To teach in Ontario’s publicly funded schools, you must be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers and pay an annual membership fee to keep your membership in good standing.

To be certified, you must:

  • have completed a minimum three-year postsecondary degree from an acceptable postsecondary institution
  • have successfully completed a four-semester teacher education program
  • apply to the College for certification and pay the annual membership and registration fees
  • meet any other applicable requirements.

You are encouraged to read our monthly Your College and You newsletter to stay informed of changes to registration requirements.

Before you apply, select the registration guide that best applies to you and read it carefully to learn everything you need to be certified by the College.

A few other important things to note:

  • If you completed your initial teacher education program outside of Ontario and in a language other than English or French, the College has specific language requirements you must meet.
  • You must have documents translated if any of your documents (such as a birth or marriage certificate) are in a language other than English or French.
  • If you are certified to teach in a Canadian province or territory other than Ontario, learn about the requirements for Canadian certified teachers.
  • If you are applying from another country, you need to know what policies they have in place for obtaining your educational documents. Refer to our country-specific information page for internationally educated teachers.
  • We hold regular information sessions for internationally educated teachers which provide details about registration requirements, language proficiency tests and the evaluation of credentials. A schedule of upcoming sessions and information about how to register are available on our website.

Timing

Your application is valid for one year from the date you submit it. If we don’t receive the required documents by your one-year deadline, you will need to re-apply and pay a new application fee. You will also need to meet all certification requirements that are in place at the time you re-apply.

Once your complete application is submitted, you will hear from us:

  • forthwith for Ontario applicants
  • within 30 days for Ontario Labour Mobility applicants
  • within 60 days for Internationally Educated Teachers

We will let you know if:

  • You are eligible for certification
  • Further information is required
    If your documents do not meet academic, professional or language proficiency requirements
  • You are not eligible for certification
  • You will receive a letter explaining any requirements you need to fulfill, and a list of resources to help you
  • If you receive a letter of ineligibility, you have two years to meet the requirements
  • You have the right to request a review
  • You may also request a meeting in person or by phone to discuss your evaluation.

An application is only considered completed after the College has received all required fees, documents and personal information, and all documents have been deemed to be to the satisfaction of the Registrar.