TIRANA, April 9 /ATSH/ Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro on Thursday addressed concerns raised by teachers and teaching candidates over the requirement to obtain a professional licence. In a video message, she stressed the process is not a new demand or an individual decision, but stems from the existing legal framework governing regulated professions and pre-university education.
Kumbaro underlined the importance of fulfilling the licensing requirement as a necessary step for professional development and career advancement. She also announced that applications for the teachers’ state exam are open until 14 April. Kumbaro noted that some teachers had written to her personally, saying the lack of a licence had blocked their career progression. She stressed the requirement is not new, but part of the legal framework, and does not stem from the will of any individual official.
She recalled that the law on regulated professions, which came into force in 2011, requires candidates in regulated fields — including teaching — to complete professional practice, pass the state exam, obtain a licence, and then proceed through the subsequent stages.
Referring also to the 2012 law on pre-university education, Kumbaro said it is clearly stipulated that the teaching profession requires passing the state exam. She noted that the provision was further clarified in 2018 amendments, which specify that teachers across all levels — from primary to secondary, vocational schools, special education, and related fields — may only practise after successfully completing professional training and passing the state exam in their area of expertise.
Kumbaro explained that the only teachers exempt from the licensing requirement are those employed before 2011. She announced that applications have opened on the QSHA portal for registration in the state exam to obtain a teaching licence. The process began on 7 April and will remain open until 14 April.
/e.i/a.f/r.e/sm/
