Teacher Certification
Applicants who meet TESL Ontario’s certification requirements are awarded both OCELT (Ontario Certified English Language Teacher) and ICTEAL (International Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language) certifications. These officially registered professional designations and certificate trademarks demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to teach English to adult learners in publicly funded and private programs in Ontario, across Canada, and internationally.
Application Path 1
Application Path 1
For Graduates of TESL Ontario Accredited Training Programs
Application Path 2
Application Path 2
Competency-and-Credit Based PLAR (CCPLAR)
Application Requirements for OCELT/ICTEAL Path 1
Standard Membership
Applicants are required to hold valid TESL Ontario standard membership prior to submitting their OCELT & ICTEAL certification application. If you are not a standard member yet or your standard membership has expired, please go to https://applications.teslontario.org/, and click on “JOIN” or “RENEW”, as appropriate.
University Degree
Applicants are required to hold a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree, or a PhD from an accredited institution located in Canada, OR a degree deemed equivalent by a member agency of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC), such as
- World Education Services (WES), Ontario
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), Ontario
- Comparative Education Service (CES), Ontario
Required proof: university degree or official transcript from Canada OR equivalency report if earned outside Canada
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
ELP must be demonstrated in one of three ways (A, B, or C):
ELP Option (A)
Holding one or more degrees (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD) that meet the following criteria:
- Completed degree program/s comprised at least three years of full-time in-person education or an equivalent of that in part-time mode.
- Degree program/s were completed in one or more English-speaking countries:
Canada, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cameroon, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nigeria, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, United States, Uganda, US Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe - Language of instruction was English.
Online courses and research-based courses do not count as in-person instruction. Also, completion of non-degree programs, i.e., one or more certificate or diploma programs, does not count as proof of ELP.
Required Proof: official transcript/s
ELP Option (B)
Minimum acceptable scores/bands from a TESL Ontario recognized ELP test taken within three years of the TESL Ontario Certification application date:
- Michigan English Test (MET): Listening 64 , Reading: 64 , Speaking: 64 , Writing: 64
- IELTS-Academic Test: Listening: 7 Reading: 7 Writing: 7 Speaking: 7
- CAEL-At a Test Centre: Listening: 70 Reading: 70 Writing: 70 Speaking: 70
- CAEL Online: Listening: 70 Reading: 70 Writing: 70 Speaking: 70
- TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition:
0-120 scale: Listening: 24 Reading: 24 Writing: 27 Speaking: 26
1-6 scale: Listening: 5 Reading: 5 Writing: 5.5 Speaking: 5 - Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE): Level: C2
TESL Ontario accepts a combination of two test reports (for the same ELP test taken twice or for two different ELP tests) indicating that all required scores/bands have been obtained. Test reports older than three years are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Required Proof: language proficiency test report/s
ELP Option (C)
Evidence of grades 6-12 completed with English as the language of instruction in one of the countries listed under ELP Option (A).
Required Proof: report cards or confirmation letter from school board
Education in TESL
Applicants are required to complete a TESL Ontario accredited TESL training program consisting of at least 250 hours of instruction in TESL theory and methodology, at least 30 hours of observation, and at least 20 hours of supervised practice teaching.
Required proof: TESL certificate or official transcript from a TESL Ontario accredited TESL training program
Proof of Name Change
Proof of name change (e.g., marriage certificate, Legal Name Change document) in English or a certified translation is required only if any of your documents is under a different name than the one you are applying under.
How to Apply
To apply for OCELT & ICTEAL Certification through Path 1, fill out Form A-1: OCELT & ICTEAL Certification Application and upload your documents at https://applications.teslontario.org/
All required supporting documents must be in English. Official English translations are required for documents that are not in English.
Fees:
Non-refundable, one-time Administration fee: $140.00 + HST ($158.20)
Pro-rated certification fee: a maximum of $86.00 + HST ($97.18)
If application is NOT approved, certification fee will be refunded to the applicant.
Certification Application Path 2: CCPLAR (Competency-and-Credit Based Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) has two streams (Steam A and Stream B) and consists of two stages.
Application Requirements for OCELT/ICTEAL
Path 2 – Stage 1 of CCPLAR
Standard Membership
Applicants are required to hold valid TESL Ontario standard membership prior to submitting their CCPLAR application to obtain OCELT & ICTEAL certification. If you are not a standard member yet or your standard membership has expired, please go to https://applications.teslontario.org/, and click on “JOIN” or “RENEW”, as appropriate.
University Degree
Applicants are required to hold a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree, or a PhD from an accredited institution located in Canada, OR a degree deemed equivalent by a member agency of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC), such as
- World Education Services (WES), Ontario
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), Ontario
- Comparative Education Service (CES), Ontario
Required proof: university degree or official transcript from Canada OR equivalency report if earned outside Canada
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
ELP must be demonstrated in one of three ways (A, B, or C):
ELP Option (A)
Holding one or more degrees (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD) that meet the following criteria:
- Completed degree program/s comprised at least three years of full-time in-person education or an equivalent of that in part-time mode.
- Degree program/s were completed in one or more English-speaking countries:
Canada, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cameroon, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nigeria, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, United States, Uganda, US Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe - Language of instruction was English.
Online courses and research-based courses do not count as in-person instruction. Also, completion of non-degree programs, i.e., one or more certificate or diploma programs, does not count as proof of ELP.
Required Proof: official transcript/s
ELP Option (B)
Minimum acceptable scores/bands from a TESL Ontario recognized ELP test taken within three years of the TESL Ontario Certification application date:
- Michigan English Test (MET): Listening 64 , Reading: 64 , Speaking: 64 , Writing: 64
- IELTS-Academic Test: Listening: 7 Reading: 7 Writing: 7 Speaking: 7
- CAEL-At a Test Centre: Listening: 70 Reading: 70 Writing: 70 Speaking: 70
- CAEL Online: Listening: 70 Reading: 70 Writing: 70 Speaking: 70
- TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition:
0-120 scale: Listening: 24 Reading: 24 Writing: 27 Speaking: 26
1-6 scale: Listening: 5 Reading: 5 Writing: 5.5 Speaking: 5 - Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE): Level: C2
TESL Ontario accepts a combination of two test reports (for the same ELP test taken twice or for two different ELP tests) indicating that all required scores/bands have been obtained. Test reports older than three years are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Required Proof: language proficiency test report/s
ELP Option (C)
Evidence of grades 6-12 completed with English as the language of instruction in one of the countries listed under ELP Option (A).
Required Proof: report cards or confirmation letter from school board
TESL-related Education OR Qualifying Experience
CCPLAR Stream A: TESL-related diploma or degree
- University bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in teaching English as a second/foreign language or applied linguistics.
- two-year college diploma in teaching English as a second/foreign language
- or a Cambridge DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- or Trinity College DipTESOL (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) professional diploma
Required proof: TESL-related diploma or degree AND official transcript or course-by-course equivalency report if earned outside Canada
CCPLAR Stream B: Adult English language teaching experience
- At least 2,000 hours of experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to adults. Up to 250 hours of volunteer experience may be counted towards teaching hours as long as the volunteer experience was obtained in Canada and meets the definition of adult English language teaching.
- Has occurred within 5 years of the application date, with at least 500 hours within the last 3 years
- Is verified by employer letters
Required proof: Letter(s) from employer(s) to substantiate that you meet eligibility requirements for Stream B. It is not necessary to substantiate experience that is more than five years old, nor is it necessary to substantiate experience that exceeds eligibility requirements. Each letter must be on letterhead; include the date it was written; include the name and address of the employer; state the timeframe, quantity and nature of your teaching experience to show you meet eligibility requirements; include the name, job title and signature of the letter writer, and be written in English or be accompanied by a certified translation. Please note that teaching children, one-on-one tutoring, small-group tutoring, self-employed teaching, experience as an examiner/assessor, teaching preparation activities, material development, and administrative experience are not eligible.
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) training
CLB Bootcamp certificate from the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB). The CLB Bootcamp is a 10-hour self-directed online course that is available free of charge.
How to self-enroll in CLB Bootcamp and the Introduction to PBLA for New Classroom Instructors
(Self-directed course)
Portfolio-based Language Assessment (PBLA) training
Introduction to PBLA for New Classroom Instructors (Self-directed Course) certificate from the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB). The PBLA training is an 18- to 20-hour self-directed online course that is available free of charge.
How to self-enroll in CLB Bootcamp and the Introduction to PBLA for New Classroom Instructors
(Self-directed course)
Proof of Name Change
Proof of name change (e.g., marriage certificate, Legal Name Change document) in English or a certified translation is required only if any of your documents is under a different name than the one you are applying under.
How to Apply
The application process has two application stages.
In Application Stage I, candidates choose Stream A or Stream B as applicable, and apply to confirm their eligibility for CCPLAR. Please refer to the CCPLAR Candidate Handbook
In Application Stage II, eligible Stream A candidates meet competency requirements in Canadian Adult ESL Contexts by doing a 50 -hour practicum course, or by providing evidence of 250 hours of adult ESL teaching experience in Canada, or by participating in a challenge interview session.
Eligible Stream B candidates meet the competency requirements in one to four areas:
- Canadian Adult ESL Contexts
- Educational Technology
- Adult Second Language Acquisition Theory
- Culture and Diversity.
Required competencies can be met through completing additional TESL training, doing a practicum course, providing evidence of teaching experience, and/or participating in one to four structured interviews.
All required supporting documents must be in English. Official English translations are required for documents that are not in English.
To apply for OCELT & ICTEAL Certification through Path 2 (CCPLAR), fill out Form A-2.1: CCPLAR Application and upload your documents at https://applications.teslontario.org/
Fee:
Non-refundable Administration fee: $350.00 + HST ($395.50)
Introduction to OCELT & ICTEAL
This video introduces the OCELT and ICTEAL certificates and professional designations and explains why they are important qualifications for English language teachers of adult learners.

OCELT Info Brochure
OCELT is an officially registered professional designation for TESL Ontario certified members in good standing. OCELT recognizes the professionalism and integrity of the TESL Ontario certified teachers, and their commitment to the TESL Ontario Code of Ethics and high-quality instruction.
Certification & Employment
This video focuses on the connection between certification and employment. It explains the difference between certification and a certificate and outlines the reasons why the certification status of job applicants and existing employees is important to employers.
CLB Bootcamp & PBLA
The CLB Bootcamp and Intro to PBLA training are self-directed online courses available to all interested individuals for free. These courses allow you to familiarize yourself with the use of the CLBs and PBLA in lesson planning and assessment in English language classes for adult learners.
Professional Development Requirements
Ongoing professional development (PD) is an important aspect of TESL Ontario certification. The TESL Ontario certified English language teachers are required to do 10 hours of PD annually. In this video, you will learn about the TESL Ontario PD recognition standard and activities recognized as PD.
The Path to Employment through OCELT Certification
Equipped with OCELT (Ontario Certified English Language Teacher) certification, job seekers have access to employment opportunities across a broad spectrum of teaching sectors in Ontario and beyond.
Application Path 2: CCPLAR
CCPLAR is an OCELT certification application pathway for English language teachers of adult learners who have not graduated from a TESL Ontario accredited training program but meet the initial eligibility requirements of CCPLAR. Watch this video to learn about the CCPLAR requirements and application process steps.

CCPLAR Candidate Handbook
This handbook outlines the CCPLAR requirements and application process steps. English language teachers of adult learners who are interested in applying for OCELT certification through CCPLAR pathway should meet the eligibility requirements stipulated in this handbook.

Competency Framework for Adult ESL Teachers
The TESL Ontario Competency Framework identifies the categories of competence and the competencies required of qualified adult English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in Ontario. It describes the key knowledge and skills required for effective adult ESL teaching in this province.
Introducing TESL Ontario's Competency-and-Credit Based PLAR(CCPLAR)
CCPLAR is an OCELT certification application pathway for English language teachers of adult learners who have not graduated from a TESL Ontario accredited training program but meet the initial eligibility requirements of CCPLAR. Watch this video to learn about the CCPLAR requirements and application process steps.
CLB Bootcamp & Introduction to PBLA for New Classroom Instructors
The CLB Bootcamp and Intro to PBLA training are self-directed online courses available to all interested individuals for free. These courses allow you to familiarize yourself with the use of the CLBs and PBLA in lesson planning and assessment in English language classes for adult learners.
Professional Development (PD) Requirement of Annual Renewal
Ongoing professional development (PD) is an important aspect of TESL Ontario certification. The TESL Ontario certified English language teachers are required to do 10 hours of PD annually. In this video, you will learn about the TESL Ontario PD recognition standard and activities recognized as PD.
Accredited TESL Training Programs
Signing up for CLB & PBLA
OCELT/ICTEAL Certification Renewal
Professional Development Requirement
OCELT/ICTEAL Certification Renewal
OCELT & ICTEAL Certification and Professional Designations are valid for 12 months from the date of approval. At the end of this period, you should renew your certified membership to maintain your certification and designations. The renewal due date is recorded on your certificates. Also, TESL Ontario emails you a renewal reminder with detailed instructions approximately 6 weeks prior to your renewal due date.
To be eligible for annual renewal, you are required to do 10 hours of professional development (PD) activities during every certification year (by your certified membership renewal date) and keep the proof on file. For more information, please click on the Professional Development Requirements section.
If you receive a PD Audit Notice from TESL Ontario, you will be required to submit your proof of PD.
The annual renewal fee is $170.00 (plus tax).
How to Renew
To access the Certified Membership Renewal form, please visit https://applications.teslontario.org/ and click on “RENEW”.
Questions? Please contact TESL Ontario by email at accreditation@teslontario.org or by phone at 416-593-4243, Ext. 205
Professional Development Requirement
OCELT/ICTEAL Certification holders are required to complete 10 hours of PD activities each year by their annual renewal due date and keep the proof on file. Documents such as PD certificates, PD event registration slips, course transcripts, PD confirmation letters (on letterhead and signed), and PD confirmation emails are recognized as proof of PD.
Additional PD hours completed in any given certification year cannot be carried over to the following certification year. PD hours completed during the renewal month can be considered for either the current certification year or the new one.
PD Recognition Standard
To be recognized as PD, an activity must meet the following criteria:
- It increases participants’ knowledge of theories, methods, or techniques of teaching English as a second/foreign language to adult learners or their knowledge of a subject closely related to teaching adult ESL/EFL such as principles of adult learning, classroom management, diversity training, culture, multiculturalism, assessment, and technology in the classroom.
- It augments participants’ teaching adult ESL/EFL skills and classroom performance.
- PD is above and beyond the day-to-day requirements of certified teachers’ professional duties. Therefore, an activity (or a component of an activity) a certified teacher is required to carry out as part of their daily professional responsibilities does not count towards the PD hours required for TESL Ontario certified membership renewal.
- Also, content-based training, workshops, seminars, etc. where the focus is solely on a content area, such as Canadian law, health, banking, cooking, traveling, employment, safety at work, etc., and the application of the content to teaching ESL/EFL to adult learners is not established or practiced are not recognized as PD for the TESL Ontario annual renewal.
Activities Recognized as PD
Every hour of participation in any of the activities outlined below counts as one PD hour. Every hour of presentation is recognized as five PD hours. Activities recognized as PD are as follows:
- Participating in TESL-related workshops, conferences, seminars, webinars and other similar events in Canada or abroad
- Presenting in TESL-related workshops, conferences, seminars, webinars and other similar events in Canada or abroad
- Completing a TESL-related training course
- Attending TESL-related in-service training sessions and PD events provided by employers
- Mentoring practicum students from TESL Ontario accredited training programs
- Mentoring newly certified OCELTs and CTESOLs
- Serving as a provincial TESL organization Executive Board member, Working Committee member, or Chapter Executive Committee member
- Conducting or participating in TESL-related research
- Volunteering as a teacher, a teacher assistant, or a tutor in an on-site or online adult ESL program run by a recognized school or settlement agency in Canada
- Pilot testing curricula or assessment tools for ESL teachers or ESL teacher training
A Few Examples of Recognized PD Events and Activities
- TESL Ontario Conference
- TESL Ontario Chapter Conferences
- Post TESL Certificate Training courses (PTCT)
- TESL Ontario Live Webinars
- TESL Ontario Archived Webinars
- Tutela Live and Recorded Webinars
- Contact North Webinars
- Volunteering for TESL Ontario Working Committees
- CCLB E-learning Portal
- BC TEAL Events
- Alberta TESL (ATESL) Events
- TESOL International Convention and English Language Expo
- IATEFL Conference and Exhibition
- IATEFL Webinars
PD Random Audit
Please be advised that 10% of certified membership renewals due in every given month are selected randomly and receive a PD Audit Notice approximately 6 weeks prior to their renewal due date. Selected members are required to email or mail their proof of PD to TESL Ontario by their renewal due date to be eligible for annual renewal. A one-month grace period is granted if the required PD is not received by the renewal due date. At the end of the grace period, certified membership lapses if PD is still outstanding.
Questions? Please contact TESL Ontario at accreditation@teslontario.org or at 416-593-4243, Ext. 205.
Certification Reinstatement
Filing an Appeal
Frequently Asked Questions
OCELT/ICTEAL Certification Reinstatement
Expired OCELT/ICTEAL Certification can be reinstated at any time.
Applicants are required to submit proof of 10 hours of PD completed at any time during the past 12 months. Detailed information about recognized PD is available under “Professional Development Requirement” at https://teslontario.org/certification/teacher-certification/ . Documents such as PD certificates, PD event registration slips, course transcripts, and PD confirmation letters (on letterhead and signed) or emails from employers are accepted as proof of PD.
If you have maintained your standard membership or have it renewed now before submitting a reinstatement application, you will be able to access recordings of TESL Ontario webinars on Tutela.ca or participate in live webinars to earn PD. If you are not part of the TESL Ontario Group on Tutela yet, you can follow this link and request to join: https://tutela.ca/GroupHome?organicgroup=8594 Requests may take up to three business days to get approved.
After you watch a webinar recording, Tutela will allow you to download a PDF of your PD certificate. Please note that Tutela.ca is not a product of TESL Ontario but an external service provider that TESL Ontario uses for its webinar viewing and storage. If you encounter technical difficulties with viewing webinars, downloading PD certificates, etc., please contact info@tutela.ca directly for assistance.
Form A-4: Certification Reinstatement Application
To access Form A-4: Certification Reinstatement Application, please visit https://applications.teslontario.org/ and click on “APPLY”.
Appealing TESL Ontario Certification Decisions
Any applicant who is denied the TESL Ontario certification shall have the right to appeal the decision to the TESL Ontario Appeals Review Committee within 60 days from the date of the certification decision email.
How to File an Appeal
- Print, complete, and sign Form A-10: Appeal Application.
- Submit the completed form along with all supporting documents to the TESL Ontario by email or mail:
Email: administration@teslontario.org
Mailing address: TESL Ontario, 27 Carlton Street, Suite 405, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1L2
Please note that—once an appeal application is submitted—all correspondence between you (the applicant) and TESL Ontario will be handled by the TESL Ontario office manager.
Appeal Application Review Process
Appeal applications are reviewed by the TESL Ontario Appeals Review Committee in 90 days from the date of receipt. The applicant may be asked to submit additional information or documentation before a decision is made. Once the Appeals Review Committee has reached a decision, TESL Ontario notifies the applicant by email.
If the appeal is granted, TESL Ontario processes the certification application and refunds the appeal application fee.
If the appeal is rejected, TESL Ontario disposes of the certification application and keeps the appeal application fee. The applicant may submit a new certification application to TESL Ontario at any time.
Appeals Review Committee’s decisions are final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section 1) Applying for TESL Ontario Certification
Section 2) Degree Requirement
Section 3) English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirement
Section 4) TESL Training Requirement
Section 5) Application Path 2-CCPLAR
Section 6) Professional Development (PD)
Section 7) Working as an ESL Teacher
Section 1) Applying for TESL Ontario Certification
1) What is OCELT?
OCELT stands for Ontario Certified English Language Teacher. It is an officially registered certification trademark and professional designation granted to qualified members of TESL Ontario. OCELT recognizes that a certificate holder has the knowledge and skills required to teach English to adult learners in publicly funded and private English language instruction programs in Ontario, other Canadian provinces and territories, and abroad.
Government-funded LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) and Adult ESL providers in Ontario, such as school boards and settlement agencies, typically require the TESL Ontario OCELT certificate.
2) What is ICTEAL?
ICTEAL stands for International Certification in Teaching English as an Additional Language. It is the international version of OCELT. Applicants who are approved for OCELT automatically receive ICTEAL. This certification may be useful when applying for teaching positions with international employers. Some employers prefer to see a certificate that explicitly indicates an international credential.
3) Should I apply for standard membership before applying for certification?
Yes. TESL Ontario certification is a service available to its members. If you do not currently hold a valid standard membership, you should apply for standard membership or renew your lapsed membership before applying for certification.
4) I hold a valid student membership. Do I need to upgrade to a standard membership to apply for certification?
No. Student and standard memberships function in exactly the same way and have the same benefits. You can apply for certification while holding a valid student membership.
5) Do I need to apply separately for OCELT and ICTEAL certifications?
No. Applicants approved for OCELT automatically receive ICTEAL. No additional forms, supporting documents, or fees are required.
6) I have a university degree in TESL/TEFL. How can I apply for TESL Ontario OCELT certification?
Individuals who hold one of the following may apply for TESL Ontario OCELT certification through Application Path 2-Stream A:
a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in TESL/TEFL or applied linguistics
a two-year college diploma in TESL/TEFL or applied linguistics
Cambridge DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Trinity College London DipTESOL (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) professional diploma
7) I have adult ESL/EFL teaching experience. How can I apply for TESL Ontario OCELT certification?
Candidates who have accumulated at least 2000 hours of adult ESL/EFL teaching experience over the past five years, including at least 500 hours accumulated over the past three years, may apply for OCELT certification through Application Path 2-Stream B. Please note that the following do not count toward the required teaching hours: teaching children or teenagers, one-on-one tutoring, small-group tutoring, self-employed teaching, facilitating conversation circles, work as an examiner or assessor, lesson preparation, materials development, and administrative duties.
8) How long does it take for TESL Ontario to review an application?
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are notified of the results within 20–30 business days from the date their application is received.
9) I am certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). Can this be used toward a TESL Ontario OCELT certification application?
No. Certification or additional qualifications with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) have no bearing on a TESL Ontario OCELT application. TESL Ontario and the OCT are separate organizations with distinct certification requirements.
10) Do I need to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or live in Canada to be eligible to apply for TESL Ontario certification?
No. Anyone who meets the requirements for TESL Ontario certification may apply, regardless of their status in Canada or their location.
Section 2) Degree Requirement
1) I don’t have a university degree. Am I eligible to apply for TESL Ontario certification if I complete an accredited training program?
No. Holding a degree (a 3–4 year bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a PhD) is a required criterion for TESL Ontario OCELT certification.
2) My degree is from outside Canada. Do I need to obtain a Canadian equivalency report to apply for certification?
Yes. You must obtain a document-by-document (basic) equivalency report from a member agency of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC), such as the following: World Education Services (WES Canada), International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), or Comparative Education Service (CES). The report must state that your degree is equivalent to a 3-4 year bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree, or a PhD from Canada.
3) I hold a university degree from the US. Do I need to submit a Canadian equivalency report for certification application?
Yes. You must submit a document-by-document Canadian equivalency report confirming that your degree from the US is equivalent to a 3-4 year bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree, or a PhD from Canada.
4) Does TESL Ontario consider older Canadian degree equivalency reports?
Yes. TESL Ontario considers previously completed Canadian degree equivalency reports regardless of when they were issued.
5) Does TESL Ontario consider equivalency reports prepared for immigration purposes?
Yes. TESL Ontario considers equivalency reports prepared for immigration purposes.
6) My equivalency report states that my education is equivalent to four years of university study in Canada. Does this meet the degree requirement?
No, it does not. The report must state that your credential is equivalent to a three- or four-year Canadian bachelor’s degree, or to a master’s degree or PhD.
7) I am unable to have my degree and transcript sent by my home institution for equivalency evaluation due to circumstances in my home country. What should I do?
You should contact a member agency of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC), such as World Education Services (WES Canada), International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), to inquire about alternative pathways for special cases like yours.
8) I am certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). Does my OCT certificate or profile meet the degree requirement?
No. Your standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) has no bearing on a TESL Ontario OCELT certification application. TESL Ontario and the OCT are separate organizations with distinct certification requirements. An OCT certificate or profile cannot be used as proof of a university education for TESL Ontario certification application.
Section 3) English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirement
1) I am a native speaker of English. Do I need to provide proof of English language proficiency for a TESL Ontario certification application?
Yes. All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency (ELP) in one of three ways (A, B, or C). For detailed information, go to Teacher Certification and select Application Path 1 or Application Path 2.
2) I hold a master’s degree from an English-speaking country. Do I need to take a recognized English language proficiency (ELP) test to meet the ELP requirement?
Yes. A master’s degree alone does not meet the requirement. TESL Ontario’s ELP Option A requires completion of one or more degree programs with English as the language of instruction in an English-speaking country, totaling at least three years of full-time, in-person study (or the equivalent in part-time study).
3) I have done a college diploma in Canada. Do I need to take a recognized English language proficiency (ELP) test to meet the TESL Ontario ELP standard?
Yes, you do. Completion of non-degree programs, i.e., one or more college certificate or diploma programs, does not count as proof of ELP. To meet the ELP standard of TESL Ontario certification application, you should take a recognized English language proficiency (ELP) test and obtain the required bands or scores.
4) I am a native speaker of English and was born and raised in an English-speaking country, but my degree is from a non-English-speaking country. How can I meet the ELP requirement?
You may meet the ELP requirement through Option C if you completed Grades 6–12 with English as the language of instruction in an English-speaking country.
Required proof for ELP Option C: report cards or a confirmation letter from the school board(s) where you completed Grades 6–12.
5) I have a master’s degree and a college diploma/certificate from Canada (or another English-speaking country). Do I need to take a recognized English language proficiency (ELP) test to meet the TESL Ontario ELP standard?
Yes. TESL Ontario requires a minimum of three years of full-time, in-person postsecondary study in an English-speaking country. Since a single master’s degree does not meet this threshold and non-degree programs—such as college certificates or diplomas—are not accepted as proof of proficiency, you must complete a recognized English language proficiency (ELP) test and obtain the required scores to qualify for certification
6) My test report has expired. Can I still use it for certification application?
TESL Ontario considers test reports up to three years after the test date. Test reports older than three years are considered on a case-by-case basis. Additional documentation may be required.
7) Does TESL Ontario consider the combination of two recognized ELP test reports?
Yes. TESL Ontario accepts a combination of two recognized ELP test reports—whether from the same ELP test taken twice or two different recognized tests—provided that, together, they demonstrate all required scores or bands have been achieved.
8) Does TESL Ontario grant exemptions from the ELP standard?
No. To ensure a consistent and fair standard for all TESL Ontario members and to maintain the integrity of TESL Ontario certification, all applicants must demonstrate ELP in one of three ways (A, B, or C). For detailed information, go to “Teacher Certification” and click on Application Path 1 or Application Path 2.
9) Does TESL Ontario grant an exemption from the ELP requirement to applicants with disabilities or health conditions (for example, hearing impairment or back pain)?
No. TESL Ontario does not grant exemptions from the ELP requirement. All TESL Ontario certification applicants must demonstrate ELP in one of three ways (A, B, or C). Applicants with a health condition or disability that may affect your ability to complete a standardized test should contact the test providers directly to ask about available accommodations. Test providers may offer specific accommodations and can advise you on the required documentation and available support.
10) I am certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). Does my OCT certificate or OCT profile meet the ELP requirement?
No. Your standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) has no bearing on a TESL Ontario OCELT certification application. TESL Ontario and the OCT are separate organizations with distinct certification requirements. An OCT certificate, profile, or additional qualifications cannot be used as proof of ELP for TESL Ontario certification application.
11) Are there any free resources that I can use to prepare for an ELP test?
Yes. Some recognized ELP tests provide free preparation resources on their official websites.
- MET preparation resources: https://michiganassessment.org/test-preparation-resources/
- IELTS Academic preparation resources: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare
- TOEFL iBT preparation resources: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare
- CAEL preparation resources: https://cael.ca/prepare-for-cael/free-resources/
- ECPE) preparation resources: https://michiganassessment.org/test-preparation-resources/
Section 4) TESL Training Requirement
1) I would like to sign up for a TESL Ontario-accredited training program and need some information about the available programs. What should I do?
Start by reviewing the list of accredited training providers. Visit their websites or contact them directly to learn more about their admission criteria, fees, schedules, and delivery formats. Once you have determined which program best fits your situation, follow the provider’s specific instructions to complete your enrollment.
2) How long is a TESL Ontario-accredited training program?
Accredited training comprises at least 250 hours of instruction in TESL theory and methodology, at least 30 hours of observation, and at least 20 hours of supervised practice-teaching. Depending on each training provider’s specific schedule and training mode, it may take four months to one year to complete an accredited training program. Accredited BA and MA programs take longer.
3) Can I do a TESL Ontario-accredited program fully online?
No. The theory and methodology components (at least 250 hours) can be completed online synchronously, in person, or in a hybrid mode (a mix of in-person and online-synchronous instruction). The practicum component can be done fully in person or in a hybrid mode (a mix of in-person and online-synchronous modes). In the hybrid mode of the practicum course, only up to half of the required observation and supervised practice-teaching hours may be completed online-synchronously.
4) Does TESL Ontario recognize practicum hours completed in the Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) or Academic Upgrade programs?
No. TESL Ontario’s practicum standard requires observation and practice-teaching hours to be completed in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, such as LINC, ESL, ELT, or OSLT. The LBS and Academic Upgrade programs focus on literacy and academic skills for both native and non-native English speakers rather than on the specific methodology used in ESL training.
5) I am unable to find a practicum placement. Can TESL Ontario help me find a placement?
No. TESL Ontario cannot help you find a practicum placement. It is the responsibility of the training provider to arrange appropriate practicum placements for its students. Placements may be provided through the training provider’s in-house English language classes or through agreements with external institutions. You should contact your practicum supervisor or program coordinator for assistance.
6) I completed a TESL program shortly before it was accredited by TESL Ontario. Does my TESL certificate meet the TESL training requirement of certification application?
Your TESL certificate may be considered as proof of the required training if the following two conditions are met: (1) The training program has maintained its accredited status and is currently active, and (2) The training provider confirms in writing, on official letterhead, that the training program you completed was, in every respect, the same as the program that was subsequently accredited by TESL Ontario. You should contact the training program coordinator to discuss this.
7) I completed a TESL training program that was accredited by TESL Ontario in the past. However, it is not on the TESL Ontario list of accredited programs any more. Does TESL Ontario still recognize my training and certificate?
Yes. If your training program held TESL Ontario accreditation when you completed it, your TESL certificate is still recognized, even if the program is no longer on the list of accredited programs.
8) I have done a 250-hour TESL program and a 50-hour practicum course through a training provider that is not accredited by TESL Ontario. Does this meet the TESL training requirement of a TESL Ontario certification application?
No. TESL training completed through a provider that is not accredited by TESL Ontario does not meet the TESL training requirement for certification. To meet this requirement, applicants must complete a TESL Ontario-accredited training program.
9) I hold a TESL Canada certificate. Does it meet the TESL training requirement of OCELT certification application?
No. A TESL Canada certificate is not accepted as proof of completion of a TESL Ontario accredited training program.
Section 5) Application Path 2-CCPLAR
1) Who can apply for TESL Ontario OCELT certification through Application Path 2- CCPLAR?
The CCPLAR pathway (Application Path 2) has two streams: Stream A and Stream B. Stream A is for candidates who hold one of the following qualifications: a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in TESL/TEFL or applied linguistics; a two-year college diploma in TESL or applied linguistics; Cambridge DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages); or Trinity College DipTESOL (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Stream B is intended for candidates who have accumulated at least 2,000 hours of adult ESL/EFL teaching experience within the past five years, including at least 500 hours within the past three years.
Additional CCPLAR eligibility requirements (such as English Language Proficiency and degree requirements) apply to both streams.
2) What types of experience and workplaces are not accepted for CCPLAR purposes?
The following do not count toward the required teaching hours:
- One-on-one tutoring or teaching on a one-on-one appointment basis
- Small-group tutoring
- Self-employed teaching
- Teaching courses designed for/attended by both native and non-native English speakers (even if the majority of students were English Language Learners)
- Facilitating conversation circles
- Work as an examiner or assessor
- Lesson preparation, materials development, and administrative duties
- Teaching children or teenagers
Also, we do not consider teaching experience gained at tutoring centres, schools that are not legally incorporated, schools without a structured curriculum framework, self-paced online platforms with no live instructor supervision, institutions under regulatory sanction, or businesses offering “language certificates” without defined instructional hours.
3) What information must be included in an employer letter?
The employer letter must be on letterhead. It must
- Include the date it was written
- Include the name and address of the employer
- State the timeframe, quantity and nature of your teaching experience [It must state that you taught ESL or EFL to adult learners.]
- Include the name, job title and signature of the letter writer
- Be written in English or be accompanied by a certified translation
4) I have taught ESL to adult learners in a private language school in Canada. Is this experience eligible for Application Path 2-CCPLAR?
Teaching ESL to adult learners in a registered private language school in Canada is eligible for CCPLAR. To be considered “registered,” the private language school must be a legally incorporated Canadian educational institution that meets recognized quality assurance standards. This includes schools that
- are accredited by Languages Canada or have Designated Learning Institution (DLI) status;
- employ qualified instructors (e.g., TESL Ontario or TESL Canada certified); and
- operate in compliance with provincial laws and oversight.
Experience gained at private language schools without these recognized quality markers is not eligible.
5) Does TESL Ontario have a list of registered/approved private language schools for accumulating adult ESL teaching experience?
No, TESL Ontario does not maintain a list of registered or approved private language schools. However, institutions that are members of Languages Canada generally meet established national quality assurance standards for private language education. You may wish to consult the List of Languages Canada members as a helpful reference point when identifying protentional employers and sites for accumulating adult ESL teaching experience.
6) Is adult ESL/EFL teaching experience accumulated through teaching at my own school or independent contracting eligible for Application Path 2-CCPLAR?
No, self-employed teaching experience is not eligible for Application Path 2-CCPLAR. All teaching hours must be verified by official employer letters on institution letterhead. These letters must be signed by a supervisor or manager who can attest to the quantity and nature of the instruction provided. Self-attested experience or experience gained through independent contracting without an institutional employer is not accepted as it cannot be verified.
7) I am certified by OCT (Ontario College of Teachers), have completed AQ ESL courses, and have taught ESL to children and teenagers. Am I eligible for Application Path 2-CCPLAR?
No, this specific profile does not meet the eligibility requirements for Application Path 2-CCPLAR. TESL Ontario and the OCT are separate professional bodies. Your standing or Additional Qualifications (AQs) with the OCT do not exempt you from TESL Ontario’s specific certification requirements. Furthermore, experience for CCPLAR must be gained teaching ESL to adult learners (18 years of age or older). Teaching ESL to children or teenagers (K-12) is not eligible toward this application pathway.
8) I have taught EFL to adult learners in a non-English speaking country. Can I use this experience to demonstrate competency in Culture and Diversity?
No, adult EFL teaching experience does not meet the Culture and Diversity competency area. To meet this requirement through the “experience” option, you should provide proof of at least 250 hours of adult English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching experience over the past 5 years. ESL teaching experience is defined as English language instruction to adult learners in English-speaking countries.
9) How can I enrol in the CLB Bootcamp and the Introduction to PBLA for New Classroom Instructors course?
For step-by-step registration instructions, click here. If you have any questions about these online, self-directed courses or the registration process steps, please contact the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (the course provider) directly at support@language.ca .
10) Does TESL Ontario provide sample questions for the CCPLAR interview option?
No. TESL Ontario does not provide sample questions or preparation resources.
Candidates are expected to review the Competency Framework for Adult ESL Teachers in advance and reflect on how the knowledge and performance statements relate to their own teaching philosophy and experience. They should be prepared to provide well-organized, detailed responses and draw on examples from their own classroom practice.
The use of notes, online resources, or tools (such as AI or search engines) is not permitted during the interview.
The passing score for the CCPLAR interview is 70%. If a candidate is unsuccessful, they may request and pay for another interview session or choose another available option (experience or course, as applicable) to meet the competency requirements.
Section 6) Professional Development (PD)
1) How many PD hours are required and what is accepted as proof of PD?
TESL Ontario certified members are required to 10 PD hours during each 12-month renewal cycle. Documents such as PD certificates, PD event registration slips, TESL-related course transcripts, PD confirmation letters (on letterhead, signed, and dated), and PD confirmation emails are accepted as proof of PD.
2) What activities are recognized as professional development (PD) for the annual renewal?
Some examples of activities recognized as PD are as follows:
- Participating in TESL Ontario Live Webinars
- Viewing TESL Ontario Archived Webinars
- Participating in TESL Ontario Conference
- Participating in TESL Ontario Chapter Events
- Participating in TESL Ontario Mentoring Events
- Doing a TESL Ontario Specialized Skills Certificate Course
- Doing a TESL Ontario Post TESL Certificate Training (PTCT) course
- Giving a TESL-related presentation (Each hour of presentation counts as five PD hours.)
- Serving on TESL Ontario working committees
- Mentoring TESL students from the TESL Ontario accredited training programs
- Doing online workshops, courses, and training pieces offered by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB)
- Participating in TESL-related events provided by other TESL organizations such as BC TEAL, Alberta TESL, TESOL International, and IATEFL
- Participating in TESL-related events provided by employers
- Doing TESL-related courses, certificate programs, or degree programs
- Submitting articles for the TESL Ontario Contact magazine (Each published article is credited with five hours of PD.)
3) How can I access the TESL Ontario webinars?
To access the TESL Ontario webinars, you need to log in to your Tutela account. If you do not have a Tutela account yet, go to https://tutela.ca/GroupHome?organicgroup=8594 and request to join. Requests are processed manually by a volunteer team and may take up to three business days to be approved. You can find details of accessing these webinars on the TESL Ontario website at
- Live Webinars: https://www.teslontario.org/webinar-series/upcoming-webinars
- Archived Webinars: https://www.teslontario.org/webinar-series/archived-webinars
4) How can I access webinar certificates?
After a live webinar has ended, PD certificates are automatically generated by Tutela.ca and emailed to attendees. Relatively recent archived webinars should also give you the option to download a certificate. Under the video window, you will see a line that reads “Ready to get your certificate? Click here to refresh the page.” Click “Refresh” and the PD certificate will be available for you to download. For older archived webinars, a PD certificate may not be generated. In these cases, you can record them on the PD tracking log at https://www.teslontario.org/uploads_new/webinar/WebinarPDLog_Fillable.pdf and download it. A completed and signed PD log is accepted as proof of PD when a webinar certificate is not generated by Tutela.ca.
5) Is participation in a content-based session recognized as PD?
Participation in training, workshops, or seminars focused solely on non-TESL content areas (e.g., Canadian law, health, banking, cooking, travel, employment, workplace safety) is not recognized as PD. However, such activities may be accepted as PD if the session clearly includes or demonstrates how the content is applied to teaching adult ESL.
Section 7) Working as an ESL Teacher
1) I would like to become an ESL teacher. What credentials or certification do I need?
In order to find out what credentials or certification you may need to be eligible to work as an ESL teacher in Ontario, in other Canadian provinces, or abroad, you should first determine the context/s in which you would like to teach:
- Government-funded LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) and Adult ESL providers in Ontario, such as school boards and settlement agencies, usually require the TESL Ontario OCELT certificate. OCELT stands for “Ontario Certified English Language Teacher.”
- Other language instruction providers, such as private language schools, colleges, universities, and international employers may require a TESL certificate from an accredited training provider, teaching experience, a university degree, etc. To learn about these employers’ hiring criteria, you should contact them directly or review their websites and job ads.
- Ontario’s elementary and secondary schools require the Ontario College of Teachers Certificate of Registration. For more information, please visit www.oct.ca.
2) Do I need to complete a TESL certificate program or a TESL diploma program to be eligible to teach ESL in Ontario? What about TESOL, TEFL, or TEAL credentials?
Whether a program is titled a TESL, TESOL, TEFL or TEAL certificate, diploma, or post-graduate credential does not determine your eligibility to teach ESL in Ontario. Instead, the required certification depends entirely on your intended teaching context. For those seeking employment in government-funded programs like LINC or Adult ESL in Ontario, the OCELT (Ontario Certified English Language Teacher) certification from TESL Ontario is generally the standard requirement. In contrast, private language schools, colleges, universities and international employers may accept a variety of credentials, such as a degree in applied linguistics or a TESL certificate from a reputable training provider. Also, Ontario’s K-12 public school system requires registration with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). To ensure you pursue the correct pathway, it is best to verify the specific hiring requirements of your target institutions.
3) Does TESL Ontario OCELT certification allow me to teach English anywhere in Canada?
While TESL Ontario OCELT certification is widely recognized within the ESL teaching community in Ontario and can enhance your employability as an English language teacher in the province, it does not guarantee eligibility to teach everywhere in Canada. TESL Ontario does not determine the hiring requirements of individual employers. Hiring criteria vary depending on the employer and teaching context (e.g., government-funded programs, private language schools, colleges, or universities). You should review job postings, visit employer websites, or contact potential employers directly to learn about their specific requirements.
4) I would like to teach English abroad. Is TESL Ontario certification (OCELT & ICTEAL) accepted by international employers?
TESL Ontario does not maintain information about the hiring requirements of international employers. You should contact your target employers directly, visit their websites, or review their job advertisements to find out what type of certification, training, or experience they require and whether they accept TESL Ontario OCELT or ICTEAL certification.
5) How can I find information about employers’ hiring requirements?
You can find out about the specific hiring requirements and preferred qualifications of potential employers by following these steps:
- Visit employer websites: Review their “About Us” or “Careers” pages for information on required qualifications and preferred credentials.
- Thoroughly examine available job advertisements: Pay close attention to the listed hiring requirements and preferred qualifications for each position.
- Email target employers to express your interest, share your resume and cover letter, and ask for guidance.
- Email prospective employers to inquire about their specific hiring criteria.
6) Where can I find job ads for adult ESL teachers?
Here are some examples of websites that feature job ads for adult ESL teachers or information about employers:
- TESL Ontario Career Centre
- Indeed Canada
- Workopolis
- ApplyToEducation > Create an account. > Upload your documents.
- 211 Ontario > Enter your location. > Enter a keyword (e.g., ESL). > Click “Search.” > Look for job ads on the websites of language centres or email them to express your interest and submit your cover letter and resume.
7) Does TESL Ontario help its members find employment?
TESL Ontario is not an employment agency, nor is it an employer of ESL teachers. However, it provides some employment-related support and resources tailored to English language teachers of adults. Click here for more detailed information.
8) Do my current qualifications (degree, TESL/TEFL/TESOL training, teaching experience, etc.) meet the hiring criteria of LINC/ESL employers?
TESL Ontario is unable to determine if your specific qualifications meet the hiring criteria of individual LINC/ESL employers. Hiring requirements are established by the employers themselves and/or their respective funders (such as IRCC or provincial ministries). While TESL Ontario sets the standards for professional certification (OCELT), we are not a LINC/ESL employer and do not participate in the hiring or selection process for these programs.
Important Notice:
TESL Ontario phased out CTESOL training program accreditation as of April 1, 2025. However, individuals who began a CTESOL training program before October 1, 2025 may still apply to TESL Ontario for CTESOL certification, provided they meet TESL Ontario’s degree and English language proficiency requirements. Also, existing CTESOL-certified members can continue renewing their status annually.
Learn more about CTESOL application and renewal.
