Complete Guide on TRCN Registration Process and Examination in 2025/2026

Complete Guide on TRCN Registration Process and Examination in 2025/2026

Introduction

Teaching is more than just a profession; it is a calling that shapes the future of any society. In Nigeria, the government recognizes the importance of quality education and has put structures in place to professionalize teaching. One of the strongest instruments for this is the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

The TRCN was established to regulate, standardize, and control the teaching profession in Nigeria, ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice. As of 2025/2026, TRCN registration is not just an option but a mandatory requirement for every practicing teacher whether in public schools, private institutions, or higher education.

If you are a teacher, student of education, or job seeker interested in teaching positions (such as LASUBEB, SUBEB, NUC, or federal teaching jobs), TRCN registration is your gateway to opportunities.

This guide will give you a complete breakdown of the TRCN registration process for 2025/2026, requirements, categories, exams, fees, benefits, career implications, and testimonies from registered teachers.

What is TRCN?

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) is a government agency under the Federal Ministry of Education. Its primary mandate is to:

1. Register qualified teachers at all levels of education.

2. Set professional standards for teachers across Nigeria.

3. Enforce the Teachers’ Code of Conduct.

4. Conduct qualifying exams for teachers.

5. Issue licenses and certificates that recognize teaching as a professional career.

The establishment of TRCN brought teaching in line with other regulated professions like medicine, law, engineering, and accounting meaning that no matter your degree or experience, you must be certified to practice as a recognized professional teacher in Nigeria.

Complete Guide on TRCN Registration Process and Examination in 2025/2026

Why TRCN Registration Matters in 2025/2026

The 2025/2026 cycle of TRCN registration is very significant for teachers and job seekers. Here’s why:

1. Mandatory for Employment: Almost all government recruitment portals (like LASUBEB, SUBEB, UBEC, and federal teacher recruitments) now demand TRCN certificate as part of eligibility.

2. Professional Recognition: It elevates teaching from “just a job” to a professional career respected like medicine or law.

3. Job Security: Teachers with TRCN certificates are prioritized in promotions, job retention, and career advancement.

4. Better Pay and Benefits: In many schools, registered teachers earn higher than non-registered colleagues.

5. Global Acceptance: TRCN-certified teachers can use their qualification as proof of professional teaching experience when applying for international teaching roles.

TRCN Registration Categories

The TRCN has different categories of registration depending on your academic qualification. This ensures that teachers are recognized according to their level of training and experience. As of 2025/2026, there are four major categories:

1. Category A – Full Registration

   1. For holders of Doctorate (PhD) in Education or related fields.

   2. Considered the highest level of professional teaching recognition.

2. Category B – Full Registration

   1. For holders of Master’s Degree in Education or related fields.

3. Category C – Full Registration

   1. For holders of Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed., B.A. Ed., B.Sc. Ed.).

   2. Also open to holders of B.A. or B.Sc. degrees plus a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

4. Category D – Provisional Registration

   1. For holders of NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education).

   2. Often used by those teaching in primary and junior secondary schools.

Note: Teachers with only SSCE or OND are not eligible until they further their studies in education.

General Requirements for TRCN Registration 2025/2026

To register with TRCN, applicants must prepare the following:

1. Academic Certificates: NCE, B.Ed., PGDE, M.Ed., or PhD (depending on category).

2. NYSC Certificate: Discharge or Exemption certificate (for graduates).

3. Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age: To confirm age eligibility.

4. Passport Photographs: Usually 2–4 copies (colored with white background).

5. Valid Identification: National ID, Voter’s Card, Driver’s License, or International Passport.

6. Payment Receipt: Evidence of payment for registration (varies by category).

7. Application Form: To be completed at any TRCN state office or online if available.

Complete Guide on TRCN Registration Process and Examination in 2025/2026

Step-by-Step Guide to TRCN Registration

Step 1: Visit a TRCN Office

1. Go to the nearest TRCN office (often located within SUBEB offices in each state).

2. You can also visit the Federal Ministry of Education office in your state capital.

Step 2: Obtain the Registration Form

1. Collect the TRCN Registration Form.

2. Fill in personal details such as name, address, qualifications, and employment history.

Step 3: Make Payment

1. Registration fees depend on your category (A–D).

2. Payments are usually made through designated bank accounts or online platforms as instructed by TRCN.

Step 4: Submit Documents

1. Attach all photocopies of certificates, ID, passport photos, and proof of payment.

2. Originals may be requested for sighting.

Step 5: Receive Temporary Acknowledgment

1. Once submitted, you’ll get a slip or acknowledgment of registration.

2. This serves as proof that you are awaiting TRCN final certification.

Step 6: Sit for the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE)

1. All applicants must write and pass the TRCN PQE before final certification.

2. This exam tests knowledge of pedagogy, classroom management, educational psychology, and current teaching methods.

Step 7: Collect Your TRCN Certificate and License

1. After passing the PQE, successful candidates are issued a TRCN Certificate and Professional License.

2. This license allows you to legally practice as a professional teacher in Nigeria.

Duration of the Process

1. The entire TRCN registration process typically takes a few weeks to months, depending on exam schedules and certificate processing.

2. Early registration is always advised, especially for teachers planning to apply for government recruitment exercises.

TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE)

The Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) is one of the most important stages of TRCN registration. It ensures that only competent teachers who understand pedagogy, subject mastery, and educational ethics are licensed to practice.

Structure of the PQE

1. Format: Mostly multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and some short-answer questions.

2. Duration: Usually 1½ to 2 hours.

3. Subjects Covered:

   1. Philosophy of Education

   2. Educational Psychology

   3. Curriculum Studies

   4. Classroom Management & Teaching Methods

   5. Measurement and Evaluation

   6. Use of Educational Technology

   7. Teacher Professional Ethics & Code of Conduct

Grading System

1. Candidates are scored over 100.

2. A minimum pass mark of 50% is required to qualify for certification.

3. Higher scores may enhance professional recognition and employment chances.

Preparation Tips for PQE

1. Study past TRCN PQE questions (widely available).

2. Focus on core teaching methodology topics.

3. Join online forums or WhatsApp study groups for PQE candidates.

4. Practice time management since the exam is time-bound.

Complete Guide on TRCN Registration Process and Examination in 2025/2026

TRCN Certification and Licensing

Once you pass the PQE:

1. You receive a TRCN Certificate of Registration.

2. You are issued a Teaching License Card, which contains your TRCN number.

3. This license needs to be renewed periodically, usually every 3–5 years, depending on TRCN policy.

Holding this certification places you among recognized professional teachers in Nigeria.

Benefits of TRCN Registration

1. Employment Advantage

   1. Many teaching recruitment boards (like LASUBEB, UBEC, SUBEB, and NUC institutions) now make TRCN registration compulsory.

   2. Without TRCN, many applicants are automatically disqualified.

2. Professional Recognition

   1. TRCN elevates teaching to the level of law, medicine, and engineering — regulated professions with standards.

3. Better Career Opportunities

   1. TRCN-certified teachers stand a higher chance of being promoted in their schools.

   2. More opportunities for government and private sector teaching roles.

4. International Opportunities

   1. TRCN certification proves your professional standing to foreign institutions.

   2. Useful when applying for teaching abroad programs.

5. Job Security and Respect

   1. With TRCN, teachers are treated as recognized professionals, not casual workers.

   2. Many private schools also use TRCN registration to negotiate better pay.

Challenges of TRCN Registration

While the TRCN registration process has great benefits, it is not without challenges:

1. Cost of Registration: Some teachers complain about the registration and PQE fees, especially for fresh graduates.

2. Delay in Processing: Certificates and licenses may take months to be released.

3. Awareness Gap: Some teachers, especially in rural areas, are not aware that TRCN is mandatory.

4. Exam Pressure: Many candidates fear the PQE due to lack of preparation or weak educational background.

Tips to Succeed in TRCN Registration

1. Register Early: Don’t wait until a recruitment portal demands TRCN before you start.

2. Prepare for PQE: Dedicate at least 2–3 weeks to study for the exam.

3. Network with Peers: Join WhatsApp groups, TRCN Facebook pages, or Telegram forums for updates.

4. Keep Receipts & Documents: Always file your registration acknowledgment slip and receipts safely.

5. Renew on Time: Don’t allow your TRCN license to expire, as renewal sometimes requires additional paperwork.

Salary Implications of TRCN Registration

TRCN certification directly affects a teacher’s earning power and career progression. Here’s how:

1. Higher Pay in Government Schools:

   1. Many state governments give priority and better pay to TRCN-certified teachers.

   2. For example, a TRCN-licensed teacher with a B.Ed. may start at Grade Level 8 with an average salary of ₦70,000–₦100,000 monthly, while non-certified teachers may earn less.

2. Private Schools:

   1. Elite private schools often demand TRCN certificates.

   2. Certified teachers can negotiate salaries between ₦80,000 and ₦250,000 depending on experience and subject area.

3. Promotion Opportunities:

   1. TRCN certification is a requirement for promotions in many government institutions.

4. Professional Respect:

   1. Like doctors need licenses, TRCN is proof that you’re not just “teaching” but practicing a regulated profession.

Career Growth with TRCN

A TRCN license opens multiple pathways:

1. Public Sector Jobs: Opportunities in SUBEB, UBEC, NUC, LASUBEB, and federal colleges.

2. Private Sector Roles: Senior teaching roles, school administration, curriculum development.

3. Academic Research & Policy: TRCN members may work with educational research institutes or policymaking bodies.

4. International Teaching: A TRCN license strengthens your portfolio when applying abroad.

5. Further Studies: TRCN-certified teachers can access scholarships and grants for M.Ed. or PhD programs.

Complete Guide on TRCN Registration Process and Examination in 2025/2026

Real Testimonies from Teachers

Testimony 1 – Grace, B.Ed. Graduate (Lagos):

“I applied for LASUBEB teaching recruitment in 2023 but was dropped because I didn’t have TRCN. I went back, registered, wrote the PQE, and by 2024, I got my TRCN certificate. With it, I reapplied in 2025 and finally secured my dream teaching job.”

Testimony 2 – Musa, NCE Holder (Kano):

“As an NCE teacher, I thought TRCN was only for graduates. After registering in 2022, I noticed private schools in Kano started increasing my pay because I was now recognized as a professional teacher.”

Testimony 3 – Ifeoma, PGDE Graduate (Enugu):

“The PQE was tough, but I prepared well with past questions. Today, with my TRCN certificate, I am respected in my school, and I recently got promoted to Head of Department.”

Testimony 4 – Ibrahim, M.Ed. Holder (Abuja):

“I used my TRCN license as part of my teaching portfolio while applying for a teaching job in Dubai. They were impressed that Nigeria had a professional teaching council, and I got the job.”

Testimony 5 – Aisha, Private School Teacher (Ogun):

“My school initially paid me ₦45,000 monthly. After getting TRCN certification, I was promoted to a senior role, and my salary increased to ₦85,000. TRCN gave me bargaining power.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is TRCN registration compulsory for all teachers?
Yes. Whether in public or private schools, TRCN certification is required to practice legally as a teacher in Nigeria.

Q2: How much is the TRCN registration fee?
It varies by category (NCE, B.Ed., M.Ed., PhD). The average cost ranges from ₦5,000 to ₦15,000, excluding PQE fees.

Q3: Can I register for TRCN while still in university?
Yes. Final-year education students are encouraged to register early to save time after graduation.

Q4: How long does it take to get the TRCN certificate?
Usually 2–6 months, depending on exam schedules and processing time.

Q5: Is the TRCN certificate renewable?
Yes. Licenses are renewable every few years, and renewal ensures you remain in good standing with the council.

Conclusion

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) is the professional backbone of teaching in Nigeria. For the 2025/2026 academic and recruitment cycle, registration is not only a requirement but also a career advantage.

By registering with TRCN, sitting for the PQE, and obtaining your certificate, you position yourself for better job opportunities, higher pay, respect, and even international teaching chances.

As testimonies have shown, TRCN is not just a certificate it is the key that unlocks the door to professional teaching in Nigeria.

If you are serious about building a teaching career in 2025 and beyond, the best step you can take today is to register with TRCN, prepare for the PQE, and get licensed.