The PQP is a two-course program recognized by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and required for certification as a school principal or vice-principal in Ontario. OISE’s version blends academic rigor, applied leadership practice, and personalized mentorship to prepare educators for effective school leadership.

No. This program is only open to Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs) who meet the Ontario College of Teachers’ PQP prerequisites.

If you are not an OCT but are seeking school leadership development, please explore our Education Leaders Certificate Program, designed for non-OCT candidates, independent school leaders, and international educators.

Yes, courses in the Education Leaders - Principal's Qualification Program must be completed in sequence:

Phase 1
• Essential Leadership (PQP-EL1)
• Organizational Leadership & Equity (PQP-OL2)
• Instructional Leadership & Innovation (PQP-IL3)
Phase 2
• Leading School Improvement (PQP-SI4)

While each course builds upon the last, you do not need to enroll in all three courses at once! You may choose to complete them consecutively or take breaks between courses as needed.

📌 What if I want to complete Phase 1 faster?

You may choose Accelerated School Leadership (PQP-AL1), which condenses all three courses of Phase 1 into a single, intensive 7-week session.

Note: this full-time format does not allow for breaks and requires a significant weekly commitment. This pathway is currently only offered over the Summer.

The Leadership Practicum is a required component of the Education Leaders - Principal's Qualification Program, designed to meet the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) requirements for the Principal’s Qualification Program. It provides you with the opportunity to apply leadership competencies in a real school setting under the mentorship of a qualified principal or vice-principal.

Phase 1 – Leadership Practicum Proposal (PQP1)

• You must develop and submit a Leadership Practicum Proposal by the end of Instructional Leadership & Innovation (PQP-IL3).
• Your proposal must outline a school-based leadership initiative that aligns with the Ontario Leadership Framework (OLF) and meets OCT practicum requirements.
• Before enrolling in Instructional Leadership & Innovation (PQP-IL3), you must secure an OCT-certified principal or vice-principal as a mentor. They will be required to sign a mentorship agreement to support your Leadership Practicum Proposal.
• If you are taking the Accelerated Pathway, you must secure a mentor before registering, as the proposal is completed by the end of the course.

Phase 2 – Leadership Practicum Implementation (PQP2)

• In Leading School Improvement (PQP-SI4), you will execute and document your practicum project within a school setting.
• Your practicum must span at least 60 hours, including a minimum of 20 hours of direct observation with your mentor principal.
• To complete Leading School Improvement (PQP-SI4), you must submit a final practicum report outlining your leadership impact, key outcomes, and reflections. This report must be reviewed and approved before PQP2 qualification is awarded.

📌 Important:

It is your responsibility to secure an OCT-certified mentor principal. OISE CPL does not facilitate mentor placements.

Yes! If you have successfully completed PQP Part 1 through another accredited AQ provider, you are eligible to enroll directly in Phase 2, of the Education Leaders - Principal's Qualification Program.

In Phase 2, the Leading School Improvement course provides more than just practicum oversight—it integrates expert mentorship, applied leadership challenges, and structured facilitation to enhance your growth as a school leader. You will implement, refine, and assess school improvement strategies while demonstrating leadership impact in your school setting.

📌 Important: