Principal’s Qualification Program
Advance your school leadership career through applied learning and research-informed practice designed for educators preparing for vice-principal and principal roles.
The Principal’s Qualification Program (PQP) is designed for Ontario Certified Teachers who are ready to prepare for formal school leadership. Offered through OISE Continuing & Professional Learning, the program supports educators in developing the leadership knowledge, practical judgment, and applied experience required to lead in Ontario schools.
Structured as two sequential qualification courses, PQP supports leadership development across instructional, organizational, and community contexts. Participants build the capacity to lead effectively in complex school environments while progressing through Ontario’s Principal’s Qualification pathway.
PQP Part 1 focuses on foundational leadership knowledge and the development of an approved Leadership Practicum Proposal. PQP Part 2 centres on the implementation and documentation of a practicum connected to authentic leadership and school improvement work.
What You'll Learn
You will build the ability to:
- Apply leadership knowledge across instructional, organizational, and community dimensions of school leadership
- Strengthen professional judgment and decision-making in complex school contexts
- Lead collaboration, support improvement, and respond effectively to school priorities
- Develop and implement a Leadership Practicum connected to meaningful leadership work
- Prepare for the responsibilities associated with formal school leadership in Ontario
Who Should Enroll in this Program?
This program is designed for Ontario Certified Teachers who meet the Ontario College of Teachers prerequisites for the Principal’s Qualification Program and are preparing for formal leadership roles in schools.
It is well suited to experienced educators who are ready to pursue vice-principal or principal pathways and want a structured, recognized route to developing the knowledge and applied leadership experience required.
Not an Ontario Certified Teacher? Explore our Education Leaders Certificate program.
Common Professions
OCTs with at least 5 years of certified experience
School Department Heads
Teacher Leaders
Aspiring Principals
Program Overview
Successful completion of PQP2 and an approved practicum report leads to the PQP Part 2 qualification.
Program Length
Can be completed in 6 - 10 months
Format
Online Asynchronous with recommended Synchronous sessions
Class Size
Under 30 Learners
Course Duration
PQP Part 1: 7 weeks (Accelerated Summer: 4 weeks)
PQP Part 2: 7 weeks
Effort
PQP Part 1: 125 hours
PQP Part 2: 125 hours
Total Investment
PQP Part 1: $1,095
PQP Part 2 : $1,095
Total = $2,190
All courses HST Exempt
Principal's Qualification Program
Meet Our Facilitators
Emma Nichols
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Jackie Gauthier
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Kathy Witherow
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Kathy Witherow
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Nicole Miller
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Sandy Haliburton
View Sandy's BioFrequently Asked Questions
The PQP is a two-course program accredited 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.
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:
You must meet the OCT requirements for PQP Part 2, including securing a qualified mentor and submitting a Leadership Practicum Proposal prior to enrollment. Our program also requires a completed self-reflection questionnaire in addition to the OCT requirements.Ready to Enroll or Have Questions?
We’re ready to support your continuing education journey. Contact us today to find out whether this program is right for you.
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