The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) uses a structured and transparent selection score guide when recruiting teachers for post-primary institutions in Kenya. This scoring system ensures fairness, merit, and consistency by evaluating applicants across clearly defined criteria. Understanding how this score guide works is crucial for any teacher seeking employment, confirmation, or permanent placement under TSC.
This article breaks down the TSC Selection Score Guide for Teachers – Post Primary Institutions, explaining how marks are awarded, how totals are calculated, and what applicants can do to maximize their chances of success.
The TSC selection process awards marks across four main areas, with a maximum total score of 100 marks. These areas assess:
Academic and professional qualifications
Age of the applicant
Length of stay since qualifying as a teacher
Whether the applicant is currently serving as a TSC intern
Each category carries a specific weight, ensuring both experience and qualifications are fairly balanced.
A. Academic and Professional Qualifications (Maximum 3 Marks)
Academic and professional qualifications form the foundation of teacher recruitment. TSC awards marks based on the highest relevant teaching qualification attained.
1. Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Degree
Applicants holding a Bachelor of Education degree are scored as follows:
First Class Honours – 3 marks
Second Class – 2 marks
Pass – 1 mark
2. Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) with PGDE
For applicants who pursued a subject degree and later completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), the scoring is identical:
First Class – 3 marks
Second Class – 2 marks
Pass – 1 mark
3. Diploma Qualifications
Applicants with diploma-level training are also considered:
Diploma + Diploma in Technical Education
Distinction – 3 marks
Credit – 2 marks
Pass – 1 mark
Diploma in Education
Distinction – 3 marks
Credit – 2 marks
Pass – 1 mark
Important: Only one academic qualification is scored, and the maximum marks under this section remain 3 regardless of multiple qualifications.
B. Age of the Applicant (Maximum 15 Marks)
Age plays a significant role in TSC recruitment, with older applicants awarded higher marks. This approach prioritizes fairness for candidates who may have waited longer for employment.
The scoring is as follows:
50 years and above – 15 marks
45 to 49 years – 10 marks
44 years and below – 5 marks
This section has a maximum score of 15 marks.
C. Length of Stay Since Qualifying as a Teacher (Maximum 32 Marks)
This is one of the most critical sections in the TSC selection score guide. It measures how long an applicant has remained unemployed or unconfirmed after qualifying as a teacher.
TSC uses the year an applicant was officially qualified to teach, according to commission policies—not the year of graduation certificate issuance.
Scoring Breakdown by Year of Qualification
2010 and before – 32 marks
2011 – 30 marks
2012 – 28 marks
2013 – 26 marks
2014 – 24 marks
2015 – 22 marks
2016 – 20 marks
2017 – 18 marks
2018 – 16 marks
2019 – 14 marks
2020 – 12 marks
2021 – 10 marks
2022 – 8 marks
2023 – 6 marks
2024 – 4 marks
2025 – 2 marks
The maximum score in this section is 32 marks, making it a decisive factor during selection.
D. Currently Serving as a TSC Intern (Maximum 50 Marks)
Applicants who are currently serving as interns with the Teachers Service Commission receive a major advantage.
Currently serving intern – 50 marks
Not an intern – 0 marks
This section carries the highest weight, reflecting TSC’s policy of prioritizing interns for permanent and pensionable positions.
Grand Total: How the 100 Marks Are Calculated
Section
Maximum Marks
Academic & Professional Qualifications
3
Age
15
Length of Stay Since Qualification
32
Internship Status
50
Total
100
Applicants are ranked based on their final cumulative score, and selection is done competitively within each subject combination and institution.
Key Notes Every Applicant Should Know
The year of qualification, not certificate issuance, is used for scoring length of stay.
Internship status can override other weaknesses due to its high mark allocation.
Only one academic qualification is considered, even if an applicant has multiple credentials.
Accuracy of information is critical and must be certified by the Selection Panel Secretary and Chairperson.
How to Improve Your Chances
To improve your chances of being selected by TSC:
Ensure your qualification year is correctly captured in TSC records
Take advantage of internship opportunities
Regularly update your TSC profile
Apply consistently to advertised vacancies
Understanding the TSC Selection Score Guide for Post Primary Institutions empowers teachers to plan strategically and remain competitive in future recruitment cycles.
