In Portugal, teachers require a professional qualification. This is obtained after having attended and passed an initial teacher training course offered at higher education institutes and universities, structured in accordance with teacher-education profiles. Such courses lead to a master’s degree-level professional qualification according to terms laid down in the law governing teaching qualifications for teachers in pre-school, basic and upper secondary education.  

From pre-school to upper secondary education, teachers belong to the same formal group. The teaching profession is single category. It consists of ten levels, all lasting for years, except for the 5th level which lasts two years.

With regard to key continuous professional development policies and measures (CPD), the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MECI) (Ministério da Educação, Ciência e Inovação - MECI)  has clearly focussed its strategy on consolidating Portuguese teachers’ competences and skills in management and leadership. This has concentrated on teachers’ leadership positions, as well as improving the professional qualifications of those observing classes, which is part of the external assessment of teachers’ scientific and pedagogical performance.

The career statute for kindergarten teachers and basic and upper secondary school teachers is regulated by Decree-Law No 139-A/90, 28 April, as amended by Decree-Law No 1/98, 2 January, Decree-Law No 121/2005, 26 July, Decree-Law No 229/05, 29 December, and Decree-Law No 15/2007, of 19 January, as republished by Decree-Law No 270/2009 , of 19 January. Decree-Law No 121/2005, 26 July, Decree-Law No 229/05, 29 December, and Decree-Law No 15/2007, 19 January, republished by Decree-Law No 270/2009, 30 September, amended by Decree-Law No 75/2010, 23 June, and by Decree-Law No 41/2012, 21 February.