Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is required in the United Kingdom to become, and continue being, a teacher.
A candidate must have completed and passed a teacher training course, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a teaching degree (BEd), and, in England only, pass the QTS Skills Tests in literacy, numeracy and ICT. The General Teaching Council for England , Scotland , Wales or Northern Ireland maintain all registrations, as well as issuing QTS certificates, a task previously undertaken by the DfES).
After having being awarded QTS teachers must normally still pass an induction period – normally their first year(s) of teaching. Those who fail the induction still retain their QTS, but cannot teach in state-run schools. In England, the induction period lasts a year and cannot be retaken. In Wales, it lasts two years and can be retaken if failed.
With QTS a teacher has the right to work in any member state of the European Economic Area (EEC). QTS is also recognised in many other non-EEA countries.
External link
Standards for the Award of Qualified Teacher Status