Alert:OCTs must pay their annual membership fee by April 15, 2026 to maintain good standing status. Pay your AMF.
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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The Ontario College of Teachers was created in 1996 with the passing of the Ontario College of Teachers Act (the Act). This legislation gives the College the authority to govern and regulate the teaching profession in Ontario. Under the Act, the Teachers’ Qualifications Regulations set out the requirements for certification with the College. In 2021, the professional designation "Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)" became entrenched into law.
Below you will find information and resources related to the College’s creation and governance, as well as additional provincial legislation affecting educators.
