Online tutor application requirements are simple once you know them, but gathering everything halfway through sign-up is frustrating. Tutopiya’s profile setup takes about 15 minutes across 10 stages, if you’ve prepared. This guide lists everything to have ready before you apply: documents, photo, video, availability, rate and technical setup. You can then complete your profile in one sitting and submit it for approval with confidence.

Key takeaways

• Tutopiya sign-up takes about 15 minutes over 10 stages when you’re prepared.
• Have proof of qualifications, teaching evidence, a headshot and an intro video ready.
• Know your subjects, boards, availability and starting rate before you begin.
• You’ll choose a subscription plan at the final stage.
• Tutopiya aims to review profiles within 24 hours.

The 10 stages and what each needs

Stage	What to have ready
1. Details	Name, contact details, nationality, country of residence, time zone
2. Photo	A clear, friendly, well-lit headshot of just you
3. Bio	A short introduction, and the tutor tag that fits you
4. Teaching	Experience and track record (students taught, exam sittings, results) with proof where possible
5. Schedule	Your free slots, especially in peak times
6. Subjects	Subjects and curricula aligned with your qualifications
7. Quals	Degree, institution, teaching certifications, with certificates or transcripts attached
8. Rates	Your starting hourly rate (you keep 100%; commission is added on top)
9. Video	A short, warm introduction showing your familiarity with the subject and curriculum
10. Plan	Your subscription plan choice (SGD 10/month, SGD 20 for 3 months, or SGD 90/year)

These stages are described on the Tutopiya Become a Tutor page.

Documents checklist

1. Degree certificate or transcript for each qualification you’ll list.
2. Teaching qualification (PGCE, B.Ed, licence) if you have one.
3. Evidence of experience: references, employment letters, or a summary of students taught.
4. Evidence of results, where you can share them honestly and appropriately.
5. Exam-board training or examiner records, if relevant.
6. Your own exam results, if you’re a recent graduate or top student.

Scan everything clearly as PDFs or images before you start. Tutopiya may verify submitted documents at any time.

Setup checklist

Item	Requirement or tip
Device	PC or laptop (phones and tablets aren’t allowed for lessons)
Audio	A headset with a microphone
Camera	Webcam at eye level; camera must be on in every class
Room	Quiet, well-lit, distraction-free
Internet	Stable, plus a backup connection
Bank account	In your own name; able to receive international transfers
Age	You must be 18 or over

How to prepare: step by step

1. Choose your subjects and boards, the ones your evidence supports best.
2. Scan your documents.
3. Take your headshot in good light.
4. Write your bio draft (see our bio guide).
5. Record your intro video.
6. Decide your peak slots and starting rate.
7. Read the Tutor Marketplace Terms, then complete all 10 stages in one sitting.

Browse subjects on the Cambridge IGCSE tutor jobs hub before choosing yours.

Prepare your profile text in advance

Writing your profile in a document first makes sign-up faster and better:

1. Bio: 100–150 words. Board, level, subject, evidence, approach.
2. Teaching experience: years, schools, students taught, exam sittings, results.
3. Subjects list: exact boards and levels.
4. Availability: your peak slots, in your local time.
5. Video notes: bullet points for a 60–120 second introduction.

Paste each into the matching stage. Check that every part tells the same story, because Tutopiya’s guidance says subjects, credentials, video and story should all be consistent.

How tutoring with Tutopiya works

Tutopiya is a 1-on-1 online tutoring marketplace for Cambridge IGCSE, Edexcel IGCSE, IB and International A Level students. You set your starting hourly rate when you create your profile and keep all of it, because Tutopiya’s 40–50% commission is added on top and paid by the student. Later rate changes are requested through Tutopiya, which approves them at its discretion. You add free slots, Tutopiya converts time zones and matches students to you, and you’re paid on the 15th of each month for the previous month’s lessons. Trial lessons last an hour and are unpaid.

Common application mistakes

• Starting without documents. Prepare first.
• Listing subjects your qualifications don’t support.
• Skipping the video. It affects visibility.
• Too few slots. Profiles without active availability don’t appear in searches.
• Not reading the terms.

Talk to us

For each stage in depth, read how to write a tutor bio parents trust and how to record a tutor introduction video. After you apply, see what happens after you apply. Questions? Contact the Tutopiya team.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to apply as a tutor on Tutopiya? +

Proof of your academic qualifications (certificates or transcripts), any teaching certifications, and evidence of teaching experience and results where you can provide it, such as references or records. You'll also need a clear headshot, an introduction video and your bank details for payments.

How long does the Tutopiya sign-up take? +

About 15 minutes across 10 short stages, if you have everything ready: Details, Photo, Bio, Teaching, Schedule, Subjects, Quals, Rates, Video and Plan. Tutopiya aims to review profiles within 24 hours.

Can I apply before I've recorded my intro video? +

The video is one of the 10 stages, and it strongly affects bookings. Tutopiya's terms note that tutors with a professional introduction video receive higher visibility. Record it before you start, so you can submit a complete profile in one sitting.

Ready to Become a Tutor?

Teach IGCSE, IB, and A-Level students worldwide from home. Tutopiya connects specialist tutors with families around the world — keep 100% of your hourly rate, use AI-powered resources, and apply in minutes.

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