Overseas Qualification mapping and verification (TRA)

The TRA currently operates a system that allows teachers trained in Australia, Canada, EEA member states, New Zealand and the USA to apply for their professional qualifications to be automatically recognised in England. Successful applicants are awarded qualified teacher status (QTS) without needing to complete additional training or statutory induction in England. In total teachers from 34 countries are eligible to apply through the current system. Teachers who have trained in other overseas countries cannot apply for recognition in England and must complete either an English initial teacher training course or the Assessment Only programme to obtain QTS.

In January 2023 the Department for Education (DfE) intends to introduce a new recognition system that will provide teachers from any country with the opportunity to apply for automatic recognition in England.

Applicants will need to be able to evidence they meet a defined set of criteria to demonstrate they have a comparable level of training and experience to an English trained teacher. The criterium for the new framework is more extensive than the criteria overseas teachers need to meet under the current recognition system.