TSC Recruitment Under CBC: Complete Document Checklist for Teachers

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plays a critical role in shaping the quality of education in Kenya by ensuring that only qualified and competent professionals join the teaching service. With the full rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the recruitment process has become more streamlined, transparent, and competitive. This means that every applicant must present specific documents for verification to prove their eligibility before securing a teaching position.

For teachers eyeing opportunities in the 2025 recruitment cycle, preparation is everything. Arriving at an interview without the correct paperwork could cost you a life-changing opportunity. This guide offers a complete, detailed checklist of all the documents required by TSC during CBC recruitment in 2025, explains why each one matters, and provides pro tips for teachers who want to stand out during interviews.

Why CBC Has Changed Teacher Recruitment

The Competency-Based Curriculum has not only changed how learners are taught but also how teachers are trained, deployed, and recruited. Unlike in the 8-4-4 system, CBC places strong emphasis on skills, learner-centered teaching, inclusivity, and practical outcomes. To align with these reforms, TSC has tightened its recruitment requirements, demanding higher levels of accountability and consistency in documentation.

In fact, recent TSC recruitment guidelines have gone further to set clear standards on acceptable qualifications. For instance, certain degrees are no longer considered valid for TSC recruitment (read the full guide here). This means candidates must be extra cautious not just with their paperwork but also with their career choices as they pursue education degrees.

Documents Required During TSC Interviews

Applicants are expected to present both originals and clear photocopies of the following documents at the recruitment panel:

1. National Identification Card – Proof of Kenyan citizenship and personal identity.
2. TSC Certificate of Registration – Confirms you are officially recognized as a professional teacher.
3. Diploma/Degree Certificate and Official Transcripts – Validates your academic qualifications and subject specialization.
4. KCSE Certificate(s) or Equivalent – All certificates must be presented, including those for repeated attempts.
5. KCPE Certificate(s) or Equivalent – As with KCSE, ensure you include all resits.
6. Primary and Secondary School Leaving Certificates – Important for verifying your educational journey.
7. National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Card – Required for applicants with disabilities.
8. Sworn Affidavit (Cap 15) – Necessary if there are discrepancies in names across your documents.
9. Letter of Certification of Results by KNEC – For cases where certificates are missing, damaged, or undergoing verification.

Why Each Document Matters

Every document on the TSC checklist has a purpose in ensuring fair, transparent, and credible recruitment:

• National ID and TSC Registration Certificate confirm your eligibility as a Kenyan citizen and certified teacher.
• Academic and Professional Certificates provide proof that you are qualified to teach under CBC requirements.
• Transcripts are especially critical for new graduates, as they show details of course completion and subject mastery.
• Affidavits ensure there are no discrepancies in your records, which could otherwise disqualify you.
• NCPWD Card guarantees inclusivity, giving applicants with disabilities fair representation, particularly under the 2025 PWD teacher internship program (see full scoring guide here).

Pro Tips to Stay Ahead During TSC Recruitment

1. Arrange your documents in order – Panels appreciate organized candidates; it shows professionalism.
2. Carry multiple photocopies – At least two sets, since panels may retain one.
3. Verify names in advance – Resolve mismatches early through an affidavit.
4. Keep originals safe but easy to access when asked for verification.
5. Stay updated on score sheets – Marks are awarded based on structured score cards, such as the JSS intern score sheet 2025 (see details here).

How TSC Ensures Transparency in Recruitment

TSC has often faced criticism in the past for alleged favoritism and lack of transparency in recruitment. However, reforms under CBC have introduced clear scoring systems, digitized applications, and county-level accountability. For instance, the 2025 TSC transfer guidelines now allow teachers to apply online and track progress (see application guide here). Similar digital reforms are now streamlining recruitment and ensuring merit-based selection.

Common Mistakes Teachers Make During Recruitment

1. Arriving with incomplete documents – Forgetting one certificate can disqualify you immediately.
2. Mismatched names – A missing affidavit can block your recruitment.
3. Submitting uncertified copies – All photocopies should be certified by relevant authorities.
4. Relying only on degree certificates – Panels also demand transcripts and KCSE/KCPE certificates.
5. Not checking the latest guidelines – Recruitment rules change regularly; always confirm with TSC updates.

Inclusivity and Opportunities for PWD Teachers

One of the most notable reforms in 2025 is the structured recruitment of teachers with disabilities. TSC has developed a special score sheet for PWD teacher interns, recognizing the challenges they face in competing with non-disabled candidates. This aligns with Kenya’s constitutional principles of equality and fairness in employment. Teachers with disabilities are encouraged to present their NCPWD card as part of their recruitment documents, ensuring they benefit from inclusive policies.

The Bigger Picture: CBC and Teacher Professionalism

The CBC era demands more than just academic qualifications. Teachers are expected to demonstrate competencies in digital literacy, inclusive education, and learner-centered methodologies. By requiring a thorough documentation process, TSC is signaling its intention to professionalize teaching further and restore public trust in the profession.

The checklist also helps prevent cases of forged certificates, which have previously undermined recruitment credibility. Each requirement builds accountability and fairness, creating a level playing field for all applicants.

Preparing Mentally for TSC Interviews

Beyond documentation, your confidence, professionalism, and preparedness play a big role during interviews. Here are some tips:

• Dress formally and appropriately for the occasion.
• Be punctual—arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled interview.
• Familiarize yourself with current education policies and CBC implementation strategies.
• Be polite and professional when addressing the panel.

Final Thoughts

Recruitment under CBC is competitive, but preparation makes all the difference. By ensuring you have every document listed in this guide, you reduce the chances of last-minute disappointments and improve your confidence during the process.

The Teachers Service Commission is moving towards a fully digitized, transparent, and fair recruitment process. Teachers who prepare early, stay informed about policy changes, and remain organized will be better positioned to succeed. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced teacher looking for redeployment, having the right documents is your ticket to joining Kenya’s teaching workforce under CBC.