Equivalency Application

Religious Education in Catholic Schools - Equivalency

OECTA's Religious Education in Catholic Schools AQ courses are approved by OECTA, the OCSTA (Ontario Catholic Schools Trustees Association), ICE (Institute for Catholic Education) and accredited by the OCT (Ontario College of Teachers). Teachers may apply for equivalency for Religious Educuation in Catholic Schools Part 1 and/or Part 2. Strict conditions apply and are set out below.

Step 1 - Self Evaluation

Before you apply for equivalency, consider the following:

1. Equivalency to Part 1 requires 2 full course credits (this can be a combination of half credits and full credits) directly related to content listed below in #4.
2. Equivalency to Part 1 and 2 requires 4 full course credits (this can be a combination of half credits and full credits) in addition to proof of teaching experience signed by a Supervisory Officer at your school board.
3. We do not accept Catholic courses taken during Teacher's College.
4. Content in the courses you have taken must include the following areas:

• Studies related directly to Christianity and Catholicism (World Religions do not meet the requirements)
• Studies related directly to Church and Church History
• Studies related directly to Scripture
• Studies related directly to Ethics and Morality
• Studies related directly to Sacramentality
• Studies related directly to Catholicism in the modern Ontario classroom that address issues of equity, diversity and inclusion
• Studies related directly to Catholicism and First Nations, Metis and Inuit histories.

If you satisfy the above requirements, you may apply for equivalency in Step 2.

Step 2 - Application Process

If you choose to apply for equivalency, complete the Application for Equivalent Standing form and submit your application with the following information. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. Courses submitted must be in Religious Studies, Religious Education or Theology at an accredited institution.  Please note that diploma or certificate programs do not qualify.
2. Official transcripts must be sent to OECTA, directly from the educational institution attended. We accept official transcripts either by e-transcripts (registrar@catholicteachers.ca) or by mail to OECTA, 65 St. Clair Ave., E., 4^th floor, Toronto, ON M4T 2Y8.
3. A copy of your current Certificate of Qualification MUST accompany this equivalency form.
4. Evidence of one year of successful teaching experience certified by a Supervisory Officer (194 days) must be submitted when applying for equivalency to Part 2. Download the Teaching Experience Form here.

Evaluation of your application may take up to two weeks, please plan accordingly.