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Teaching as a Career: Frequently Asked Questions

Application Procedure

  1. When must I submit my application?

    Applications for teaching positions are open throughout the year. You can thus submit your application any time. If you wish to join the July intake, your application should reach MOE by April. However, if you are applying for the Art & Music Teacher Training Scheme, Mother Tongue Language Teacher Training Scheme, Home Economics Teacher Training Scheme (all for ‘O’ Level holders) or Bachelor of Arts / Science with Diploma in Education (for Polytechnic and ‘A’ Level holders), you can only apply when the recruitment exercises are conducted. They are usually conducted around the period of the release of the ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level results. You are advised to apply with complete information to avoid unnecessary delay in processing.

    For polytechnic students and university undergraduates, you are encouraged to apply during the final semester of your final year studies.

  2. What does a year-round recruitment exercise mean?

    It means that you can submit your application any time. It will no longer be dependent on a major recruitment exercise. However, training at NIE will only start in July each year, so successful applicants will first be attached to schools and assume the full duties of a teacher while waiting to be sent to NIE for professional training.

  3. If I apply now, what happens if I am selected for the Honours programme?

    You can reapply after you have completed your Honours programme.

  4. Must I take the Entrance Proficiency Test?

    Yes, you need to if you are selected after the interview and you do not meet the exemption criteria. You need to pass the test before you can be admitted to the National Institute of Education for teacher training.

  5. What should I do if I’m weak in English?

    You must sit for and pass the English EPT if you are teaching English-medium subjects.

  6. What are the essential factors that you look for in an applicant?

    We look for an applicant’s interest in wanting to become a teacher, ability to communicate and the ability to relate to young people among other things. Applicants must first and foremost meet our entry requirements.

  7. I have an interest in teaching educationally subnormal or intellectually disabled children. Is there a graduate diploma course in special education?

    Yes. There is a course on special education at NIE, which MOE does not oversee directly. You may wish to check with NIE.

  8. Is a foreign degree recognised?

    The decision is based on the totality of your academic achievements as well as in competition with other applicants. Applicants may be put on either GEO1 or GEO2 scales.

  9. Would you consider an Engineering degree less important than a Science degree?

    No. We recruit engineers to teach Maths, Physics and Design & Technology. We also conduct a 3-month Physics course for Engineering graduates who are offered to teach Physics.

  10. What is the difference between technical and non-technical diplomas?

    Technical diplomas refer to those related to engineering or IT. Non-technical diplomas are non-engineering based, e.g. Business Studies.

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Entry Requirements

  1. What are the requirements for teaching Home Economics?

    Good grades in the subject at Secondary Level and a Diploma in Consumer Science & Technology from NIE. If you have an overseas degree in Home Economics, you may qualify to teach upper secondary level Home Economics.

  2. I understand that those who are interested in teaching Music / Art will have to undergo an audition/drawing test. When will it be held?

    Candidates selected after the interview for Music / Art teaching will be notified by NIE on the details of the audition/drawing test. The audition/drawing test will be conducted by NIE specialists.

  3. What are the criteria for teaching at special schools?

    Special schools recruit their own teachers. Please enquire with them directly.

  4. What are the additional criteria of getting into the Physical Education Specialisation?

    Besides meeting the academic criteria, you need to also pass the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) and have a good CCA record in your school years/track record.

  5. Suppose I want to work in the private sector for a few years first and then settle down to teaching, will I be penalised? Are there any additional tests?

    No. However, you will have to start as a classroom teacher, like other fresh recruits. Compared to a fresh graduate with identical qualifications, there are no additional tests to take.

  6. If I did not read teaching subjects at university, but I have done relief teaching and have a letter of recommendation from the school principal, will I be considered?

    We will look at your ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level subjects and grades (e.g. if you have good grades in Maths or English at ‘A’ Level). You may still be considered even if you do not have a degree relevant to teaching. If found suitable, you will most likely teach at the primary level.

  7. What’s the significance of ‘A’ Level qualifications for people who have graduated from the USA but do not have the equivalent of GCE ‘A’ Levels? Will our applications be rejected?

    We look at your qualifications in totality and in competition with other applicants. We do not insist that all applicants must have the local ‘A’ Level qualification. A further assessment may be made to examine the relevance of qualifications obtained from foreign education systems.

  8. Although teachers are in great demand, why are so many people unsuccessful in gaining admission to NIE?

    Each year, MOE receives many teaching applications. All applicants must first and foremost meet our minimum selection criteria. Our selection criteria have to be stringent. They are assessed based on the totality of their academic and non-academic achievements. Their applications are considered in competition with others.

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Recruitment Process

  1. What is the application process like?

    First, complete and submit the online application form. MOE will process your application and if you are found suitable, you will be called up to attend an interview. The interview panel will assess your communication skills, interest in teaching, goals and aspirations, and your willingness to learn. More importantly, you must have the passion to teach and the belief that you can make a difference.

  2. There is now a year-round recruitment. However, the NIE term starts only in July. In the meantime, will shortlisted applicants be required to teach? If so, what is his/her salary? If not, does he/she have to wait till next July to enter NIE?

    If you have applied after the start of the NIE term, you will be posted to schools to teach and be paid a salary. During this interim period, you will discover whether teaching is suitable for you. Senior teachers in the respective schools will be there to help and guide you. This stint in turn will help you to appreciate the NIE course better.

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Entrance Proficiency Test

  1. Must I take the Entrance Proficiency Test?

    Yes, you need to if you do not meet the exemption criteria. You must pass the test before you can be admitted to NIE for teacher training.

  2. How do I register for the EPT?

    You can apply online at the RELC website. Please apply at least 2 weeks before the test date.

  3. If I want to be a Chinese teacher, must I sit for both the English and Chinese EPT?

    With the exception of Bachelor of Art (Education) programme, you need only sit for the Chinese EPT if you do not meet the exemption criteria.

    All Bachelor of Arts (Education) candidates selected to teach Chinese Language are expected to sit and clear both English and Chinese EPT if they do not meet the respective exemption criteria, in order to be admitted into NIE for the degree programme.

  4. If I am under contract at another job for one year, can I still take the Entrance Proficiency Tests?

    You can take the tests now. The Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) result is valid for 2 years. The Mother Tongue Languages EPT result is valid for 4 years. The English EPT result has no validity deadline.

  5. Do applicants who have taken the English Proficiency Course at the University still have to sit for EPT?

    Yes. The EPC is different from the EPT.

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Teaching Bond

  1. How long is the bond period and can a teacher be transferred before the bond period is over?

    The PGDE & Diploma in Education programmes carry a bond of 3 years. Those in the BA/BSc (Education) programme are bonded for a period of 4 years. If you are on an MOE scholarship, the bond is 4 to 6 years. After 2 to 3 years, you may ask for a posting to another school or to HQ.

  2. What happens if I break my bond before I complete it? How much do I have to pay back?

    All trainee teaches have to sign the Teachers’ Training Deed (TTD). If you break the bond, you will have to pay liquidated damages. The amount will be pro-rated based on the expenses incurred by the Government for your tuition fees and salaries during your NIE training. There is also a 10% compound interest.

    Applicants are to bear in mind that teaching is not for the short-term but for a minimum of 4 years. Liquidated damages will be based on the number of months/years outstanding in the bond.

  3. How much do I have to pay if I break my bond?

    The amount will be pro-rated based on the expenses that the Government has incurred in connection with your training, plus 10% compound interest.

  4. During the 3-year bond period, can I apply for no-pay leave? Is long term leave (e.g. accompany spouse overseas or child care leave) available during the bond period?

    No-pay leave is normally granted only to officers who have had 3 years of service. It is on that basis that MOE can grant no-pay leave. During the 3-year bond, you will find it beneficial to better yourself and practise your teaching skills before going overseas for further studies in a field related to education.

    As for long-term leave, we normally grant 6-month no-pay child-care leave at the first instance. Requests for leave to accompany spouse overseas are assessed on a case-by-case basis, subject to exigencies of service. If leave is granted, the usual length of time is from 6 months to a year.

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Teaching Subjects

  1. What do you mean by ‘teaching subjects’? How many modules, besides my major, do I have to read, to be considered eligible?

    Teaching subjects are any subjects in the secondary school or junior college curriculum. Broadly, teaching subjects include English, Maths, Science (including Physics and Chemistry), History, Geography & Literature. A major in any of these disciplines is preferred, as teachers are required to be competent in the teaching of subjects at the primary, secondary and junior college levels.

    If you have not read any of these, we will then assess your ‘A’ Level subjects and grades.

  2. What can I teach with an Engineering degree?

    Physics, Mathematics or Design & Technology in secondary schools.

  3. Are teaching scholars exempted from the English Entrance Proficiency Test (EPT)?

    All candidates (including teaching scholars) who apply for teaching positions, and are earmarked to teach English-medium subjects are required to sit and pass the English EPT if they are not exempted (i.e. if they do not obtain at least a grade B3 for EL1 or GP).

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Art & Music Teacher Training

  1. Why was this scheme implemented? What are the main reasons for having such a scheme?

    This scheme was implemented to ensure a steady supply of suitably qualified Art/Music teachers to deliver quality Arts education. Looking forward, this will support arts education in schools as well as the implementation of the various recommendations made by the Steering Committee on the Promotion of Arts Education in Schools.

  2. What are the admission requirements for students who are interested in this scheme?

    The entry requirements are:

    • At least 5 ‘O’ Level passes, including English Language as the First Language
    • For the Art course, a good grade in GCE ‘O’ Level Art. All applicants who are selected after MOE’s interview must also sit and pass NAFA’s drawing test.
    • For the Music course, applicants must have a pass in GCE ‘O’ Level Music or good grades from acceptable music examination boards. All applicants who are selected after MOE’s interview must also sit for and pass NAFA’s music audition.

  3. Will MOE consider other types of qualifications besides GCE ‘O’ Levels?

    You must have a GCE ‘O’ Level certificate or the equivalent. If you have overseas qualifications, you can send in your application for our consideration.

  4. Can those with partial ‘A’ Levels apply?

    You may apply as long as you satisfy the shortlisting criteria and are prepared to go through 4 years of study to become Art or Music teachers.

  5. Can applicants combine ‘O’ Level certificates to calculate the aggregate for best 5 subjects?

    We accept combined results taken in up to 2 sittings only.

  6. Can I sign up for the course and pay for my own fees without serving the bond obligation eventually?

    This course is specially designed to train students to teach in our schools. Hence, only students under this scheme can be admitted into this programme, and all candidates in this scheme will be required to serve a 5-year bond teaching in secondary schools upon graduation.

  7. Would I receive any financial aid during this course of study?

    MOE will pay the course fees of all successful applicants during the 4-year course. In addition, students will receive a bursary of $800 per month in the first 3 years at NAFA. Upon graduating from NAFA, they will be appointed as General Education Officers and receive a salary of around $1586 to $1779, depending on whether they have completed NS) per month while they are in their 4th year of study at NIE.

  8. If I have already completed my NS when I enter the course, will I receive any increment?

    Yes, increments as a result of completion of full-time National Service will be included in the salaries paid to you during the 4th year of your course.

  9. What if I fail the music audition (for music admission) or the drawing test (for art admission)?

    All candidates must pass the interviews and auditions or drawing test before they can be considered for admission into the programme.

  10. I am currently in my first year at NAFA but I am interested in pursuing this course, am I still eligible?

    This scheme is developed for ‘O’ Level school leavers talented in Art or Music. If you are already pursuing Art or Music at NAFA, you can continue your course in NAFA, and after that, you can apply for the 2-year Diploma in Education course in NIE to become a teacher.

  11. Can ex-NAFA students apply for the course?

    Ex-NAFA students who are interested in a career in teaching may apply directly for the 2-year Diploma in Art Education or Diploma in Music Education that is conducted by the National Institute of Education.

  12. Will I have an opportunity to teach Art or Music at the primary school level?

    The deployment of candidates graduating from this scheme is dependent on the needs of schools at that point in time. However, we expect that most, if not all, candidates will be deployed to teach in secondary schools as we assess the need to be greater in secondary schools.

  13. Is this scheme open to foreigners?

    Foreigners may apply and all applications are considered in totality and on a competitive basis.

  14. I have Grade 5 Theory and Grade 5 Practical from ABRSM. Can I apply?

    We will consider all applications in totality and on a competitive basis.

  15. Is there an age limit?

    Age is not a deciding factor. However, you must be ready to cope with the training in NAFA and NIE. There is also a 5-year bond to serve after graduating from NIE.

  16. What will I be tested for in NAFA’s Art drawing test or music audition?

    • Drawing Test– Applicants will be given a set of objects to arrange. They are required to present the objects in any artistic form. Upon completion, applicants will need to provide an explanation/synopsis on that piece of work. Applicants are given up to 3 hours to complete the test in one sitting.
    • Music Audition– Applicants are required to perform 2 contrasting pieces of their choice, in addition to scales and sight-reading at Grade 6 level.

  17. How do I apply? What is the application procedure like?

    You may apply online at http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach/Apply.htm during the recruitment excercise. Application opens immediately after the release of the year’s ‘O’ Level results and closes 1 week after the release of the year’s ‘O’ Level results .MOE will assess your application in totality and on a competitive basis. If you are found suitable, you will be asked to attend an interview. Applicants who are selected after the interview will be required to attend a music audition (music applicants) or a drawing test (art applicants). You will be offered admission if you pass both the interview and music audition or drawing test.

  18. Is there a bond obligation?

    Yes. Successful applicants will have to serve a 5-year bond teaching in our schools upon graduating from NAFA and NIE.

  19. Are there existing schemes to train Art and Music teachers? What is the intake like? Why is this insufficient?

    Currently, graduates who majored in Art or Music at university level can be admitted to the PostGraduate Diploma in Education course in NIE to be trained as Art or Music teacher. ‘A’ Level school leavers and NAFA graduates who have good grades in Art or Music can also be admitted to NIE for the 2-year Dip Ed course. The intake varies from year to year.Although we have sufficient Art and Music teachers for now, the new Art and Music teacher training scheme is rolled out in order to recruit more for the future, and diversify the recruitment avenues for Art and Music teachers.

  20. Why is this programme specifically targeted at the ‘O’ Level group?

    The scheme is targeted at ‘O’ Level school leavers because NAFA currently takes in ‘O’ Level school leavers for their diploma courses. Candidates with other qualifications (e.g. graduates who have majored in Art or Music, or ‘A’ Level school leavers with good ‘A’ Level grades in Art or Music), they can apply for existing NIE programmes to be trained as Art or Music teachers.

  21. Will I have any opportunity to pursue a degree in Art or Music eventually?

    Like all teachers, graduates from this Art and Music Teacher Training Scheme can have the opportunity to apply for study leave to pursue degree courses to upgrade themselves while in service. They can also apply for MOE sponsorships e.g. interest-free study loan while they pursue a degree course in Art or Music.

  22. Why is MOE not partnering with LaSalle?

    MOE welcomes the participation of LaSalle in this scheme, if they are also interested to develop specially designed diploma courses to train our teachers, like NAFA.

  23. What are the expected intake numbers?

    We hope to recruit about 20 students for Art and 20 students for Music annually.

  24. Will graduates from this Art & Music course be required to teach other subjects as well?

    Graduates from this course will be trained specially to teach Art or Music in secondary schools and would generally be deployed to teach mainly either Art or Music. However, depending on the school you have been posted to, you may be asked to assist in the teaching of other subjects such as Civics and Moral Education.

  25. If you have other qualifications such as GCE ‘A’ Level, a diploma or a degree and are interested in teaching Art or Music, you may apply for the following teacher-training programmes offered by NIE:

    • GCE ‘A’ Level holders and Diploma holders with relevant Art or Music qualification: 2-year Diploma in Education (Art specialization) or Diploma in Education (Music Specialization)
    • GCE ‘A’ Level holders and Diploma holder with relevant Art or Music qualification and who also meet the university admission criteria: 4-year Bachelor of Art (Education) with specialization in Music
    • NAFA or LaSalle Diploma in Art or Diploma in Music graduates: 2-year Diploma in Art Education or Diploma in Music Education
    • Degree holders: 1-year Post-Graduate-Diploma in Education (Sec)

    (You need to have 2 teaching subjects for the PGDE (Sec) course.The teaching subjects assigned will generally depend on your major and/or minor read during your course of study at the university level. Music would be your first teaching subject if you have a degree in Music. However, if you do not have a degree in music but have other music qualifications, Music could be your second teaching subject if you have a suitable first teaching subject which is based on your major done at university)

  26. What is the remuneration package for applicants with the necessary qualifications and working experience?

    For the first 3 years in NAFA, all students will be paid a bursary of $800 per month.From the 4th year onwards when they are appointed as General Education Officers (GEO) and join NIE for their teacher training, they will be paid a salary of $1500 onwards.

  27. Will I have any opportunity to pursue a degree in Art and Music eventually?

    Like all teachers, graduates from the Art & Music Teacher Training Scheme have the opportunity to apply for study leave to pursue degree courses to upgrade themselves, while in service. They can also apply for MOE sponsorship, e.g. interest-free study loan, while they pursue a degree course in Art or Music. If you do well in the 4-year course, you could be offered direct admission to the BA (Education) degree course at NTU / NIE immediately after your 4-year course.

  28. Will I be emplaced onto the GEO1 scale after I obtained a degree?

    Not all teachers who obtained a degree will be emplaced onto the GEO1 scale. That would depend on whether he/she meets the emplacement criteria.

Chinese Language Teacher Specialisation Scheme (Ngee Ann Polytechnic)

  1. What are the main reasons for having the Chinese Language Teacher Specialisation Scheme at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP)?

    The Chinese Language Teacher Specialisation Scheme at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) is introduced to provide an additional avenue for people to study Chinese Language (CL) at the post-secondary level. It also served as an additional avenue for the Ministry to recruit and groom potential candidates to be valued Chinese Language teachers in the future.

  2. I noted that apart from the Chinese Language Teacher Specialisation Scheme, there is also the Mother Tongue Language Teacher Training Scheme, which also train potential candidate to become Chinese Language teachers. What are the differences between the two schemes?

    The comparisons between the two schemes are tabulated as follows:

      Chinese Language Specialisation Scheme Mother Tongue Language Scheme
    Collborating Institute Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) NIE - Townsville Campus
    Duration 4 years (3 years at NP and 1 year at the NIE-NTU campus) 4 years at the NIE-NTU campus
    Bond 5 years as CL teacher in primary school 5 years as MTL teacher in primary school
    Qualifications A Diploma in Chinese Studies (Teaching) awarded by NP at end of 3-year Poly course and a Diploma in Education (Chinese Language Specialisation) awarded by NIE at the end of the 4th year at NIE A Diploma in Mother Tongue Language Education awarded by NIE at the end of the 4 years
    Remuneration

    Tuition fees for all trainee teachers are fully paid by the Ministry of Education.

    During the first 3 years at NP, candidates will receive a monthly bursary of $800. During the 4th year at NIE, trainee teachers will receive a monthly salary (inclusive of CPF and year-end bonus).

    Tuition fees for all trainee teachers are fully paid by the Ministry of Education.

    While undergoing training in NIE during the first 2 years, candidates will receive a monthly bursary of $800. During the 3rd and 4th years, trainee teachers will receive a monthly salary (inclusive of CPF and year-end bonus).

  3. How do I apply? What are the procedures like?

    You may apply online during the recruitment exercise. Application opens immediately after the release of this year ‘O’ level results and closes 1 week after the release of the ‘O’ level results. MOE will assess your application and if you are shortlisted, you will be asked to attend an interview. You will be offered admission if you pass the interview.

  4. Will MOE consider other types of qualifications other than GCE ‘O’ levels?

    You must have the GCE ‘O’ level certificate or the equivalent.

  5. Is the bursary scheme for the Diploma in Chinese Studies open to foreigners?

    Foreigners may apply and all applications are considered on a competitive basis.

  6. I have only Chinese language at GCE ‘O’ levels, and did not take Chinese Literature or Higher Chinese at GCE ‘O’ level. Can I apply and will I lose out to those who did those subjects at GCE ‘O’ examinations?

    We will consider all applications on a competitive basis.

  7. Can those with partial ‘A’ levels apply to this programme?

    Those with partial ‘A’ levels can apply if they are prepared to go through 4 years of study to become Chinese Language teachers.

  8. Can applicants combine ‘O’ level certificates to calculate aggregate for English Language plus 4 Best Subjects?

    We will accept the certificates obtained in 2 best sittings only.

  9. Is there an age limit?

    Age is not a deciding factor. However, if you have been away from school for too long, you might not be able to cope with the course and training in NP and NIE, which is rather heavy in terms of content. There is also a 5-year bond to serve after graduating from NIE.

  10. Would I receive any financial aid during this course of study?

    MOE will pay the course fees of all successful candidates selected by MOE after the interview. In addition, students would receive a bursary of $800 per month in the first 3 years at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP). Upon graduating from NP, they would be appointed as General Education Officers and receive a salary ranging from $1586 to $1779 (depending on whether they have completed NS) per month while they are in their 4th year of study at NIE.

  11. After Year 2 or halfway through the course, can I switch to the media track?

    Applicant should consider very carefully before applying for the bursary. All successful applicants sponsored by MOE will not be allowed to switch to the media track.

  12. Is there a bond obligation?

    Yes. Successful applicants will have to serve a 5-year bond upon graduating from NAFA and NIE.

  13. Will I have any opportunity to pursue a degree in Chinese Language eventually?

    Like all teachers, graduates from the Chinese Language Teacher Specialisation Scheme, have the opportunity to apply for study leave to pursue degree course to upgrade themselves, while in service. They can also apply for MOE sponsorship, e.g. interest-free study loan, while they pursue a degree in Chinese Studies. If you do well in the 4-year course, you could also be offered direct admission to the BA (Education) degree course at NTU/NIE immediately after your 4-year course.

  14. Will I be emplaced onto the GEO1 scale if I obtained a degree?

    Not all teachers who obtained a degree will be emplaced onto the GEO1 scale. That would depend on whether he/she meets the emplacement criteria.

  15. Will I have the opportunity to teach Chinese Language at the Secondary/JC level?

    This course is tailored to train you to teach Chinese Language at the primary school level only. There are opportunities for one to apply for study leave to pursue degree courses, whilst in service. Thereafter, the candidate could teach in a secondary school/JC depending on the overall staffing needs then.

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Pre-school / Polytechnic Teaching

  1. How can I apply to be a pre-school teacher?

    Please approach the individual pre-school or kindergarten directly for employment opportunities. They will be able to furnish you with the qualifications that they need for employment of pre-school teachers.

  2. How can I apply to be a polytechnic lecturer?

    As the local polytechnics are statutory boards, they conduct their own employment of staff, including employment of lecturers. Please approach them directly for employment opportunities.

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