The standard rule for 2026/2027 secondary and junior school posts is a C+ mean grade at KCSE. Circular No. 15/2026 of 13 August 2026 sets out routes for applicants who fall below that grade, or who took earlier or different examinations. Check your route against these before assuming you are ineligible.
Graduates of 2008 and earlier
Applicants who graduated in 2008 or before are eligible with a mean grade of C (plain), and C (plain) in the two teaching subjects.
KCE Division III holders
Under the diploma teacher rules, an applicant may qualify with Division III at KCE, with a credit score in the two teaching subjects. They also need one principal and two subsidiary passes at A-Level. In addition, they must hold a Diploma in Education from a recognised Teacher Training Institution with at least C+ in the two teaching subjects.
Diploma in Education holders who later earned a degree
These applicants are eligible if they had:
- KCSE route: a mean grade of C (plain) and C+ in the two teaching subjects, before undertaking the Bachelor of Education degree.
- A-Level route: a mean grade of C (plain), and C+ in the A-Level subjects of study, with at least one principal and two subsidiaries for sciences, or two principals and one subsidiary for arts, before the degree.
Bridging and pre-university certificates
Bridging or pre-university certificates are considered for those who completed the course before 31 December 2015.
Teachers with hearing or visual impairments
Hearing and visually impaired applicants who enrolled for training with a mean grade of C (plain), and C (plain) in the two teaching subjects, are eligible. The Mathematics requirement is lower for them:
| Course type | Minimum Mathematics grade |
|---|---|
| Science-based courses | C- or equivalent |
| Non-science courses | D (plain) or equivalent |
For other applicants, the Mathematics requirement is C (plain) for science-based courses and D+ for non-science courses.
Previously on contract
Applicants previously employed on contract whose services ended because they had insufficient teaching units may apply if they have since obtained certificates with adequate units.
Documents and process
Present original certificates and official transcripts. Provisional transcripts are not accepted. For qualification questions, contact your TSC County Director. Persons with disabilities must declare their disability status and its nature, and the Commission reserves at least 5% of advertised slots for teachers with disabilities.
See the secondary and junior school recruitment guidelines and secondary vacancies by county.