you to provide edu support services in the UK (even though its more a
> credential than a license). What you are asking about and what these ISs
> have indicated to you would provide value to your application is a
> credential (or if you appeal to the inverse position, you have a credential
> but need a license). Regardless, this is a three piece puzzle and your
> missing one of the pieces.
>
> In US DOEs (the regulating authority) pro.edu credentials are issued for
> the role of Sch. Coun., this is what these ISs are referring to. It would
> be very difficult for you to obtain one of these, but if all youre
> concerned about is obtaining a credential in anything to facilitate the
> obtainment of a visa that is a lot easier to do. You first need to
> determine what it is you are looking for. On one end of the continuum you
> have certificates from ACSI and ABCTE for example that are basically pretty
> pieces of paper. ABCTE will run about USD$2K and ACSI about USD$100. These
> arent credentials, they are certificates, but some ISs will accept them and
> applicants have been successful in the past.
> In the middle of the spectrum you have state DOE credentials and while a
> Sch. Coun. credential would take a lot of work, there are instructional
> (teacher) credentials. A popular option for non US residents is MA
> (Massachusetts). They offer a Provisional (Entry grade) credential that can
> be obtained through an assessment pathway (you take some pro.edu exams and
> submit an application). This credential would effectively be a lifetime
> credential and require no PD. It would cost you a few hundred USD and take
> a couple of months.
> On the other end of the spectrum you have EPP/ITT programs that will
> provide you a credential. The best option (there are many) would be for you
> to find an online program offering you iQTS, and then transitioning that
> into QTS and using that for your applications (even as an ECT you wont have
> to do anything in the way of PD or renewal). Within this sphere, a niche
> option would be to pursue the Sunderland PGCEi which can be used to obtain
> HK Registered edu (Standard grade) status, and then use that to apply for
> QTS, it would cost about £10K (you could also seek certification through
> the Hong Kong Professional Counseling Association, HKPCA). Another option
> would be to obtain QTS through the AO route (TES would cost about £3K).
> This takes about 2-3 months. Yes another option would be to gain QTLS
> through SET possibly.
Alternatively I have also found out that I would qualify for school counselor licence in Florida and there are chances I might meet all the requirements before the new academic year starts.
Do you have any information if these would ease the visa process application and make more “easy” candidate to hire?
Thank you for all the help! I really appriciate it
PsyGuy wrote:
> First, its not a requirement, unless someone says its a requirement. A lot
> of things in IE arent required, but either facilitate the issuance of a
> visa or permit by the MOE for pro.edu. appointments. So an IS isnt required
> to provide evidence of a credential but if it significantly increases the
> likelihood of a visa or permit being issued than many ISs wont bother to
> try if they have other available options (other candidates who would be
> easier).
>
> Second, in IE we have certificates, qualifications, credentials, and
> licenses. Your degrees are qualifications and your BACP membership licenses
> you to provide edu support services in the UK (even though its more a
> credential than a license). What you are asking about and what these ISs
> have indicated to you would provide value to your application is a
> credential (or if you appeal to the inverse position, you have a credential
> but need a license). Regardless, this is a three piece puzzle and your
> missing one of the pieces.
>
> In US DOEs (the regulating authority) pro.edu credentials are issued for
> the role of Sch. Coun., this is what these ISs are referring to. It would
> be very difficult for you to obtain one of these, but if all youre
> concerned about is obtaining a credential in anything to facilitate the
> obtainment of a visa that is a lot easier to do. You first need to
> determine what it is you are looking for. On one end of the continuum you
> have certificates from ACSI and ABCTE for example that are basically pretty
> pieces of paper. ABCTE will run about USD$2K and ACSI about USD$100. These
> arent credentials, they are certificates, but some ISs will accept them and
> applicants have been successful in the past.
> In the middle of the spectrum you have state DOE credentials and while a
> Sch. Coun. credential would take a lot of work, there are instructional
> (teacher) credentials. A popular option for non US residents is MA
> (Massachusetts). They offer a Provisional (Entry grade) credential that can
> be obtained through an assessment pathway (you take some pro.edu exams and
> submit an application). This credential would effectively be a lifetime
> credential and require no PD. It would cost you a few hundred USD and take
> a couple of months.
> On the other end of the spectrum you have EPP/ITT programs that will
> provide you a credential. The best option (there are many) would be for you
> to find an online program offering you iQTS, and then transitioning that
> into QTS and using that for your applications (even as an ECT you wont have
> to do anything in the way of PD or renewal). Within this sphere, a niche
> option would be to pursue the Sunderland PGCEi which can be used to obtain
> HK Registered edu (Standard grade) status, and then use that to apply for
> QTS, it would cost about £10K (you could also seek certification through
> the Hong Kong Professional Counseling Association, HKPCA). Another option
> would be to obtain QTS through the AO route (TES would cost about £3K).
> This takes about 2-3 months. Yes another option would be to gain QTLS
> through SET possibly.
Reply
@Akabana
What changes to what are you talking about? The MA Provisional (Entry Grade) credential in History/Social Science (which includes psychology) for example requires the communication literacy (and English language test), the History/Social Science exam, and a bachelors/first degree.
I dont know what Provisional credential in AZ you are referring to, maybe you are referring to the Subject Matter Expert Certificate. Its a dice roll if that would work for you and if it does you will some difficult deficiencies to complete compared to having to do nothing for the MA credential.
I dont see how any of the FL pathways would work for you. The only viable IE credential would be the Professional one and it requires an EPP/ITT program, the temporary credential only works if you teach in FL, a LEA in FL has to sponsor the credential.
Generally yes any of them would have varying degrees of efficacy, depending on the IS and the various regional or national ministry of labor, immigration, and/or edu if its acceptable.
It seems like youre less interested in getting just a credential and more focused on a easy pathway to a Sch.Coun. credential, I dont blame you, there just arent any easy ones in the US system that are actual pro. edu. credentials. If you find one though and it works let us know.
What changes to what are you talking about? The MA Provisional (Entry Grade) credential in History/Social Science (which includes psychology) for example requires the communication literacy (and English language test), the History/Social Science exam, and a bachelors/first degree.
I dont know what Provisional credential in AZ you are referring to, maybe you are referring to the Subject Matter Expert Certificate. Its a dice roll if that would work for you and if it does you will some difficult deficiencies to complete compared to having to do nothing for the MA credential.
I dont see how any of the FL pathways would work for you. The only viable IE credential would be the Professional one and it requires an EPP/ITT program, the temporary credential only works if you teach in FL, a LEA in FL has to sponsor the credential.
Generally yes any of them would have varying degrees of efficacy, depending on the IS and the various regional or national ministry of labor, immigration, and/or edu if its acceptable.
It seems like youre less interested in getting just a credential and more focused on a easy pathway to a Sch.Coun. credential, I dont blame you, there just arent any easy ones in the US system that are actual pro. edu. credentials. If you find one though and it works let us know.