The most important requirement to become a teacher is academic preparation. The potential teacher must undergo a basic four-year course in education. There are colleges and universities worldwide that offer courses in education or its equivalent, depending on which country you are located in. Although there maybe differences in the program, time frame, format or focus; the ultimate goal is still to prepare the student in the field of education and have a successful teaching career.
The institution; the college or university, where in the would-be teacher is undertaking his academic studies may have other requirements. Generally, students are required to undergo and complete the liberal arts and general education courses. In most cases, the students are given the freedom to choose or select their specific fields; but a number of institutions do not allow students to have this free choice.
When students have completed their basic course in education, they have to pass the licensure examinations. This is given by the educational regulatory agencies in the different states of the United States and many other countries. Teachers are not permitted to practice their profession unless they pass these tests.