The practical answer
Teacher registration is separate from holding an ACECQA-approved qualification. Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia require early childhood teachers to be registered or accredited in all settings. Elsewhere the requirement depends on the setting. Confirm with the teacher regulatory authority where you plan to work.
Qualification and registration are different checks
Under the National Quality Framework, an ECT needs an approved early childhood teaching qualification. ACECQA publishes the approved list and explains the requirements on its qualifications page.
Teacher registration is a separate requirement set by state and territory law. ACECQA notes that registration is not required by the National Quality Framework itself, but is required under some state and territory legislation. You may need both.
Where registration is required
| State or territory | Position when this guide was written | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Registration required for ECTs | Victorian Institute of Teaching |
| New South Wales | Accreditation required for ECTs | NSW Education Standards Authority |
| South Australia | Registration required for ECTs | Teachers Registration Board of South Australia |
| Western Australia | Registration required for ECTs | Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia |
| Queensland | Depends on the setting. Not required for every ECT in non-school services | Queensland College of Teachers |
| Tasmania | Depends on the setting. Changes have been under review | Teachers Registration Board Tasmania |
| Australian Capital Territory | Not required for ECTs in services that are not attached to a school | ACT Teacher Quality Institute |
| Northern Territory | Not required for all ECTs. Preschools attached to schools require it | Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory |
This summary is based on ACECQA’s registration and accreditation table and was checked in November 2026. National workforce reforms aim to extend registration to all ECTs, so the position in some jurisdictions may change. Confirm with the authority before you apply.
Provisional and full registration
Graduate teachers usually begin with provisional registration or accreditation. Moving to full registration involves showing your practice against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers within a period set by the authority, often with support from a mentor.
The evidence, timeframes and fees differ between authorities. When you compare roles, ask what support the service gives provisionally registered teachers.
Moving between states
If you are registered in one state and plan to work in another, you generally apply to the new authority, often under mutual recognition. Apply before you start, because processing takes time and employers may need to see your registration.
Remember that the requirement itself can differ. A role that needs registration in Victoria may not need it in another jurisdiction, and the reverse can also be true.
If you trained overseas
Overseas-qualified teachers usually need two things checked: whether the qualification is recognised for an ECT role, and whether they meet the registration requirements where they want to work. The guide for overseas-qualified teachers sets out the steps. We do not provide migration or visa advice.
How to show registration in applications
- State your status accurately near the top of your resume, for example “VIT registered (provisional)”.
- If you have applied and are waiting, say so with the month you lodged the application. Do not describe a pending application as registration.
- Have your registration details ready, because employers will check them.
The resume guide shows where this sits, and educator and ECT roles compared explains the checks that apply to each.
Common questions
Do I need registration to work in long day care?
In Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, yes. Elsewhere it depends on the setting. Use the table above as a starting point and confirm with the authority.
Can I start work while my registration is being processed?
That depends on the jurisdiction and the role. Where registration is required, employers generally need it in place before you can be counted as the teacher. Ask the authority and the employer before you agree on a start date.
Does registration transfer between states?
Not automatically. You apply to the authority in the new state or territory, usually under mutual recognition.
A short checklist before you apply
- Confirm your qualification is approved for an ECT role.
- Check whether registration is required in that state or territory, for that setting.
- Apply early and keep copies of your transcripts, identity documents and any required checks.
- Record your expiry date and what you need to do to renew.
Working in Victoria? The Melbourne job-search guide covers the local requirements.
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Parth runs AUS ECT Funlion, providing educator career support and centre marketing services. Examples in this guide are illustrative unless otherwise stated.