To become a teacher, you must obtain (or expect to obtain) a teaching license and pass the employment examination.
You can take the exam from the year following your graduation.
The examinations are administered by each local government. A regular license is valid throughout Japan, but passing the employment examination is valid only in each municipality.
The regulations for taking the exam vary from municipality to municipality. Please check the website of the board of education of the municipality of your choice first.
Points to keep in mind when taking the examination
The following information is an example for public schools and may vary slightly from municipality to municipality. The following are examples of public schools and may vary slightly from municipality to municipality. Be sure to check by yourself.
Subjects include a written examination (specialized subjects, teaching/general education, essay) and an interview (individual interview/group interview/mock class).
In the case of public schools, many municipalities impose a second examination. In recent years, an increasing number of municipalities have included interviews in the first round of testing.
Most municipalities start the information in April, application in May, the first examination in June or July, and the second examination in August or September.
Some municipalities impose an age limit for the examination. The age limit varies from municipality to municipality, such as under 39 years old or under 45 years old (for example, under 39 years old in Tokyo in 2012).
Some municipalities may require a license other than that of the desired school type.
- e.g.) Need both licenses to become a middle school and high school teacher
(If you get a middle school license, it is relatively easy to get a high school license as well, but if you get a high school license, you will need additional credits for the middle school license) - e.g.) For personnel exchange (e.g., elementary and middle school collaboration), it is desirable, if possible, to have an elementary school teaching license even if you will be a middle school teacher (you may be asked to obtain this license after being hired).
Trends in the number of recruits
In recent years, the number of recruits has been increasing throughout Japan. This trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future (however, there is a strong tendency to cover teacher shortages with temporary employment, so we cannot necessarily be optimistic).
The number of recruits is higher in urban areas such as the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Kinki region than in rural areas. Also, the success rate increases if you take the examinations in more than one municipality. Some municipalities have overlapping examination dates, so check early.
The number of upper secondary school teachers hired is generally small, and some municipalities have no openings for some subjects. Those who wish to become a senior high school teacher should check employment information especially frequently.