What does it mean to recognize the qualifications of a teacher awarded in the UK when the teacher migrates to Canada, from Barbados to New Zealand, or from South Africa to Cameroon? As increasing numbers of teachers mi­grate between countries in the Commonwealth, often in search of greener pastures, but more recently with the global economic downturn, also returning to their countries of origin, a deeper understanding of the qualifications and requirements which give these teachers the right to practise has become essential. 
This report presents the findings of a recent research initiative on teacher qualification in the Commonwealth undertaken by the South African Quali­fications Authority in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat (SAQA & Commonwealth Secretariat 2009). The study is located within the broader context of the Commonwealth Teacher Recruitment Protocol (Commonwealth Secretariat 2004) which provides a pan-Commonwealth framework wherein the challenges of teacher migration and equitable employ­ment practices are being addressed in a systematic and collaborative manner. The study followed from initial research completed in 2006 (SAQA & Commonwealth Secretariat) that was reported on at the 16th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Cape Town, December 2006.