Teacher candidates who have not yet graduated from their Ontario teacher education program may be eligible to request a Transitional Certificate.

There are two types of Transitional Certificates:

  • Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration (TCQR)
  • Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration (MTCQR)

If you are enrolled in an Ontario accredited teacher education program and your faculty confirms you meet the eligibility criteria, you may qualify for a transitional certificate.

Individuals who hold either the TCQR or the MTCQR are Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT) and are eligible to teach in Ontario's publicly funded schools as long as they maintain their membership in good standing. They must also uphold the College's ethical and professional standards and are subject to the College's complaints, investigations and discipline processes.

Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration

The Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration (TCQR) is designed for teacher candidates who have completed at least 30 credits (or the equivalent) and 40 practicum days of their initial teacher education program.

You are only eligible to receive a TCQR after you have completed the application and submitted all required documents and fees, including a report from your faculty of education.

The TCQR is valid for 18 months, with the possibility of a one-time, six-month extension. If you hold a TCQR, you must also maintain your membership in good standing.

Up to 20 days of teaching with a TCQR can be counted towards meeting your teacher education program’s practicum requirements.

For more information, including how to request a TCQR or how to convert one to a general Certificate of Qualification and Registration, visit our FAQs.

Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration

You may qualify for a Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration (MTCQR) if you:

  • have completed the first session of a multi-session teacher education program, including at least 10 days of practice teaching
  • have 12 postsecondary credits (or the equivalent).

You are only eligible to receive a MTCQR after you have completed the application and submitted all required documents and fees, including a report from your faculty of education.

The MTCQR is valid for six years, with the possibility of a one-time, one-year extension.

For more information, including how to request an MTCQR or how to convert one to a general Certificate of Qualification and Registration, visit our FAQs.

Provincial legislation specifies that only teacher candidates who are enrolled in an accredited Ontario teacher education program may qualify for transitional certificates.