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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A commitment to continual learning and professional development is at the heart of the teaching profession. You can learn more about this commitment in these resources:
Additional Qualification (AQ) courses allow teachers to expand their knowledge base and apply their learning in the classroom. Roughly 30,000 College members take an AQ course every year. Explore the many opportunities available to teachers in Ontario through our Find an AQ service.
The teaching profession is continually evolving, reflecting significant societal developments. The College frequently publishes guidance for its members on how they can adapt to these changes, to ensure that students receive timely and relevant instruction that reflects the world in which we live. Our Professional Advisories help teachers incorporate new developments in technology, ethical practices and curriculum into their day-to-day activities.
The College is currently reviewing the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession. The review process includes consulting with teachers, educational partners, the public and students.
Details of the review and its outcomes will be shared over the coming months.
