These new regulations are outlined in two circulars on professional standards for preschool and general education teachers, issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, which become effective in April.

Accordingly, in addition to holding a college or university degree relevant to their specialization and educational level, teachers must also obtain a professional standard training certificate, specific to their teaching level: preschool, primary, junior high, or high school.

This is a mandatory requirement for all teachers, encompassing general education subjects as well as specialized areas such as arts, physical education, foreign languages, informatics, technology, and ethnic minority languages.

The new certificate will replace the existing professional title standard training certificates (ranks I, II, and III) currently held by teachers. However, educators who obtained the previous certificate before 31/12 will have their qualifications recognized as equivalent, eliminating the need for a new examination.

Teachers who are newly recruited, transferred, or change job positions after the circular's effective date and do not yet possess this certificate must complete the professional standard training program. This program, as stipulated by Government Decree 93, will last no more than 6 weeks.

Teachers and students at Hung Loi Primary School, Lam Thanh Commune, Nghe An Province, during a lesson in 10/2025. *Photo: Duc Hung*

Currently, approximately 1.05 million preschool and general education teachers nationwide receive state-funded salaries, which range from VND 4.91 million to VND 15.87 million, excluding allowances.

Previously, professional title standard training certificates were categorized into ranks I, II, and III. Teachers had to complete specific training and pass an exam for a corresponding certificate each time they sought promotion or a salary increase. However, since 5/2023, the Ministry of Education and Training streamlined this process, requiring only one certificate for all teacher ranks.

Thanh Hang