Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Certified Teacher in Ontario
Are you passionate about education and ready to make a real difference in students’ lives? If you’re exploring careers in education, teacher education jobs, or simply searching “jobs in education Ontario,” becoming a certified teacher can be one of the most rewarding paths you can take.
Ontario’s publicly funded education system has clear standards, and the process is absolutely doable when you know the steps. This guide walks you through how to become an Ontario Certified Teacher, from requirements and teacher education programs to your Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) application.
And if you’re also curious about what’s hiring right now—whether it’s teacher roles, occasional/supply teacher jobs, or related education jobs—you can explore current opportunities anytime: Search jobs in education
Requirements for becoming a certified teacher in Ontario
To become certified through the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), you generally need:
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A minimum three-year postsecondary degree from an acceptable institution
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Successful completion of an approved initial teacher education program (commonly a Bachelor of Education / BEd)
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Proof of proficiency in English or French (when required)
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A criminal record check report and other supporting documents as part of registration
A key point: teacher education programs typically include multiple academic terms and practicum placements (classroom experience), which are part of what prepares you for teaching in Ontario.
Teacher education programs in Ontario
Ontario offers multiple pathways into teaching, and the best route depends on where you are in your education journey.
Consecutive Teacher Education (After Your Degree)
A consecutive BEd is for students who already have an undergraduate degree and then complete teacher education afterward. Many Ontario programs run over two academic years (often four terms), though some are delivered in accelerated formats.
Concurrent Teacher Education (During Your Degree)
A concurrent program blends an undergraduate degree and teacher education together over several years—ideal for students who know early on that they want to teach.
Alternative Pathways and Tech Education
Depending on your background (especially for tech-focused teaching routes), there may be other program options. The most important step is ensuring your program is accredited/recognized for OCT certification. A helpful starting point is OCT’s list of teacher education program providers.
While you work toward certification, many candidates also explore related roles like teaching assistant jobs or student support positions to build experience in schools (and confirm what age group or environment fits best).
When you’re ready to see what’s available across Ontario school boards and education employers, browse education jobs.
There are a number of universities in Ontario that have Teacher Education Programs which are accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), make sure to
check out the accredited programs to become a teacher in Ontario.
Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) application process
Once you meet the core education requirements, the next step is applying to the Ontario College of Teachers, the regulatory body for the profession in Ontario. You must be certified/registered with OCT to teach in publicly funded schools.
In the application process, you’ll typically provide documentation such as:
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Proof of identity (and name change documentation if applicable)
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Academic records/transcripts and other qualification documents
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Criminal record check report (OCT notes a vulnerable sector check is not required)
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Proof of language proficiency test scores (when required)
Because documentation can take time (transcripts, certificates, and third-party verification), it’s smart to start early. OCT also provides registration guides and resources to help you prepare your application.
Requirements for teachers who were trained in Canada but outside of Ontario
If you’re already certified in another Canadian province or territory, Ontario labour mobility rules can help streamline your path. OCT has a dedicated pathway for Canadian certified teachers applying to Ontario.
Important update: OCT notes “deemed certification” changes effective January 1, 2026, related to interprovincial mobility for teachers certified elsewhere in Canada.
Additional requirements for international teachers
If you were educated outside Canada, you’ll generally need OCT to evaluate your credentials to confirm equivalency with Ontario’s standards. This may include submitting:
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Academic transcripts and course details
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Proof of teaching certification (if applicable)
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Proof of language proficiency
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Additional documentation based on your country of education and training
Because international applications can involve document translation and third-party verification, starting early is essential. OCT also offers information sessions to help internationally educated teachers understand requirements and next steps.
Professional development and ongoing requirements for certified teachers
Once you’re certified and working, professional learning doesn’t stop. Teachers continue developing skills throughout their careers, through workshops, training, additional qualifications, and school-based learning, so they can stay current with new research and classroom best practices.
Conclusion and resources for further information
Becoming a teacher in Ontario is a big goal, but it’s also a realistic one with the right planning. With strong preparation, you can move from “interested in education” to confidently stepping into a classroom and shaping student success.
For official requirements, timelines, and application details, start with the Ontario College of Teachers requirements pages and registration guides.
Becoming a Supply Teacher in Ontario
If you’re searching for supply teacher jobs, occasional teacher roles, or “substitute teacher Ontario,” the certification path is the same—complete your requirements and register with OCT. The job search may simply look different, since postings often use terms like Occasional Teacher, Supply Teacher, or Substitute Teacher.
Let the Job Search Begin
Whether you’re still completing your teacher education program, waiting on OCT registration, or ready to apply today—there are new opportunities posted regularly across Ontario.
Start here to find current roles: Search jobs in education
To increase your chances of getting noticed faster, create your profile and stay ready for new postings: Create a job seeker profile
And if you don’t want to miss new openings, sign up for alerts tailored to your preferences: Sign up for job alerts
References
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September 28. 2022, https://www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher/requirements
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September 28. 2022, https://www.ontario.ca/page/qualifications-teaching-ontario#:~:text=Ontario%20teaching%20certification,-To%20teach%20in&text=To%20be%20certified%2C%20in%20most,completed%20initial%20teacher%20education%20program
Disclaimer: While this information is accurate based on publicly available guidance at the time of this update, requirements and processes can change. Always confirm current details directly with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) before applying.
