The Essentials in Teaching Certificate is program designed for individuals who already hold a diploma, degree, or a journeyperson certification in a relevant field and want to transition into secondary teaching (Grades 7-12). The program builds foundational knowledge and practice in planning, instruction, assessment, inclusion, educational psychology, educational technology, professional conduct, and classroom practice. Apart from the practicum, courses are intended to be completed online, one at a time, in the evenings, allowing students to continue working while studying. The program includes one supervised teaching practicum of at least six weeks in a school setting.
Please get in touch with one of our Student Advisors to learn more about this wonderful opportunity.
Call our Cold Lake Campus at 780-639-7109 or Lac La Biche Campus at 780-623-5577 or email Portage College Student Advisor.
Career Potential
Graduates of the Essentials in Teaching Certificate are prepared for teaching roles in Grades 7 to 12 in a discipline related to their prior diploma, degree, or journeyperson background.
Students will be eligible for Interim Trade or Specialized Teacher Certification upon completing EDUC 250, EDUC 323, EDUC 390 and EDUC 440. Students must complete all required coursework and demonstrate success in the classroom to be eligible for recommendation for permanent certification.
Graduates of the Essentials in Teaching Certificate are also eligible to transfer into Portage College’s Bachelor of Education program to complete the remaining degree requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Essentials in Teaching Post-Diploma must have
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 at 60%
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 at 60%
- Either
- An Alberta Journeyperson Certification in a teachable field; or
- A diploma or degree from an accredited Alberta Post-secondary Institution in a teachable field, with a total of five years of post-secondary education and/or related work experience. Equivalencies may be considered.
- English language proficiency (see Portage College’s English language proficiency requirements at https://portagecollege.ca/english-language-proficiency).
*In addition to program admission requirements, all students whose first language is not English must meet one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Format with minimum scores: Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0
- TOEFL iBT (internet based) with minimum test scores: Listening 23, Reading 21, Writing 25, Speaking 22
- Testing must have been completed within two years before application to the program
Other
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Certification: Essentials in Teaching Certificate
First intake January starts January 4, 2027.
Program Start/End Dates
Fall: August 30, 2027 to December 17, 2027
Winter: January 3, 2028 to April 28, 2028
Application Deadlines
December 1, 2026 for Winter 2027
Delivery
Online
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026
| Tuition | $2,724.18 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $3,038.16 |
Spring Term Fee payment deadline: April 21, 2027
Spring tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $178. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $178.
Other mandatory Part-time Spring fees.
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $175.20 |
Tuition Deposit – $100 (non-refundable)
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Document Fee
The Document Fee will include official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, certificates, diplomas, Confirmation of Enrollments, ID cards, all documents/letters from the Registrar’s office, etc.