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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Members of the College are as committed to learning as they are to teaching.
Ongoing professional learning is an integral part of teaching. The profession’s standards reflect the expectation that all members will participate in ongoing learning. Adding to professional knowledge enhances teaching practice, which improves student learning.
Each year, thousands of Ontario teachers engage in a wide range of learning activities that help members expand their knowledge, increase their skills and prepare for career changes. Many valuable courses and opportunities are offered by universities, colleges, teacher federations, principals’ organizations, school boards, subject organizations and community organizations.
The regulated system of Additional Basic Qualifications (ABQs) and Additional Qualifications (AQs) is one form of professional learning. ABQs/AQs are set out in legislation, accredited by the College, offered by providers approved by the College and, when successfully completed, recorded on the member’s Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
The College is committed to encouraging accessibility to these courses because of the unique educational value they offer to College members.
The courses members take that lead to ABQs/AQs – designed by teachers for teachers – reflect the experience and pedagogy of the teaching profession in Ontario. The additional qualifications listed on a teacher's Certificate of Qualification and Registration are one way of demonstrating their dedication to teaching and to providing their students with the best education possible.
