Overview
The Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) is run by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). It is a computer-based test that is mandatory for people who hold a teaching qualification and want to be registered and licensed as teachers in Nigeria.
Passing the PQE leads to a Certificate of Registration and a Practising Licence, which you can download from your TRCN portal dashboard. TRCN publishes a PQE curriculum guide and a document called the National Benchmark for PQE.
Who can apply
The PQE is meant for holders of teaching qualifications, such as the NCE, a Bachelor of Education, or a B.Sc. or B.A. combined with a postgraduate diploma in education (PGDE or PDE). The curriculum guide gives the minimum as an NCE, PGDE or PDE in education. The exam guide asks you to check your eligibility for the current exam window on the portal before you pay.
Exam pattern
The TRCN curriculum guide describes the PQE as a computer-based test of 60 questions in 60 minutes. It is held in batches in the May and November diets. Candidates get their exam date and venue by SMS and email at least two weeks before the exam. TRCN has held sittings across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The pages checked do not state the pass mark.
Syllabus
The streamlined PQE syllabus has five core areas, each weighted 20 percent: pedagogy, literacy, numeracy, ICT and safeguarding. The literacy section covers reading comprehension, grammar and structure, vocabulary, writing skills and professional communication skills. TRCN publishes past questions and PQE reports on its site.
Important dates
TRCN posted the results of the May 2026 sitting (PQE Batch A26) on 27 May 2026. In November 2025, it announced a PQE sitting across all six geopolitical zones. Check the portal and the news page for the date and venue of the next sitting.
How to apply
Registration is through the official TRCN portal, which the Federal Government unveiled in October 2025 for teacher registration and licensing.
Log in to the Teacher Portal.
Open the PQE section.
Check that you are eligible.
Pay the fee shown on the portal.
Download your exam slip, which shows your exam number and centre.
After the exam
Results are posted on the portal once grading is done, and TRCN notifies candidates by email and SMS. Successful candidates go on to obtain their Certificate of Registration and Practising Licence through the portal. Physical copies can be collected at state offices or sent by mail.
Preparation tips
Read the official PQE curriculum and the National Benchmark for PQE.
Use the past questions that TRCN publishes on its site.
Arrive at your centre at least 30 minutes early with your exam slip and a valid ID. Electronic devices are not allowed.
FAQs
Is the PQE compulsory?
Yes. TRCN describes it as a mandatory exam for people with teaching qualifications who want to be registered as teachers.
Where do I register?
Through the official TRCN Teacher Portal.
How do I get my licence after passing?
Download your Certificate of Registration and Practising Licence from your portal dashboard. You can also collect physical copies at a state office or receive them by mail.