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.
Search our Public Register
The Ontario College of Teachers does not administer teacher education programs, though we are responsible for accrediting all initial teacher education programs offered by Ontario faculties of education.
For information about Ontario initial teacher education programs and admission requirements, contact the faculties below directly.
You can apply to consecutive initial teacher education programs online via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). You can apply beginning in mid-September and must submit your application to OUAC by the deadline date (usually early December).
