The Ontario College of Teachers licenses, governs and regulates the province’s teaching profession in the public interest and to protect students. All publicly funded school teachers and administrators in Ontario must be licensed by us and be Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT).
The College regulates the teaching profession to protect students. Teachers in Ontario’s publicly funded elementary and secondary schools must be certified by the College, keep their membership in good standing, and follow the profession’s ethical and practice standards.
Explore everything related to your Ontario College of Teachers certification, including how to pay your annual fees, keep up to date with the College, and stay informed about ongoing professional learning.
You must apply to be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers and remain in good standing to teach in Ontario’s publicly funded elementary and secondary schools.
The College provides information and resources to support Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs), applicants and education system partners to strengthen the teaching profession and promote student safety.
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Your annual membership fee is $200. Annual fees are due on January 1 of each year, and you must pay the fee by April 15.
By the end of January, employers have deducted and forwarded to the College the membership fee for their full-time and long-term occasional teachers, principals, vice-principals, academic supervisory officers and consultants. Some private schools and the Provincial Schools Authority also deduct the annual fee for their employees.
In mid-February all members of the College who have not yet paid their annual membership fee are sent a reminder that their fee is due. You are responsible for keeping your membership in good standing, so check that the payroll deduction is made.
If you are not eligible for payroll deduction, you must make sure to pay your own fee by April 15.
After April 15, the College will change the status of members who have not paid their annual fee to Inactive/Non-Practising. Members with this status are not eligible to work in publicly funded schools. Members must pay the annual fee and a reinstatement fee to reinstate their membership and return to good standing. Members who have not successfully completed the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program must complete the Program before they can be reinstated.
For more information see the Fees section of our Frequently Asked Questions page.
