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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College accreditation panels review each new proposed initial teacher education program in Ontario. We also periodically review accredited programs to verify that they continue to uphold the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession, and that their program subject matter is aligned with current Ontario curriculum, legislation and government policy. Finally, the College’s Accreditation Committee reviews and issues decisions related to proposed changes, such as additions or modifications, to accredited initial teacher education programs.
As part of the accreditation review process, the public is invited to comment on the quality of initial teacher education programs.
Disclaimer: Effective January 1, 2025, the term “éducation spécialisée” replaced “éducation de l’enfance en difficulté” in all College records. The English terminology, “special education,” remains unchanged.
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The College accredits all in-service Additional Basic Qualifications and Additional Qualifications courses and programs, including Principal’s Qualification and the Supervisory Officer’s Qualification.
Learn more about Additional Qualifications or view the list of AQ providers.
