TSC Recruitment Checklist: What to Carry for Certificate Verification

Verification of Certificates: What TSC Expects from Applicants During Recruitment Process.

As part of the 2024/2025 recruitment of primary school teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has emphasized the importance of certificate verification. This process plays a critical role in ensuring that only qualified and genuinely credentialed applicants are selected. Below is a breakdown of what TSC expects from candidates during the certificate verification stage.

Key Objectives of the Verification Process

The main goal of certificate verification is to:

• Confirm the authenticity of documents presented by applicants.
• Ensure that applicants meet the minimum qualifications for employment.
• Detect and eliminate cases of forgery or falsification.
• Establish that an applicant has not been previously employed by TSC on permanent and pensionable terms, unless seeking reappointment legally.

1. Presentation of Original Documents

All applicants must present original copies of their academic and professional documents for scrutiny during the interview and selection process. These documents include:

• National Identification Card (ID)
• KCPE and KCSE certificates (or their equivalents)
• Primary Teacher Education (PTE) or Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) certificate
• Certificate of Registration as a teacher issued by TSC
• Valid evidence of change of names (where applicable)
• Official transcripts for candidates with special or upgraded qualifications
• Disability identification card from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (if applicable)

2. Strict Checks for Consistency and Authenticity

Sub-County Selection Panels are required to verify the consistency of names across all documents. Where discrepancies are noted (e.g. in name spellings or identification numbers), the applicant must provide supporting documentation such as:

• A sworn affidavit
• A marriage certificate (in cases of name change due to marriage)
• A deed poll for legal name change

TSC will not consider any candidate whose identity or academic documents appear suspicious or inconsistent.

3. Forensic Verification for Suspected Forgeries

Applicants found to be presenting forged or falsified documents will be disqualified immediately. In addition:

• The case will be formally reported to relevant investigative authorities.
• Such applicants will be barred from future TSC recruitment exercises.
• Serving interns or temporary teachers found guilty of forgery will be dismissed.

TSC maintains a zero-tolerance policy on document fraud, and county directors are expected to maintain vigilance throughout the process.

4. Special Cases: Examination Re-sits and Results Combination

Applicants who have re-sat national exams or combined results from different sittings must present:

• Certified result slips from each sitting
• Proper documentation verifying the combination (e.g. from KNEC)

In addition, applicants who took alternative or international exams (IGCSE, GCE, etc.) must provide KNEC-equivalency letters confirming the alignment of their results with Kenyan standards.

5. Verification for Special Needs Applicants

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is committed to ensuring equity and inclusion in its recruitment of primary school teachers for the 2024/2025 financial year. In line with this, special verification procedures have been outlined to accommodate applicants with disabilities or special needs.

TSC requires all applicants with disabilities to declare their disability status during the application stage. This allows the Commission to make the necessary adjustments during document verification, interviews, and eventual placement.

Applicants must clearly indicate:

• Their disability status
• The nature of the disability (e.g., hearing, speech, physical)

This disclosure is essential not only for placement considerations but also for ensuring that suitable support—such as assistive devices or interpreters—is available during the recruitment process.

To qualify under the special needs category, applicants must provide both standard and disability-specific documentation during the verification process:

1. All mandatory academic and professional documents required of all applicants (ID, PTE/DPTE, KCSE, KCPE certificates, etc.)
2. A valid disability card issued by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
3. Where necessary, a medical report or assessment from a certified health institution confirming the nature and extent of the disability
4. Any assistive certification or support documentation used in their education or training, if applicable

What Applicants Must Present

Each applicant must provide the original and clear legible photocopies of the following documents during the selection day:

1. National Identification Card (ID)
2. Certificate of Registration as a Teacher issued by TSC
3. PTE/DPTE Certificate (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution
4. KCSE Certificates (or KCE/KACE where applicable)
5. KCPE Certificate
6. Proof of change of names (e.g., marriage certificate, affidavit), if names on documents differ
7. Primary and secondary school leaving certificates
8. Official transcripts or result slips (for exam re-sits or lost certificates, with evidence from KNEC)
9. Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
10. Evidence of Disability (where applicable), verified and certified by the relevant medical board
11. NHIF and NSSF cards, KRA PIN, bank plate/card, and two passport-size photos (to be submitted only after final selection)

Special Notes for Specific Cases

• Serving Teacher Interns: Only need to present their original national ID and TSC registration certificate.
• Applicants with disabilities: Must produce original medical certification confirming their disability status.
• Name inconsistencies: Any mismatch in names across documents must be legally supported with certified evidence.

The Role of Verification Officers

TSC Sub-County Directors and their appointed officers are responsible for conducting the verification exercise. Their tasks include:

• Confirming the legitimacy and consistency of all submitted documents.
• Rejecting any application with incomplete, suspicious, or unverifiable records.
• Assigning a serial number to each qualified applicant for accountability.

Penalties for Forgery or Misrepresentation

Applicants who present forged certificates or falsified details face:

• Immediate disqualification
• Reporting to relevant investigative authorities
• Banning from future TSC recruitment exercises

TSC’s commitment to integrity is anchored in the Leadership and Integrity Act (2012) and the Public Officer Ethics Act (2003).

Read Also: How to File a Complaint If You’re Unhappy with TSC Recruitment Results

Conclusion

Certificate verification is not just a formality—it’s a critical step in ensuring that only qualified and credible teachers enter the classroom. Applicants are advised to organize their documents thoroughly, ensure consistency in all records, and present themselves honestly during the selection process.

Verification of Certificates: What TSC Expects from Applicants During Recruitment Process

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