Principal's Qualification Program

Overview

Our Principal's Qualification Program (PQP) is organized into 12 modules, six in Part 1 and six in Part 2. The modules incorporate the five domains of the Ontario Leadership Framework and Personal Leadership Resources. This Additional Qualification (AQ) program is developed based on the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) PQP guidelines. The expectations are met through online learning and face-to-face interaction between the candidates, facilitators and guest presenters.

PQP Modules 

PQP Part 1 Modules

Module 1: The Role of the Principal

Module 2: Equitable and Inclusive Schools

Module 3: Management and Leadership

Module 4: Pedagogical Leadership

Module 5: Inclusive Education

Module 6: Co-creating Safe Schools

In accordance with the requirements set by the OCT, part one will consist of 125 hours.

PQP Part 2 Modules

Module 7: The Changing Role of the School Leader

Module 8: Co-creating and Inclusive School

Module 9: Building Professional Capital

Module 10: Evidence-based Decision Making

Module 11: Building Relationships with Parents and the Community

Module 12: Supporting Wellness and Well-Being

In accordance with the requirements set by the OCT, part two will consist of 125 hours.

PQP Hybrid Program Hours for Part 1 or 2 

PQP 1 and PQP 2 each include 125 hours of learning divided as follows:   
Face to Face learning  50 Hours 
Synchronous learning 15 Hours 
Assignments, research and journal writing 60  hours 

PQP Online Program Hours for Part 1 or 2

PQP 1 and PQP 2 each include 125 hours of learning divided as follows:   
Asynchronous learning 82 Hours 
Synchronous learning 18 Hours 
Assignments, research and journal writing 25 hours 

 

Program Pre-work and Canvas Access
Program Pre-work

There is pre-work that will need to be completed in advance of the program start date. You will receive an email with access to our Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) approximately one week before the start date. It is important that you follow the instructions and access the LMS to review the pre-work learning expectations. The pre-work includes an equity, diversity and inclusion module as well as program-specific tasks designed to help candidates to reflect and prepare for productive conversations and participation.

Program Resource Access

All program content and Learning Management System access will be available to candidates beginning approximately one week in advance of the program and will remain active four weeks after the end of the program. Following this period, candidates will no longer have access to assignments, conversations, resources or other content related to the program. Please be sure to save any information that you would like to retain during the timeframe that you have access to the LMS as extensions to program access will only be granted under special circumstances, as approved by the Registrar or Director of Professional Learning.

Practicum

The Leadership Inquiry Practicum (LIP) is a required component of the PQP.  Candidates must develop a LIP proposal in part one and successfully complete the LIP experience before being considered complete part 2.

Practicum Information
The Leadership Inquiry Practicum (LIP) is a required component of the PQP. It is a collaborative inquiry guided by the Ontario Leadership Framework for Principals and Vice-principals. It is intended to provide an opportunity for candidates to facilitate a team in a leadership role working with students, staff, parents and the community.

The LIP must apply to a school setting and be mentored by a practising qualified principal or vice-principal. The duration of the LIP will be a minimum of 60 hours, of which 20 hours could be observation. Candidates identify a specific LIP informed by the PQP content and the Ontario Leadership Framework for Principals and Vice-Principals and a problem of practice in a school setting.

Candidates must develop a LIP proposal in part one and successfully complete the LIP experience before being considered complete part 2.

The deadline for successful completion of the practicum is three years after the date of completion of Part 1. Any submissions after that date will be subject to a late fee of $150 and may require the submission of a new practicum proposal.

If a candidate takes Part 2 with a provider other than OPC, it is the candidate's responsibility to request that OPC forward their practicum confirmation form to their Part 2 provider. If a candidate takes Part 2 with OPC and Part 1 with a different provider, it is the candidate's responsibility to request that their practicum confirmation form be forwarded to OPC.

Admission Requirements

PQP Part 1 Admission Requirements

  • A member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers
  • Teacher's certificate
  • An acceptable postsecondary degree
  • Qualifications in three divisions (one of which must be Intermediate)
    • For technological teachers, qualifications in grades 9 and 10 in a technological education subject listed in Schedule B or in the intermediate division in a general education subject listed in Schedule A. 
  • Five years of successful classroom teaching experience in elementary or secondary education and one of:
  • Two specialists, or
  • One specialist and a half master's degree, or
  • A master's degree or their equivalent, or a doctorate, or
  • At least 30 graduate postsecondary credits or their equivalent

With the amendment to regulation 184 s44, candidates applying with a master's degree or half master's are required to submit a transcript of these programs to OPC for evaluation prior to the PQP start date to determine if the amended pre-requisites have been met. 

  • The graduate credits must have been granted by an institution authorized to grant an acceptable postsecondary degree and have been completed in addition to any credits required for initial certification. 
  • Honour specialist qualifications apply towards the specialist qualification requirement. 
  • Effective September 30, 2011, qualifications in three subjects from Schedule F is deemed to be equivalent to one specialist or honour specialist qualification for the purposes of admission into Principal's Qualification, Part 1. 
  • For detailed information on the Principal's Qualification admission requirements, please see Regulation 184/97 43-51 from the Education Statutes and Regulations of Ontario. 

If you have an outstanding qualification that is not posted on your OCT certificate, you will need to submit a Conditional Admission Form (for part 1 candidates) verifying completion of the outstanding qualification.

PQP Part 2 Admission Requirements

  • A member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers
  • Completion of PQP Part 1

If you completed the PQP Part 1 with another provider and your PQP Part 1 qualification is not currently recorded on your OCT certificate, you will need to submit a Conditional Admission Form (for part 2 candidates) verifying completion of the PQP Part 1. 

Program Fee

$995.00 per part (includes a $50.00 non-refundable registration fee)

Candidates may be eligible for a tax receipt. 

Practicum Subsidy

$300 subsidies are available for eligible practicums. Please view our Special Education for School Leaders Project for detailed information, eligibility criteria or to apply.

Upcoming Sessions

Registration deadlines are firm. Sufficient enrolment is required to run board specific cohorts. * All times are communicated in EDT or EST.

Spring 2024 Part 1 OR 2
Hybrid delivery
Candidates taking the hybrid delivery option will be required to attend the in-person and synchronous sessions, the rest of the program can be completed online at your own pace.

Candidates may choose to register for any location option, regardless of their board (except Peel DSB, Peel DSB staff only). Board specific locations will have a facilitator from that board. Board offerings will be confirmed in the winter and added to the website.

 *Locations are subject to change

Access to the pre assignment will open on February 22

Modules 

Date Module opens 

In-person session

Synchronous Session

Module 1/7

March 2        

March 2 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

March 21 (6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Module 2/8

March 23

March 23  (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

April 4  (6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Module 3/9

April 6

April 6 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

April 18 (6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Module 4/10

April 20

April 20 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

May 9 (6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Module 5/11

May 11

May 11  (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

May 23 (6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Module 6/12

May 25

May 25 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

June 6 (6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Program closes

June 16

   

The program includes in-person sessions, synchronous sessions, asynchronous work and group and partner work. The in-person and synchronous sessions are mandatory.

Registration Deadline: Saturday, February 10

Online delivery
Candidates may register for any option, regardless of their board. Board specific options will have a facilitator from the board. The general online session will have a mixture of candidates from throughout the province. 

Board offerings will be confirmed in the winter and added to the website.

  • General Online - Part 1 and 2

*Locations are subject to change

Access to the pre assignment will open on February 22

Modules 

Date Module opens 

Synchronous Session

Synchronous Session

Module 1/7

March 2        

March 7 (7:00 pm – 9 pm)

March 21 (7:00 pm – 9 pm)

Module 2/8

March 23

April 4  (7:00 pm – 9 pm)

April 11  (7:00 pm – 9 pm)

Module 3/9

April 6

April 6 (7:00 pm – 9 pm)

April 18 (7:00 pm – 9 pm).)

Module 4/10

April 20

May 2 (7:00 – 9:00 pm)

May 9 (7:00 pm – 9 pm)

Module 5/11

May 11

May 16 (7:00 pm – 9 pm)

May 23 (7:00 pm – 9 pm)

Module 6/12

May 25

May 30 (7:00 pm – 9 pm)

May June 6 (7:00 pm – 9 pm)

Program closes

June 16

   

The program includes synchronous sessions, asynchronous work and group and partner work. There are two mandatory synchronous sessions per module.

Registration Deadline: Saturday, February 10

Summer 2024 Part 1 OR 2
Hybrid delivery
Candidates taking the hybrid delivery option will be required to attend the in-person and synchronous sessions, the rest of the program can be completed online at your own pace.

Candidates may choose to register for any location option, regardless of their board (except Peel DSB, Peel DSB staff only). Board specific locations will have a facilitator from that board. Board offerings will be confirmed in the spring and added to the website.

 *Locations are subject to change

 

Access to the pre assignment will open June 25

Modules 

Date Module opens 

In-person session

Synchronous Session

Module 1/7

July 2, 3 and 4

July 2   (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

July 4   (9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)

Module 2/8

July 5, 8 and 9

July 5   (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

July 9  (9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)

Module 3/9

July 10, 11,  and 12

July 10 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

July 12  (9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)

Module 4/10

July 15, 16 and 17

July 15 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

July 17  (9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)

Module 5/11

July 18, 19 and 22

July  18 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

July 22  (9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)

Module 6/12

July 23, 24  and 25

July 23 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

July 25  (9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)

Program closes

August 5

   

The program includes in-person sessions, synchronous sessions, asynchronous work and group and partner work. The in-person and synchronous sessions are mandatory.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, June 11

Online delivery
Candidates may register for any option, regardless of their board. Board specific options will have a facilitator from the board. The general online session will have a mixture of candidates from throughout the province. 

Board offerings will be confirmed in the spring and added to the website.

  • General Online - Part 1 and 2

*Locations are subject to change

Access to the pre assignment will open September 28

Modules

Date Module opens

Synchronous Session

Synchronous Session

Module 1/7

July 2, 3 and 4

July 3 (10:00 – 11:30 am)

July 4 (6:30 – 9:00 pm)

Module 2/8

July 5, 8 and 9

July 8 (10:00 – 11:30 am)

July 9 (10:00 – 11:30 am)

Module 3/9

July 10, 11,  and 12

July 11 (10:00 – 11:30 am)

July 12 (10:00 – 11:30 am)

Module 4/10

July 15, 16 and 17

July 16 (10:00 – 11:30 am)

July 17 (10:00 – 11:30 am)

Module 5/11

July 18, 19 and 22

July 19 (10:00 – 11:30 am)

July 22 (10:00 – 11:30 am)

Module 6/12

TBD

TBD

TBD

Program closes

August 5

   

The program includes synchronous sessions, asynchronous work and group and partner work. There are two mandatory synchronous sessions per module.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, June 11

 Fall 2024 Part 1 OR 2
Hybrid delivery
Candidates taking the hybrid delivery option will be required to attend the in-person and synchronous sessions, the rest of the program can be completed online at your own pace.

Candidates may choose to register for any location option, regardless of their board (except Peel DSB, Peel DSB staff only). Board specific locations will have a facilitator from that board. Board offerings will be confirmed in the summer and added to the website.

 *Locations are subject to change

 

Access to the pre assignment will open September 28

Modules 

Date Module opens 

In-person session

Synchronous Session

Module 1/7

October 5

October 5  (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

October 16     (6:30 – 9:00 pm)

Module 2/8

October 19

October 19   (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

October 30     (6:30 – 9:00 pm)

Module 3/9

November 2

November 2 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

November 13  (6:30 – 9:00 pm)

Module 4/10

November 16

November 16 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

November 27  (6:30 – 9:00 pm)

Module 5/11

November 30

November 30 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

December 11  (6:30 – 9:00 pm)

Module 6/12

December 14

December 14 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

January 8       (6:30 – 9:00 pm)

Program closes

January 18

   

The program includes in-person sessions, synchronous sessions, asynchronous work and group and partner work. The in-person and synchronous sessions are mandatory.

Registration Deadline: Saturday, September 14

Online delivery
Candidates may register for any option, regardless of their board. Board specific options will have a facilitator from the board. The general online session will have a mixture of candidates from throughout the province. 

Board offerings will be confirmed in the summer and added to the website.

  • General Online - Part 1 and 2

*Locations are subject to change

Access to the pre assignment will open September 28

Modules 

Date Module opens 

Synchronous Session

Synchronous Session

Module 1/7

October 5

October 5      (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

October 16     (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

Module 2/8

October 19

October 23    (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

October 30     (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

Module 3/9

November 2

November 6   (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

November 13  (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

Module 4/10

November 16

November 20 (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

November 27  (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

Module 5/11

November 30

December 4   (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

December 11  (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

Module 6/12

December 14

December 18 (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

January 8       (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

Program closes

January 18

   

The program includes synchronous sessions, asynchronous work and group and partner work. There are two mandatory synchronous sessions per module.

Registration Deadline: Saturday, September 14

REGISTER

A $50.00 non-refundable registration fee will apply.

Your application will not be confirmed until you have paid. To avoid delays and potential cancellation, we strongly recommend that you pay when you apply. 

It is the responsibility of the candidate to investigate the internal processes of each PQP provider, as they may differ. 

If you have any questions, please email  pqp@principals.ca

Terms and Conditions

Academic Integrity and Engagement

All candidates participating in our Additional Qualification Programs must review and comply with our academic integrity and engagement guidelines.

Refund Policy
A full refund is available if you cancel up to two weeks before the start date, less a $50.00 non-refundable registration fee.

A $250.00 refund is available if you cancel one week before the start date.

There are no refunds for cancellations after the start date.

A full refund applies when a session is cancelled due to low enrollment. 

Professional Learning Goals and Principles

OPC's Professional Learning Goals and Principles
Interpretation Services Terms and Conditions
The Ontario Principals' Council® (OPC) is committed to accommodating the individual needs of our Members, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.  Once a candidate has registered and paid the applicable registration fees for a program, the OPC will contract with an interpretation service of its choosing and will cover the fees and expenses related to interpretation services in accordance with its contract arrangements with the interpreter.  The candidate is welcome to provide a list of preferred interpreters for us to consider, but OPC retains the discretion to choose the provider of these services.

As the OPC is required to comply with the cancellation policy specific to each independent interpreter, it will communicate the cancellation policy to the program candidate in writing. A candidate seeking to cancel their participation in an OPC program must comply with the interpreter’s cancellation policy and be respectful of the associated timelines. Candidates will be held responsible for cancellation fees applied as a result of missing timelines for cancellation.

OPC’s standard refund policy will also apply to all cancellations. 

Master's Dimension

The Master's Dimension (MD) program is available if you plan on completing the PQP part 1 and PQP part 2 through the OPC and want to pursue a master's degree.

For more information visit our MD overview.

PQP Required Reading

Required Text Books

Part 1 Text - Required 
Leading in a Culture of Change (2nd edition), by Michael Fullan (The OPC does not carry this book). This resource can be ordered through Amazon.
Part 2 Text  - Required 
School Climate: Leading with Collective Efficacy by Peter M. DeWitt (the OPC no longer carries this title). This resource can be ordered through Amazon and Corwin.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

I would like to take the PQP but my qualification is not posted to OCT
If you have an outstanding qualification that is not posted on your OCT certificate, you will need to submit a Conditional Admission Form verifying completion of the outstanding qualification.

Part 1 Conditional Admission Form

Part 2 Conditional Admission Form

 

Conditional Admission Form instructions:

Part A is to be completed by the Instructor or someone from admission, confirming your successful completion.

Part B is completed by us at OPC.

Part C is completed by you.

This form can be uploaded to your file when completed. OPC requires the form prior to the PQP start date.

Verification of Teaching Experience
Verification of teaching experience ONTARIO (5 years minimum):

As part of the application process, you are required to provide adequate proof of 5 years teaching experience. Once you register you will be prompted to forward an email to the contact at your board who would verify your teaching experience. Once they receive the email from you, they can complete the form to verify that you have met these requirements. OPC will receive an automatic email confirmation upon completion of the form and your file will be updated to reflect that this requirement has been met.

*If you are not sure of the person in charge of verifying your teaching experience, please enquire with your board directly. A Principal may NOT confirm your experience. A Superintendent must sign off on all experience.

 

Verification of teaching experience PRIVATE SCHOOL or FIRST NATIONS AUTHORITY (5 years minimum):

If you work at private school your experience must be verified on official school letterhead and signed by a Superintendent. A Principal can NOT sign off on your experience.

For a teacher employed by a private school or First Nations education Authority in Ontario, the supervisory Officer is the Ministry of Education official appointed to provide supervisory services for the school authority. Contact the Field Services Branch at the Ministry of Education at 416-325-1981.

We will review the letter and the experience and let you know if it meets the admission requirements.

 

Verification of INTERNATIONAL teaching experience:

Yes, international experience is acceptable. All international experience must be verified on official school letterhead and written by the headmaster of where you were teaching or its equivalent. We will review the letter and the experience and let you know if it meets the admission requirements. You must have been qualified to teach in that jurisdiction for the experience to be applicable. The OCT has a helpful page regarding teaching experience:

https://www.oct.ca/members/acceptable-teaching-experience

Applying with a Masters degree or a half Masters

Anyone applying to PQP1 using a masters degree or a ½ masters is required to submit a copy (scan is fine, original not needed) of their transcript to OPC for evaluation. The Ontario College of Teachers will also require a copy to ensure the pre-requisite is met.

Why should I take the PQP with the OPC?
  • Follows the Ontario College of Teachers’ guideline
  • prepares new principals and vice-principals for the opportunities and challenges of the job, like no other PQP program
  • provides one step in the leadership development continuum that school boards can partner with OPC: support for aspiring school leaders, provincial licensing, mentoring program, professional development workshops/presentations and Supervisory Officer's Qualification Program
  • contracts exemplary provincially-trained practising principals as facilitators/mentors
  • selects expert guest presenters
  • designed with input from practising principals and vice-principals to meet the needs of candidates from all school boards
  • OPC encourages a diverse group of candidates from various backgrounds and experiences in which to facilitate the opportunity to think and learn with and from each other and develop long lasting multi-school board networking
  • offers the PQP Master's Dimension (candidates who choose the Master's Dimension will be awarded Master's level credits in recognition of the completion of PQP 1 and 2, upon enrolment in their Masters program)
  • engages candidates in professional learning around collaborative practice and the use of data to improve teaching and learning
  • provides a North American formed Emotional Intelligence Inventory to give feedback to the candidates around the strengths and areas for growth as a school administrator
  • provides a focus on the legal responsibilities of a principal
  • offers case study exercises to enhance the practical learning experience
  • provides opportunity for local input on school board policy, protocol, and professional practice and
  • ensures a quality learning experience for every candidate.
Payment
Candidates are required to pay for the PQP during the registration process.

If payment is not been received you will be sent an email with a link to complete your payment. Please complete your payment within 4 days otherwise your application to the program will be cancelled.

Auditing the Program
Auditing the Program
Program Tax Receipt
When logged in to the OPC website go to "profile" at the top right. Click on “program tax receipts” then select the appropriate year. You can then print your tax receipt. 

It is a priority for us to develop, provide and support a variety of relevant, accessible and locally customized professional learning opportunities, based on diverse Member needs, feedback and job demands. For those looking to offer this program in your board, we can customize most of our programs and learning sessions to the unique characteristics of each district upon request.