Frequently Asked Questions

For All Users
How does login and authentication work?

We use passwordless login via Memberstack.  Each time you sign in, a unique six-digit code is emailed to you. Simply enter that code to access your account.

Who can use Tutor Chooser?

Tutor Chooser is designed for parents or guardians seeking tutors for school-age children. Whether your child needs help with primary-level phonics or GCSE-level maths, we can match you with verified private tutors.

Do you offer tutors for university students or adult learners?

Not at this time. Tutor Chooser is currently focused on supporting school-age children. We may expand to include adult education, university, or postgraduate tutoring in the future, but that is not part of our current offering.

Is my personal information and payment data secure?

Yes. We use industry standard encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect all of your data and we do not store any full payment card information.  All payments are securely processed via Stripe, and all accounts are authenticated through Memberstack.  Your data is protected in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

For Tutors
Why should I use Tutor Chooser?

Tutor Chooser connects you with the widest network of parents in the UAE actively seeking a qualified tutor, all without giving up control of your business or losing any money in commission.

   - You gain exposure to a much larger audience than word-of-mouth alone could provide
    - Set your own fees, terms, and availability
    - You choose who you work with
    - We only contact you when a parent expresses interest and you’re a good match - no endless pitching, no pressure
    - There’s no commission taken from your lessons. You stay in control of your time and income

Do you verify my identity and qualifications?

Yes.  To ensure top-quality levels of safeguarding for students, all tutors must complete a verification process before their profile becomes visible to parents.

    - Tutors are required to pay a one-off verification fee when joining to cover the cost of reviewing and verifying identity and qualification documents.
    - Your Verified Tutor status is valid for as long as you remain a member of Tutor Chooser.
    - Tutor profiles will not be made public until verification is successfully completed, in line with our safeguarding policy.

This process ensures all tutors on the platform meet our standards for professionalism, safety, and legal compliance.

Who can register as a tutor?

To join Tutor Chooser, you must confirm all the following:
    1. You are a resident of the UAE
    2. You hold a valid Emirates ID
    3. You have an active UAE mobile number
    4. You have legal permission to work in the UAE
    5. You hold recognised qualifications in the subjects you intend to teach
    6. You have a working email address at which Tutor Chooser can contact you

How do I obtain a private tutor licence?

All tutors on Tutor Chooser must hold a valid UAE private tutor licence. You can apply for this free of charge through the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Can I set my own fees and schedule?

Yes. Tutors set their own rates, terms, cancellation policies, and working hours. Tutor Chooser does not get involved in those decisions and does not take any commission from you.

Do I need a subscription?

Yes. Tutors must have an active subscription to be visible and receive introduction requests.

Your membership fee is reinvested in advertising your profile to UAE parents, creating as much interest for you as possible.

What’s in it for tutors? How does Tutor Chooser work from the tutor’s side?

Tutor Chooser is a subscription-based tutor introduction service that connects parents with verified, licensed private tutors across the UAE. We are not a direct employer, and we do not manage lessons, scheduling, or take commission from your sessions.

We are the largest and most effective network in the UAE for parents to find tutors for their children and for tutors to find work with parents and students.

Here’s what tutors can expect:

    - Profile Visibility: Once your verification is complete and your subscription is active, your tutor profile will be listed on the Tutor Chooser website.  Parents  will then browse and filter tutor listings by subject, qualifications, experience,  availability, and more.
    - Flexible Work Model: You’re in full control of your schedule.  You decide how much or how little you want to work, and only accept introduction requests that fit your availability.
    - No Commission or Salary Restrictions: You set your own rates (hourly, monthly, or otherwise) and handle payments directly with the parent.  Tutor  Chooser never takes a cut of your earnings.
    - There are no minimum session requirements, no penalties for declining requests, and no involvement from Tutor Chooser after the introduction is made. We’re here to help you get connected — you take it from there.

How do introductions work?

     1. A parent selects your profile and submits a consultation request
     2. Tutor Chooser emails you the student’s details and requirements
     3. You have 24 hours to reply Yes or No to confirm interest and availability

If you say Yes, the consultation fee is charged automatically to the parent’s saved card and the first-meeting booking fee is charged to your saved card. Once both payments clear, Tutor Chooser sends an introductory email and shares contact details.

    4. You and the parent then arrange the first meeting at a mutually convenient time, agree terms, and schedule future lessons directly

Is tuition guaranteed once I register as a tutor?

While we can’t guarantee tuition for every tutor, Tutor Chooser is designed to maximise your opportunities by promoting your profile across paid advertising channels and connecting you with families who are actively seeking qualified, licensed tutors.

Once your profile is verified, it is featured in targeted Google and Meta campaigns, highlighted in UAE parent groups, and shown to families who search our platform by subject, availability, or qualifications. That means when we contact you with interest from a parent, the family has already reviewed your profile and expressed a genuine desire to work with you.

Our marketing spend is 100 % funded by tutor memberships, so every dirham goes back into visibility for you. This reduces mismatched enquiries and ensures you’re only connected with families who understand your experience and preferences, making interactions more efficient and worthwhile.

Our goal is to generate the most suitable tutoring opportunities for you throughout the year, helping you grow your client base and maximise your earning potential.

Are there guaranteed earnings or salaries for tutors?

No. Tutor Chooser does not offer salaries, guaranteed income, or contracted work.

Tutors using the platform are independent service providers advertising their availability to parents. We simply facilitate introductions - you choose how much or how little you want to work.

   - There is no minimum or maximum number of sessions you must deliver.
    - You are free to set your own rates, terms, and availability.
    - All lessons and payments are arranged directly between you and the parent.
    - It is your responsibility to comply with local laws, including any tax or licensing requirements under UAE regulations.

Tutor Chooser never takes commission on sessions and is not involved in scheduling, lesson delivery, or payment beyond the initial consultation.

Can I teach online only?

Yes, but you must still be physically based in the UAE. It’s up to you whether you offer in-person or online tutoring, based on your preferences and those of the parent.

What if I’m unavailable or want to decline  a request?

You can decline a request without penalty. However, we ask that you respond within the 24-hour window, even if declining, with a brief reason, such as:

    - Fully booked at the requested times
    - No longer teaching that subject
   - Not currently taking on new students
    - Insufficient capacity to fulfill request

This helps parents adjust their search and improves their experience on the platform.

Going away?
If you know you'll be unavailable for a while (e.g., travel, exams, personal leave), update your availability settings in your tutor dashboard. This will temporarily pause introduction requests.

Why do I need to have a working e-mail address?

Your email address is essential because:

    1. It is used to log in securely without a password.
    2. You’ll receive consultation requests directly by email and must respond within 24 hours.
    3. All important notifications, including payment receipts and updates from Tutor Chooser, will be sent to your email.

Make sure you register with an email address you use regularly and can access easily.

Why do I need to provide a new Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) if I already submitted one for my teaching licence?

Your private teacher or tutor permit from MOHRE is valid, and we acknowledge that obtaining this licence required a police clearance certificate (PCC).  However, PCCs issued in the UAE are typically valid for only 30 days or 3 months and are considered "moment in time" confirmations of good conduct and the absence of criminal convictions.

The PCC used for your licence application:

    - Was valid only for a short period before the licence was issued
    - Reflected your criminal record status at that specific point in time
    - Does not provide ongoing assurance of continued good conduct

For child safeguarding reasons, and in line with our standard terms, we require:
    - A recent, valid PCC.
    - Submission of this PCC alongside your other identity and credential documents.

This process ensures we maintain up-to-date and accurate records for all individuals working with or around children to ensure continued compliance with our safeguarding standards.

You can obtain a PCC from either:
    - The Dubai Police website or mobile app: https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae
    - The UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI): https://www.moi.gov.ae

When does my verification expire?

Your verification remains valid for as long as you maintain an active membership.

If your membership ends and you return later, you’ll need to pay the Verification Fee again to have your ID, Police Clearance, and Educational Credentials reviewed and re-approved.  Staying continuously active avoids the need, and cost, of re-verification.

Can I tutor students from my own school?

No.  In line with UAE Ministerial Resolution No. 710 of 2023, teachers are prohibited from tutoring students affiliated with their own school.  Any conflict of interest must be disclosed.

Are there any UAE laws I must comply with as a tutor?

Yes. Tutors must comply with child safeguarding laws including Wadeema's Law (Federal Law No. 3 of 2016), as well as the professional Code of Practice outlined in UAE Ministerial Resolution No. 710 of 2023.

What happens if I miss or cancel a consultation after accepting?

If you cancel or miss a confirmed consultation, the parent is eligible for a refund, and your profile may be reviewed.  Repeated no-shows can lead to suspension.

What behaviour is prohibited during tutoring sessions?

Tutors must maintain professionalism and:
    - Avoid inappropriate contact or communication
    - Never engage in extremist, violent, or culturally inappropriate discussions
    - Respect student privacy and confidentiality
    - Follow UAE laws on modesty and public conduct

Why is there a verification fee for tutors?

The verification fee is a one-off fee on joining that covers the administrative costs of verifying each tutor’s documents in line with Tutor Chooser policy and UAE legal requirements.

This process includes:
    - Confirming your qualifications and subject expertise
    - Verifying that you are a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID
    - Ensuring you hold a valid Police Clearance Certificate
    - Reviewing all submitted documents for consistency, accuracy, and safeguarding compliance

This fee is separate from any tuition earnings, as Tutor Chooser takes no commission or deductions from the fees tutors charge. Tutors are paid directly by parents and set their own terms.

The verification fee allows us to maintain a safe, trusted, and high-quality platform, giving both tutors and families peace of mind that everyone listed is qualified, verified, and compliant.

What subjects can I tutor in?

It doesn’t have to be limited to your university degree subject.  You can list any subjects or skills you wish to teach, as long as you provide evidence of your qualifications or experience in those areas. This might include:

    - A university degree (in any subject relevant to what you want to teach)
    - Transcripts or certificates from short courses, diplomas, or training
    - Professional experience in a related field
    - Language fluency proof, if tutoring in languages
    - Any other document that shows you have sufficient knowledge or skill

University students are also welcome to tutor school-age children, particularly in subjects they have recently studied at a high level. However, they must still meet our verification requirements and demonstrate appropriate subject knowledge for the level they intend to teach.

Do I need a teaching licence to tutor?

No, you don’t need a teaching licence or PGCE, but you must provide clear evidence of your subject expertise and suitability to tutor.  This could include a degree in the subject, relevant professional experience, or other recognised training.

For Parents
What is Tutor Chooser?

Tutor Chooser is a subscription-based tutor introduction service designed to help parents connect with verified, licensed private tutors in the UAE.  We facilitate the introduction - after that, parents and tutors communicate and schedule lessons directly.  We do not manage classes or take commission from lessons.

Why should I use Tutor Chooser?

Tutor Chooser makes it easy to find high-quality, verified tutors without the usual stress.

    - Browse a trusted database of tutors from your own home, filtering by  subject, qualifications, experience, and availability
    - Every tutor is ID-verified, licensed to work as a private tutor, and holds a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
    - No more relying on cold calls, unclear recommendations, or being passed the number of a tutor you’re technically not supposed to use (such as your  child’s teacher)
    - Once we’ve made the introduction, you and the tutor manage lessons, pricing, and scheduling directly - no commissions or third-party interference

How do I get started as a parent?

It’s super simple!

1) Sign Up  for free and create your Parent Profile
2) Start by filtering tutors by all of the available criteria to find the perfect tutors for your needs

How do I find tutors?

Once signed up and logged in:

1) You'll be directed to the "Tutor Finder" page
2) You can filter tutors by all of the available criteria to find the perfect tutors for your needs
3) You can then explore the filtered list and browse Tutor bios and profiles in order to select the perfect Tutor for your requirements
4) You can then send a request to your chosen tutor
5) If they accept, we’ll connect you to schedule your first session and agree on future lessons

Do you verify tutors?

Yes.  All tutors must:
    - Be UAE residents
    - Hold a valid Emirates ID
    - Have a valid police clearance certificate (PCC)
    - Possess verified qualifications
    - Confirm they hold a UAE Private Tutor Licence

Verification is updated whenever a tutor changes their ID or qualifications.

Do you take any commission or schedule classes?

No.  Tutor Chooser facilitates introductions only.  You handle lesson arrangements and payments directly with the tutor. Tutor Chooser never charges any commission.

Do I need to supervise my child’s lessons?

We strongly recommend that a parent, guardian, or responsible adult be present or nearby during any tutoring session involving a child under 18, whether online or in person.

What happens if a tutor doesn’t respond to my request?

Tutors have 24 hours to respond to a request for consultation on the platform.  If they do not reply or decline, you are not charged and you may submit a request for a different tutor.  Repeated non-responses may result in that tutor being suspended from the platform.

Is the consultation fee refundable?

The Consultation (First Meeting) fee will be refunded if the tutor cancels before the first meeting or fails to attend.

What if I’m unhappy with a tutor after the consultation?

Since Tutor Chooser does not manage lessons or payments beyond the first meeting, any further decisions rest between you and the tutor.  We recommend open communication and we can help guide you to another tutor if needed.