Requirements
To teach in Ontario’s publicly funded schools, a teacher must be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers. Certified teachers pay an annual membership fee to maintain their membership and certification.
To be certified, teachers must:
- have completed a minimum three-year postsecondary degree from an acceptable postsecondary institution
- have successfully completed a one-year acceptable teacher education program
- apply to the College for certification and pay the annual membership and registration fees. Application process includes providing proof of identity and a Canadian Criminal Record Check Report.
Before you begin your online application, you should select and print one of the registration guides listed here. Pick the one that applies to you and make sure you read it carefully. There are five different registration guides. Each one tells you what you need to know to get certified.
If you are applying as a teacher of academic subjects from Kindergarten to Grade 12, please read Requirements for Becoming a General Education Teacher in Ontario.
If you are a First Nations, Inuit or Métis applicant without a university degree applying to teach the Primary-Junior grades, read Requirements for Becoming a Primary-Junior Teacher if You Are of Aboriginal Ancestry.
If you are applying as a teacher of technological subjects, read Requirements for Becoming a Teacher of Technological Education in Ontario.
If you are applying as a teacher of a Canadian native language, read Requirements for Becoming a Teacher of a Native Language.
If you are applying as a Deaf or Hard of Hearing teacher of academic subjects, read Requirements for Becoming a Teacher of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Ontario.
Internationally educated teachers can learn about registration requirements, English courses and the evaluation of credentials. The College holds regular information sessions for internationally educated teachers. Find out more about these sessions and upcoming dates.
You’ve completed your teacher education outside Ontario in a language other than English or French, or you’re not a Canadian citizen. The College has specific language requirements you must follow.
You’re certified to teach in British Columbia, Nova Scotia or elsewhere in Canada and you’re wondering if you’re qualified to teach in Ontario. Learn about the requirements for Canadian certified teachers.
