TSC Number Registration: Requirements & Step-by-Step Guide
A TSC number is the registration number issued by the Teachers Service Commission once you’re confirmed as a qualified teacher — and you cannot legally teach in any public or private school in Kenya without one, under Section 237 of the TSC Act No. 20 of 2012. Registration is done entirely online through the Teachers Online portal; TSC does not accept paper applications.
This guide walks through exactly what you need before you start, the exact fields on the official registration form, the fee, and how long the process actually takes.
⚡ Quick Answer: Register at tsconline.tsc.go.ke, choose “New Registration,” fill in your personal and academic details, upload your scanned documents (ID, KRA PIN, academic certificates, GP69 medical form, and certificate of good conduct), then pay the non-refundable fee of Kshs. 1,050 through an approved E-Citizen payment method before submitting. Processing takes up to 30 days.
The portal warns that it is a serious offence to give false information in this application — Section 44 of the TSC Act sets a penalty of a fine of up to Kshs. 100,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. Only upload original documents (not photocopies, unless a TSC Director or Sub-County Director has certified them), and double-check every entry before submitting, since the form does not allow changes after payment in most sections.
TSC Registration Requirements — Documents You Need
Have clear scanned copies of the following ready before you start the online form. These are the documents TSC’s own registration page lists as required:
Required Documents Checklist
- National ID card (a clear scan)
- KRA PIN certificate
- Academic and professional certificates (KCPE, KCSE, and your college/university certificate as applicable)
- GP69 medical form — fully filled and signed by a medical officer at a public health facility
- Certificate of Good Conduct from the DCI
- A recent passport-size photo
- For non-Kenyan (expatriate) applicants only: a letter of clearance from the Ministry of Education Vetting Committee, plus a valid entry/work permit
Using photocopies instead of originals? The portal’s own instructions state that only original documents should be scanned and uploaded. If you must use copies, have them certified by a TSC Director or TSC Sub-County Director first — uncertified photocopies are a common reason applications stall.
TSC Registration Fee & Payment Methods
| Application Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Registration | Kshs. 1,050 (non-refundable) |
| Duplicate Certificate Application | Kshs. 2,050 (non-refundable) |
Payment is made mid-process, through the government pay bill (Business Number 222222) or another approved E-Citizen method — M-Pesa, Airtel Money, KCB Cash, Equity Cash, or an E-Agent. You cannot submit the application until payment is confirmed.
Step-by-Step: How to Register for a TSC Number
Visit tsconline.tsc.go.ke and select “New Registration.” Choose the applicant category that applies to you — Kenyan Citizen or Non-Citizen — as the two paths ask for different documents.
Fill in your details exactly as they appear on your official documents, then click “Next Page” to continue. See the exact fields below so you can prepare your answers in advance.
Attach each required document in the slot provided — National ID, KRA PIN, academic certificates, GP69 form, and Certificate of Good Conduct. Give each upload a clear description (e.g. “KRA PIN”) as you go.
Pay Kshs. 1,050 via the government pay bill (222222) or another listed E-Citizen method. Keep your payment confirmation — you’ll need it if there’s a dispute over your submission.
Once submitted, you can check progress anytime using your ID or passport number on the TSC registration status page. Registration is generally processed within 30 days.
Section A Form Fields — Exactly as They Appear on the Portal
This is a reference copy of the live “New Registration for Kenyan Citizens” form, so you can fill in your answers ahead of time. It is not an interactive form — complete the real one at tsconline.tsc.go.ke.
How Long Does TSC Registration Take?
Under the TSC Act, applicants who meet the requirements receive a certificate of registration bearing their TSC number within 30 days of a complete, correctly filed application. In practice, delays usually trace back to incomplete uploads, uncertified photocopies, or a missing document rather than the review stage itself — so double-checking your uploads before submitting is the single best way to avoid a longer wait.
Can You Apply for a TSC Number Without a Certificate of Good Conduct?
No. The Certificate of Good Conduct is a mandatory document on the official requirements list, and applications submitted without it are not processed as complete — they are typically rejected or left pending indefinitely. If you don’t yet have one, apply for it through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) e-Citizen service before starting your TSC registration, since it can take time to be issued.
Check Your TSC Registration Status
Once submitted, you don’t need to wait passively for a letter. You can check your application’s progress at any time using your ID or passport number. Our related guides cover this in full:
- TSC Registration Status: How to Check It Online
- TSC Registration Status Check: What Each Status Means
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for a TSC number?
Go to tsconline.tsc.go.ke, select “New Registration,” fill in your personal and academic details, upload your required documents, pay the Kshs. 1,050 registration fee through an approved E-Citizen method, and submit. You can then track your status online.
How much does it cost to apply for a TSC number?
New Registration costs Kshs. 1,050, non-refundable. A Duplicate Certificate Application costs Kshs. 2,050. Both are paid mid-process through the government pay bill (Business Number 222222) or another approved E-Citizen method.
How long does TSC registration take?
Up to 30 days from a complete, correctly submitted application, as set out under the TSC Act. Incomplete uploads or uncertified photocopies are the most common cause of delays beyond this.
Can I apply for a TSC number without a certificate of good conduct?
No. It is a mandatory requirement, and applications without it are not treated as complete. Apply for your Certificate of Good Conduct through the DCI e-Citizen service before starting your TSC registration if you don’t already have one.
What documents do I need for TSC registration?
Your National ID, KRA PIN certificate, academic and professional certificates, a fully completed GP69 medical form, a Certificate of Good Conduct, and a recent passport photo. Non-Kenyan applicants also need a Ministry of Education vetting letter and a valid entry/work permit.
What is the Category field asking for on the registration form?
It refers to the level you intend to teach at: ECDE, Primary, or Post Primary. Choose the one matching your qualifications and intended teaching level.
What grade options appear in the Mean Grade dropdown?
The dropdown covers KCSE/KCE/KACE/EACE/EAACE grades from A down to D-, plus IGSE, Division1 through Division4 (for O-Level system certificates), PASS, and Z, to accommodate applicants who sat different examination systems.
Can I save my TSC registration form and finish it later?
Yes. The portal’s own instructions confirm you can save part of the form and return to complete it at a later time if needed.
Disclaimer: MyCyber (mycyber.co.ke) is an independent educational website. We are not affiliated with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) or the Government of Kenya. This article reflects the registration form, fees, and requirements published on tsconline.tsc.go.ke and tsc.go.ke at the time of writing. Always verify current requirements directly with TSC before applying. Source: TSC Online Portal, TSC official website, TSC Act No. 20 of 2012.
