The Education & Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) of Saudi Arabia defines the competencies, standards, and assessment domains required for teachers to work legally in Saudi schools.
The framework ensures that all teachers in KSA meet national professional standards, demonstrate pedagogical competence, uphold professional ethics, and contribute to quality education outcomes.
Structure of the ETEC Framework
The framework is built on THREE CORE DOMAINS, assessed through two mandatory MCQ-based exams.
DOMAIN 1: Professional Values & Responsibilities
Focuses on teacher behavior, ethics, and professional accountability in the Saudi education system.
Key Competencies:
- Professional ethics & integrity
- Teacher identity and conduct
- Commitment to student welfare
- Collaboration with parents and colleagues
- Continuous professional development (CPD)
DOMAIN 2: Professional Knowledge & Practice
Focuses on how teachers plan, teach, manage, and assess learning effectively.
Key Competencies:
- Learning theories and pedagogy
- Student-centered teaching strategies
- Classroom management
- Assessment for learning
- Curriculum implementation
- Inclusive education practices
DOMAIN 3: Subject Matter Knowledge & Pedagogy
Focuses on what teachers know and how effectively they teach their subject.
Key Competencies:
- Depth of subject content knowledge
- Subject-specific teaching strategies
- Addressing misconceptions
- Subject-aligned assessment methods
- Application of subject knowledge
Assessment Mapping (How Framework Is Tested)
| ETEC Exam | Framework Domains Covered |
|---|---|
| General Teaching Competency Test | Domain 1 & Domain 2 |
| Subject-Specific Test | Domain 3 |
Exam Characteristics (Framework-Aligned)
- Computer-based testing
- 100% MCQs
- Scenario-based questions
- Application-focused (not rote memory)
- Separate passing requirement for each exam
License Levels (Framework-Based)
ETEC issues licenses in progressive levels, based on qualifications, experience, and exam performance:
Level assignment is determined by ETEC policy and scoring.
Compliance Note
Holding a valid ETEC license is **mandatory** for issuing a **teaching iqama** in Saudi Arabia. Schools are legally responsible for ensuring compliance with this framework.
MENTISERA Institute — Advisory Note
MENTISERA Institute provides preparatory training only. Licensing authority remains solely with ETEC (Saudi Arabia).