OCT Certification Process

The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) sets and regulates teaching qualifications and standards of conduct, registers members, and investigates and disciplines members charged with professional misconduct.

Teachers who want to work in publicly funded schools in Ontario must be members of the College. Some private schools also require their teachers be members of the College. The College has a broad mandate to license, govern and regulate the practice of teaching in Ontario. These responsibilities are outlined in Ontario legislation.

Information about the Application Process

OCT Brochure on the Application Process
PDF Version - 1.2 MB [This file opens in a new window]

Important dates:
New dates coming

Information on OCT Registration

Registration for OCT is done completely online.

1. Step One in the application process is to start the online application (after November 1st):

To visit the OCT website, click here. C lick on "New Applicant" from the left hand menu and click on the blackboard that appears. Fill out the information requested.

2. Step Two is to send OCT documentation requested in the application.

3. Step Three: Send transcripts:

You MUST REQUEST a transcript from UOIT to be sent to OCT. You need to fill out a transcript request form and return it to the UOIT Registrar's office with the fee of $8. UOIT does not automatically send transcripts to OCT - you must request and pay for a copy to go. It is recommended that you do this in March/April before you leave campus.
After the transcripts are sent from UOIT, and if all other documentation has been received, the college will grant you your Certificate of Qualification.

· Note: OCT requires that all transcripts sent from post secondary schools be sent directly to OCT. If you need transcripts to be sent from outside of Canada it is strongly advised that you request these transcripts as soon as possible. You cannot be granted your certification without originals of these transcripts.

What You Need to Submit

A number of documents will need to be submitted as part of your application. Some you will submit yourself. Others - university transcripts for example - will need to be submitted by institutions. When submitting documents or having them submitted on your behalf, please take care to ensure that you follow all procedures outlined in the guide.

When submitting the application ensure that all items listed under Summary of Application and Supporting Documents in the Guide are included. Submitting any of these items separately could delay the certification process and may result in your application being returned.
All names you ever have used must appear on the Criminal Records Check (CRC). This includes maiden, married and middle names. (Please note that the CRC for applicants from Quebec should also include all names on the Baptismal Certificate.)
If a positive Criminal Records Check is submitted, please include a written declaration explaining the circumstances surrounding this positive CRC.
Ensure that the applicant declaration page has been signed and dated.
Please ensure that any photocopies, which are specified in the guide, are clear and legible. Illegible photocopies may result in the package being returned.
Proof of name at birth, where a birth certificate showing name at birth is not available, requires a photocopy of one of the documents listed under Proof of Identity in the Guide.
All official documentation requests, for example, degree transcripts, Statements of Professional Standing, or letters verifying that you have successfully completed your education degree, must be sent directly from the granting institutions. Any documents received by other means (for example, sent by a third party) are not acceptable and will be requested to be re-submitted.

Once you have completed the online application, documents are to be sent to:

Ontario College of Teachers
121 Bloor Street East
Toronto, ON M4W 3M5

Tips for Completing the Application

Update button allows you to correct/add any information where applicable.

As you move through the application system, the Save button will save all the information you have submitted on a particular page, allowing you to leave the application and return at a later time.
The Save and Continue button saves the information on the page and takes you to the next section.
The Previous button allows you to return to the preceding page.

Helpful Hints on How to Apply

The online registration guide outlines all of the requirements for applicants who have completed their teacher education program at a faculty of education in Ontario and who wish to become a member of the College.

Once you have submitted your application, you will be able to return to the site to track the application process and determine which documents still need to be submitted or have not been accepted (if applicable).

Please refer to the Registration Guide for complete details on registration requirements and the application process. To avoid timely delays and having your application returned, please pay particular attention to the following requirements which are most frequently overlooked.