Hey everyone, if you’re a teacher or aspiring educator in Nigeria, you’ve probably heard that getting registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) is now essential. I’ve been through the process myself a couple of years back, and let me tell you, it’s transformed my career. No more worries about job applications rejecting me because I lacked that professional license. Today, as we head into 2026, thousands of us are searching for clear info on how to register for the TRCN exam, also known as the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE). This guide breaks it all down simply, based on the latest updates from the official sources and what works right now in December 2025.
The TRCN PQE is the gateway to becoming a fully licensed teacher. It’s mandatory for anyone wanting to teach in public or private schools, get promotions, or even qualify for certain government recruitments like SUBEB or TESCOM. Without it, you’re basically practicing without full professional backing. The good news? The process has gone more digital lately, making things easier than when I did it physically at a state office.
Who Can Register for the TRCN Exam? Eligibility Requirements
First things first – not everyone qualifies automatically. To sit for the PQE, you need a recognized teaching qualification. If you have:
- Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from a College of Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed, B.Sc Ed, B.A Ed)
- Master’s or PhD in Education
You’re good to go straight away.
But if your degree is in something else – like Chemistry, Economics, or Engineering – you’ll need a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE or PDE) first. That’s non-negotiable for non-education graduates or HND holders. I know a friend who had a B.Sc in Accounting and had to complete PGDE before proceeding. It adds time, but it’s worth it for the license.
Final year students in education programs can often register through their institutions, so check with your school coordinator early.
Age-wise, you should be at least 21, of good character, and without any criminal convictions involving dishonesty. Foreign qualifications need evaluation by the Federal Ministry of Education.
TRCN Categories and How They Affect Your Registration
The council places you in one of four categories based on your highest qualification. This determines your exam fee and eventual license grade:
- Category D: NCE holders – entry level for primary/junior secondary teaching.
- Category C: Bachelor’s in Education or degree + PGDE.
- Category B: Master’s in Education holders.
- Category A: PhD in Education – highest level, often for lecturers or administrators.
Knowing your category upfront helps when paying fees. Higher categories pay more, but the benefits like better salary scales make up for it.
Step-by-Step Process to Register for TRCN PQE 2026
The registration has shifted towards online in recent years, though many still do parts offline at state offices. Here’s the current method that works best:
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Visit the Official Portal: Head to the TRCN teachers’ dashboard at teachers.trcnigeria.ng or start from trcn.gov.ng and navigate to registration. Some use tis.trcn.gov.ng for verification, but the main sign-up is on the teachers portal.
Create an account if you’re new. You’ll need a valid email and phone number for verification.
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Fill Your Profile: Enter personal details – full name (as on certificates), date of birth, gender, state of origin, contact info. Be accurate because name changes later require marriage certificates or affidavits.
Add your work experience if any – school name, role, dates. This helps build your professional record.
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Upload Qualifications: This is crucial. Scan or clearly photograph:
- Your highest certificate (NCE, degree, PGDE, etc.)
- NYSC discharge certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Recent passport photos (white background)
- Valid ID (NIN slip, driver’s license, etc.)
Wait 1-2 weeks for verification. The portal will notify you once approved.
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Generate Payment Invoice: Once verified, go to the examination section. Select PQE registration. The system generates a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code for the exam application fee.
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Make Payment: Pay via Remita – online banking, bank branch, or USSD. Fees vary by category (around ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 for the exam itself; full registration after passing is separate, often ₦10,000-₦30,000 including induction).
Keep the receipt – you’ll need it.
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Complete Registration: Back on the portal, confirm payment. Print your exam slip with details like date, venue, and PQE number.
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Alternative Offline Route: If online glitches (it happens), visit your nearest TRCN state office (usually in the Ministry of Education). They guide you on Remita payment, form filling, and submission.
For Nigerians abroad, there’s iPQE – international version, no need to travel.
When Does Registration for TRCN 2026 Start and Exam Dates?
TRCN runs two batches yearly: Batch A around May/June, Batch B in October/November.
As of now (December 2025), the November batch just wrapped up. Registration for 2026 Batch A should open early in the year – likely January or February. Keep checking trcn.gov.ng for announcements. They post venue lists and dates there.
Deadlines are strict – usually a month before the exam. Register early to avoid rush.
Costs Involved in TRCN Registration 2026
- Exam application: ₦5,000-₦12,000 depending on category.
- After passing: Full registration fee (certificate, license, induction) ₦10,000-₦50,000.
- Annual dues: ₦5,000 or so for license maintenance.
- Renewal every 3 years.
These are approximate – confirm on Remita or office, as they adjust sometimes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration
I’ve seen many stumble here:
- Wrong registration number when checking later – use the alphanumeric one from the venue if needed.
- Uploading blurry documents – leads to delays.
- Paying wrong fee category.
- Forgetting to print slip.
- Falling for scammers promising “fast-track” – stick to official channels.
Why Bother with TRCN Registration? Real Benefits I’ve Experienced
Since getting my license, doors opened. Higher pay in private schools, eligibility for federal teaching jobs, respect from colleagues. It’s like joining a real profession – medicine, law, now teaching.
Plus, the license is lifetime (certificate part), renewable every three years with credits from workshops.
For lecturers in universities or polytechnics, it’s increasingly required too.
Preparation Tips While Waiting for Your Exam Date
Once registered, start studying. The PQE is CBT – 100 multiple-choice questions on history of education, philosophy, psychology, sociology, guidance, methodology, etc.
Get past questions PDFs – they’re gold. Practice on TRCN simulating CBT WEBSITE.
Aim for 50%+ pass mark.
If you fail (it happens), resit next batch – no limit on attempts.
Final Thoughts and Advice
Registering for the TRCN exam isn’t just bureaucracy – it’s investing in your future as an educator. I delayed mine initially and regretted it when job opportunities passed by. Do it now, especially with 2026 batches coming.
If stuck, visit a state office – staff are helpful. Or join legit teacher forums for updates (avoid paid groups promising miracles).
Stay updated via trcn.gov.ng. Good luck – once licensed, you’ll feel that professional pride.