TSC- Updated Secondary School Teacher Qualifications 2024 CBC
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has revised the qualifications for secondary school teachers to align with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya. These updates ensure that teachers are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of education and cater to students more effectively. Below are the key qualifications outlined by the TSC for secondary school teachers in 2024.
Minimum Qualifications for Diploma in Education
To qualify for a Diploma in Education, prospective secondary school teachers must meet the following requirements:
- KCSE minimum grade of C+
- At least C+ in two subjects of specialization or training
- C plain in English
- For science-based courses: C plain in Mathematics
- For non-science-based courses: D+ in Mathematics
Requirements for Teaching Visually and Hearing-Impaired Learners
For those specializing in teaching learners with visual or hearing impairments, the qualifications are slightly different:
- Minimum C plain in KCSE
- C- in English
- For science-based units: C- in Mathematics
- For non-science-based units: D plain in Mathematics
These adjustments accommodate the unique challenges that visually and hearing-impaired learners face, ensuring that teachers can effectively communicate and instruct these students.
Minimum Qualifications for Bachelor of Education
The requirements for a Bachelor of Education degree, which prepares secondary school teachers, are as follows:
- A minimum mean grade of C+ in KCSE
- C+ in two subjects of specialization
For those who have completed a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science and wish to transition into teaching, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is necessary to qualify for teaching positions in secondary schools.
Overview of Teaching Requirements
The TSC emphasizes that secondary school teachers must have specialized knowledge in their subject areas, particularly in two subjects of their choice. These rigorous requirements ensure that educators possess a strong academic foundation and the necessary pedagogical skills to deliver quality education.
Dynamic Profession and Regular Updates
Teaching is a dynamic profession, and the TSC periodically revises these requirements to keep pace with changing educational standards. The 2024 update reflects the ongoing shift towards the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes skills, creativity, and learner-centered approaches over rote memorization.
By raising the minimum qualifications, the TSC ensures that secondary school teachers are better equipped to guide students through the evolving curriculum and educational framework, especially in the context of the CBC’s focus on competencies and practical knowledge.
These revised qualifications aim to improve the quality of education in secondary schools and ensure that teachers are well-prepared to handle the demands of modern classrooms.









