Teaching Career Ladder in Colombia: Advance Your Career
In Colombia, the teaching career ladder is your pathway to grow as a professional. Each step in your education opens new doors: higher income, recognition, and more opportunities to advance in your career within the education sector.
The teaching ladder in Colombia recognizes your education, experience, and dedication as a public school teacher. It is regulated by the Ministry of National Education and administered by local Departments of Education. It is based on:
- The academic qualifications you have achieved.
- Your years of classroom experience.
- Your performance in evaluations.
This system allows you to increase your salary as you pursue further academic training, gain greater recognition, and continue advancing in your teaching career.
How Does the Teaching Career Ladder Work in Colombia Today?
In Colombia, there are two career ladder models: Decree 2277 of 1979, which applies to teachers who entered the system before 2002, and Decree 1278 of 2002, for those who joined after that year.
Knowing which model applies to you is key to understanding the requirements you need to meet and the opportunities available to move up, increase your salary, and strengthen your teaching career.
- Decree 2277 of 1979 (Old Career Ladder)
- Applies to teachers who entered the public system before 2002.
- Consists of 14 ranks, with promotions based on time and academic studies.
- Teachers with a teaching degree (licenciatura) entered at category 7.
- Requires at least three years of experience to be eligible for promotion.
- Starting from grade 7, experience can be substituted with a specialization or a master’s degree.
- Decree 1278 of 2002 (Current Career Ladder)
- Applies to teachers who joined the public education sector from 2002 onward.
- Organized into 3 grades and 4 salary levels (A, B, C, and D).
- Grade 1: Holders of a “normalista superior” diploma or a technical degree in education.
- Grade 2: Licensed teachers or professionals with a specialization in education.
- Grade 3: Licensed teachers or professionals with a master’s or doctoral degree.
- To move up, teachers must take and pass the Diagnostic and Formative Evaluation (ECDF) every three years to advance.
How Much Do Teachers Earn in Colombia?
Teacher salaries in Colombia’s career ladder are updated each year through an official decree. According to Decree 284 of 2024, for the year 2025, monthly earnings — including bonuses — range (add COP for clarity) from $2.8 million (Level 1, Grade A) to over $13.5 million (Level 3, Grade D with a PhD).
The final salary depends on academic qualifications, years of experience, and the rank achieved within the career ladder:
- Level 1 (Normalista Superior or Education Technologists):
Between $2.8 and $5.8 million per month, including bonuses. - Level 2 (Licensed teachers or professionals with or without a specialization or master’s degree):
Between $3.5 and $8.5 million per month, depending on grade and education level. - Level 3 (With a Master’s or Doctorate):
Between $6 and $13.5 million per month, depending on rank and whether the teacher holds a doctoral degree.
More information: https://www.funcionpublica.gov.co/eva/gestornormativo/
How Can I Join the Teaching Career Ladder? Steps and Requirements
To become part of Colombia’s teaching career ladder, you must follow a series of steps outlined in Decree 915 of 2016. The process includes:
- Obtain a university degree in education or a related field.
- Gather the required documentation, including diplomas, certificates, and proof of work experience.
- Register and participate in the merit-based selection process organized by the Ministry of National Education (MEN) and the National Civil Service Commission (CNSC) through the SIMO system.
- Take and pass the teacher selection exams, which assess aptitude, competencies, psychological profile, and include an interview.
- If you are placed on the list of eligible candidates, you will be appointed for a one-year probationary period.
- Successfully complete the probationary period to be granted a permanent teaching or leadership position.
- Finally, the Department of Education will automatically enroll you in the career ladder system.
How Can I Advance in the Colombian Teaching Career Ladder?
There are two main ways to progress in your teaching career:
- Salary Reclassification
- Allows you to move up within the same grade.
- Requires three years of service and passing the Competency Evaluation.
- Grade Promotion
- Achieved by earning a specialization, master’s, or doctoral degree.
- Requires passing the Promotion Exam.
- With a master’s degree, you can reach Grade 3, the highest level in the career ladder.
How Can I Find Out My Level in the Teaching Career Ladder?
Your position and promotion opportunities are determined by:
- Academic background: your degrees and studies.
- Teaching and professional experience.
- Intellectual production: publications with ISBN.
- Languages and ICT skills: proficiency in foreign languages and digital tools.
- Awards and recognitions: professional honors and achievements.
After three years, you can advance in the career ladder if you meet the requirements and receive a positive performance evaluation.
Teacher Promotion Call 2025
This year, it about 46,000 teachers are expected to have the opportunity to advance in the career ladder. It is important to stay informed about the requirements and registration deadlines.
When Are the Calls for Promotion in the Teaching Career Ladder?
In Colombia, every three years the Ministry of National Education (MEN), together with the National Civil Service Commission (CNSC), open the call for promotion processes—either grade advancement or salary reclassification—within the teaching career ladder. During this process, teachers take the Diagnostic and Formative Evaluation (ECDF), and if they meet the requirements, they can move up the ladder.
More Information: https://www.mineducacion.gov.co/portal/
Strengthen Your Professional Profile and Advance in Your Teaching Career
Earn your Master’s in Educational Leadership from MIU City University Miami, 100% online, with an official U.S. degree accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Designed for educators in Colombia seeking to advance their careers, this master’s program allows you to:
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Move up the teaching career ladder
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Enhance your skills in educational management and pedagogical leadership
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Access better job opportunities in the public or private sectors
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Balance work and study through a fully online format with personalized support
With internationally recognized accreditation, your professional profile is strengthened for career mobility, promotion, and salary advancement within the educational system.