Western Education offers two IB Educator Certificates: the IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning and the IB Certificate in Leadership Practice. Both provide cost-effective professional development that is delivered completely online.
The IB supports schools and teachers to provide a rigorous, high-quality education, offering professional development that improves pedagogy and leadership.
Important note
The successful completion of the IB Educator Certificate Program doesn’t lead to certification with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
IBEC Program Policies & Guidelines
IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning
This is a six-month, online program for practicing and aspiring teachers that qualifies educators to register for the IB certificate in Teaching and Learning. You will become a reflective practitioner and teacher researcher capable of succeeding in an IB World School at the PYP (Primary Years, Pre-K to Grade 5), MYP (Middle Years, Grades 6-10), or DP (Diploma, Grades 11 & 12) level. If you select either the MYP or DP Programme, you must also select a specific subject for the focus of your IBEC. Western offers the following options:
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- English Language and Literature
- Individuals and Society
- Mathematics
- Science
Diploma Programme (DP)
- History
- Economics
- Business Management
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Language A: English Language and Literature
- Language B: French
- Mathematics
IB Certificate in Leadership Practice
This is a six-month, online program for practicing and aspiring leaders that qualifies educators to register for the IB Certificate in Leadership Practice. You will build confidence in implementing and sustaining IB programs in IB World Schools.
The objective of this certificate is to develop and refine leadership capabilities in an IB context. This certificate is designed for educators and administrators looking to apply, implement and sustain IB programs in IB World School.
Students must register with the IB directly in order to access IB resources and to receive official certification with IBEC at the end of the program. Please note that IBEC has their own fee for certification. This fee is not set by Western.
The IB Educator Certificate program is comprised of 4 consecutive modules; each module is 5 weeks in length with a two week break in between the start of each module. In total, the entire program is completed within a scheduled 26-week timeframe (6 months).
This program of study is a cohort model, with a time commitment of approximately 15-20 hours per week. Approximately 20 students will be admitted to each cohort. This cohort structure will provide ongoing support within the course work, enabling students to develop a professional community of practice. To ensure the integrity of the cohort model, continuous enrollment is required and will necessitate that students complete all the required courses within the timeframe stipulated.
| Term |
Application Deadline |
Program Start |
Program End |
Length/Format |
| Fall 2025 |
September 19, 2025 |
September 29, 2025 |
March 27, 2026 |
6 months - Online |
| Winter 2026 |
January 16, 2026 |
February 9, 2026 |
July 24, 2026 |
6 months - Online |
Required:
- A four-year degree (20 full courses or equivalent) from an accredited university
- Completion of – or enrollment in - a recognized teaching program
or
Three years of full-time teaching experience in a K-12 setting
- A minimum of 3 years of teaching experience (K-12) is required for the Leadership Practice Certificate*
- English Proficiency Requirements
Note:
- The successful completion of the IB Educator Certificate Program doesn’t lead to certification with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
- Teaching and Learning Certificate: Any student currently enrolled in a qualified teaching program can apply. Students do not have to be fully graduated or currently practicing teachers.
English Proficiency Requirements:
For admission into the IB Program, applicants must be from an English-speaking country or meet either of the following English test scores:
- Min TOEFL ibt: 86.0 (Minimum reading: 20.0; Minimum writing: 20.0; Minimum listening: 20.0; Minimum speaking: 20.0)
- Min IELTS average: 6.5 (Minimum reading: 6.0; Minimum writing: 6.0; Minimum listening: 6.0; Minimum speaking: 6.0)
- Students whose first language is not English may be considered exempt from providing an English Proficiency test score if the student has studied academic courses, full time, for at least two years, in an English-speaking University.
French Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience.
Applicants to the IB Educator Certificate Program who wish to enroll in the IB French B program should be aware that Modules 2 and 3 will cover the full Language B syllabus, organized into five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, and sharing the planet. All instruction and coursework will be completed in French. Therefore, proficiency in French must be confirmed in the application by providing the necessary documents listed below.
- Four-Year Degree in French:
- A four-year undergraduate degree where the medium of instruction is French or an equivalent qualification. The degree must have been completed within the last 5 years.
- A letter from the institution stating the medium of instruction was French and the years of the applicant’s attendance is required.
- DELF/DALF Test or TEF
- A DELF test with a B2 level or a TEF with a level 4 proficiency.
- Although the DELF test is valid for life, candidates must demonstrate current use of the language through teaching. This can be done by submitting a letter of employment. The letter should state that you are teaching French, provide details about your role, and include the duration of your employment.
- ASPirE French Proficiency Test:
- Candidates who do not have the DELF/DALF or TEF and have a non-traditional background in French can take the ASPirE test.
- To register for the ASPirE French proficiency test, contact the IB office at ibwestern@uwo.ca
- Transcripts from French Studies:
- Official transcripts demonstrating the completion of courses in French.
- Proof of Education in a Francophone Institution:
- Documentation verifying education received in a Francophone country or institution.
IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning – $3,700
IB Certificate in Leadership Practice – $3,700
Application Fee – $100
- The Program fee is paid by logging into the IB application portal with your username and password. Acceptable payment methods are Visa and MasterCard
- The program fee can be paid in one lump sum or in four equal installments, due a week before the start of each module
- Upon completing the IB Educator Certificate Program, candidates must register with the IB to obtain their official certificate. The registration fee, set by the IBO, is USD $295 and is not determined by Western University
IBEC Session Dates - Fall 2025 (September 2025 - March 2026)
| Module |
Start Date |
End Date |
Break |
| Module 1 |
September 29, 2025 |
October 31, 2025 |
November 1-16 |
| Module 2 |
November 17 2025 |
December 19, 2025 |
December 20,2025- January, 4,2026 |
| Module 3 |
January 5, 2026 |
February 6, 2026 |
February 7-22 |
| Module 4 |
February 23, 2026 |
March 27, 2026 |
End of program |
Tuition Deadlines
If you choose to pay tuition in installments, the total amount will be divided into four payments. Each payment must be made at least one week before the start of each module, as indicated in the schedule below. You can track your installment payments and view your remaining balance in your Application Portal.
| Tuition Installment |
Due Date |
Amount Owing |
| Module 1 |
22nd September 2025 |
$925 |
| Module 2 |
10th November 2025 |
$925 |
| Module 3 |
29th December 2025 |
$925 |
| Module 4 |
16th February 2026 |
$925 |
