Register a career college in Ontario
Career colleges in Ontario must register under the Career Colleges Act, 2005 and have their programs approved by the Superintendent of Career Colleges.
Overview
Career colleges offer certificate and diploma programs. They focus on preparing students for employment in a specific trade or occupation.
The Superintendent of Career Colleges oversees and registers these institutions and approves vocational programs.
Before your organization can advertise or deliver vocational programs as a career college, your career college must be registered and your vocational programs must be approved.
Eligibility and pre-screening
If you want to find out if your organization is required to register as a career college in Ontario, you must first complete a pre-screening application through the Program Approval and Registration Information System (PARIS).
Some institutions and programs do not require the approval of the superintendent under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
For more information, see career colleges exemptions from registration.
How to use PARIS
First, make sure you have signing authority on behalf of your organization, then:
- Go to the PARIS website
- Register as a new user
- Choose the user type Binding Authority
- Follow the system prompts to complete the pre-screening application
Once you complete the pre-screening application, you will receive an e-mail from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. The email will let you know that your program either:
- requires approval and you need to register to become a career college
- does not require approval and no further action is needed
It may take up to 6 weeks for a pre-screening result if the ministry requires further information.
How to register
After you’ve gone through pre-screening and the ministry has confirmed your program requires approval, you may submit an application to register as a career college online.
You will need the username and password given to you during the pre-screening application. If you don’t have one, email PCC@ontario.ca to inquire.
How to renew your registration
If your institution is already registered, you can renew your registration and change college or program information online. The ministry will contact you as required.
Cost
Career colleges are required to pay fees for various services provided by the ministry, such as reviewing registration applications and program approvals.
In addition, in order to be registered, a career college must provide the ministry with the required amount of financial security and TCAF premiums.