Early childhood teacher registration in Australia

What is early childhood teacher registration?

Early childhood teacher registration is your official recognition that you’ve met the standards to teach in early childhood settings. It’s essentially your teaching licence and it’s a legal requirement for working as an early childhood teacher in Australia, whether in childcare centres, kindergartens, or preschools (Prep).

What the registration process involves

Tamara Ellis, a Swinburne Online graduate, says the process is fairly straightforward once you know what to expect. But she says planning ahead makes all the difference.

The main thing for current students is to remember that you won’t get your academic transcript straight away,” Tamara explains. “Registration authorities need your official transcript, not the unofficial one, and the conferral process can take up to 5 weeks after results are released.

Tamara suggests applying for registration about a month before finishing your degree. “Applications can stay open for around 3 months, so applying early gives you some leeway if you hit any delays,” she says.

Steps to get registered

While each state and territory has its own registration process, the steps are largely the same across Australia:

1. Complete an ACECQA-approved early childhood teaching degree (bachelor or higher).

2. Undertake supervised professional experience placements across the 0–5 age range (usually arranged through your university).

3. Apply for provisional registration with your state authority once your official transcript is available.

4. Meet suitability and safety requirements, such as Working with Children and national police checks.

5. Begin teaching with your provisional registration, under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Your mentor helps you develop your proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. This support period usually lasts about a year, depending on the authority.

6. Apply for full registration by submitting evidence and a recommendation from your mentor to your registration authority.

Finding a mentor

Tamara says one of the most common challenges for graduates is finding a registered mentor. “In Victoria, you need a mentor who’s VIT [Victorian Institute of Teaching]-certified, but not every centre has one,” she says. “If you’re in a regional or remote area, contact local schools to see if any teachers are certified mentors.”

Her biggest piece of advice is, plan ahead. “Especially if you’re hoping to start work straight after graduation. Be aware of the timing and costs and make sure you’ve got everything ready to go.”

Do I need to be registered to work in early childhood education?

Yes, and no. It’s not black and white. You must be registered to work as an early childhood teacher in most states, but not every early childhood role requires it. Here’s a breakdown:

Roles requiring registration

• Early childhood teacher (long daycare, kindergarten, preschool/prep)

• Educational leader roles

• Any position with ‘teacher’ in the title

Roles that don’t require registration

• Early childhood educator (Diploma / Certificate III qualified)

• Assistant educator

• Support roles

Registration also affects your salary. Registered teachers typically earn more and can progress into leadership positions.

While not every role requires teacher registration, completing a degree opens doors to higher pay, leadership opportunities, and broader career options. Learn more about the benefits of studying early childhood education.

Why registration matters

Teacher registration isn’t just another box to tick after graduation. Teacher registration ensures early childhood teachers meet consistent national standards and that safety, qualification, and ethical requirements are upheld.  

Registration:

• Protects children by verifying teacher qualifications and background checks

• Recognises your professional expertise and commitment to quality education

• Opens doors to career growth and lets you teach across Australia

Early childhood teacher registration requirements explained by state

Across Australia, each state and territory manages its own teacher registration process. While the details vary, all follow the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to keep national benchmarks consistent.

Registration requirements in Victoria

Is it required? Yes, early childhood teaching registration is mandatory in Victoria.

Authority: Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)

• Start with: Provisional registration after completing an approved qualification and passing suitability checks.

• Progress to: Full registration once you’ve completed at least 80 days of teaching in an early childhood setting. You’ll need to go through VIT’s inquiry process.

• Renew: Annually, with evidence you’ve taught for at least 20 days and completed 20 hours of professional learning.

Registration requirements in New South Wales

Is it required? Yes, early childhood teaching registration is mandatory in New South Wales.

Authority: NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)

• Start with: Conditional or Provisional accreditation after completing an approved degree.

• Progress to: Proficient accreditation once you’ve demonstrated growth against the standards and been observed by an Accreditation Supervisor.

• Renew: Every 5 years if you’re a full-time teacher or every 7 years if you’re part time/casual. In each cycle, you’ll need to complete 100 hours of professional learning.

Registration requirements in Queensland

Is it required? No, registration isn’t currently compulsory in early childhood settings in Queensland, though many employers prefer it. Registration is compulsory if you intend to work in primary schools.

Authority: Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)

• Start with: Provisional registration after completing an approved qualification, getting your Blue Card and passing background checks.

• Progress to: Full registration after 200 days of teaching and demonstrating proficiency.

• Renew: Every 5 years (but you’ll need to pay an annual fee).

Registration requirements in Western Australia

Is it required? Yes, early childhood teaching registration is mandatory in Western Australia.

Authority: Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA)

• Start with: Provisional registration after meeting qualification, Working with Children, and criminal history checks.

• Progress to: Full registration once you’ve demonstrated proficiency in practice.

• Renew: Every 5 years, by completing at least 100 days of teaching to keep your skills current and 100 hours of professional learning.

Registration requirements in South Australia

Is it required? Yes, early childhood teaching registration is mandatory in South Australia.

Authority: Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (TRBSA)

• Start with: Provisional registration once you’ve completed your degree.

• Progress to: Full registration after gaining sufficient teaching experience and demonstrating you meet professionals standards.

• Renew: Every 5 years, by maintaining ongoing professional learning, working as a teacher for at least 20 days per year, and confirming your suitability to teach. 

Registration requirements in Tasmania

Is it required? No, you don’t currently need registration in early learning settings in Tasmania, but you do in primary schools.

Authority: Teachers Registration Board of Tasmania (TRB Tas)

• Start with: Provisional registration.

• Progress to: Full registration after at least 185 days of teaching and demonstrating your capability in the classroom.

• Renew: Every 5 years, by proving your continued practice or that you’ve completed ongoing professional learning.

Registration requirements in Australian Capital Territory

Is it required? Registration is voluntary in the ACT for early childhood settings, and mandatory for primary schools.

Authority: Teacher Quality Institute (TQI)

• Start with: Provisional registration.

• Progress to: Full registration after demonstrating proficiency against the teaching standards.

• Renew: Annually (before 31 March each year). You’ll need to log at least 20 hours of professional learning.

Registration requirements in the Northern Territory

Is it required? No, early childhood teachers don’t currently need registration in early learning settings in the Northern Territory, but they do in primary schools. This is under review and is likely to change in 2026.

Authority: Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory (TRBNT)

• Start with: Provisional registration after graduation.

• Progress to: Full registration after at least 180 days of satisfactory teaching, with evidence from a mentor or experienced teachers.

• Renew: Every 5 years, by maintaining your professional learning and meeting TRBNT’s standards of professional conduct.

How online study leads to teacher registration

All early childhood education degrees offered through Open Universities Australia are delivered by accredited universities that meet ACECQA and state registration requirements.

Your qualification is identical to an on-campus degree, with the same learning outcomes, assessments, and placement requirements.

Dr Jennifer Cutri, Course Director at Swinburne University, explains an online degree mirrors on-campus study. "All materials are exactly the same, with the same content and assessments. The only difference is how placements are organised.”

How universities prepare you for registering as a teacher

Teacher registration preparation is built into your degree program, particularly in your final year.

At Swinburne, for example, this is covered in the Ready to Teach unit and Professional Experience Hub, which is an online hub in the university’s learning platform where students can access all their placement resources and training.

"Students receive guidance on VIT requirements, timelines, and documentation through the Professional Experience Handbook, online modules, and dedicated sessions on professional readiness," says Dr Cutri.

Throughout your degree, particularly during placements, you're building evidence of your competence against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

"We have mapped out every placement unit," Dr Cutri explains. "Each unit's learning outcomes have been explicitly mapped to the teaching standards, so when students apply for registration, they can refer back to what they've done over the four years.”

How to check your course is accredited

Look for ACECQA approval on the course page. You can also search for your course on the ACECQA website to double check.

The early childhood teaching degrees offered by Open Universities Australia’s partner universities are ACECQA-approved and recognised by registration authorities nationwide, giving you confidence your qualification will be accepted across Australia.

Support for online students

You’re never on your own. Your university will give you personalised advice about how to register in your state and supply appropriate evidence, with help available through online drop-ins, phone and email support, and dedicated teams. 

If you’re studying remotely, you’ll also have extra support to arrange your placements. Read our guide to early childhood placements for practical tips and next steps.  

Early childhood registration can lead to roles across diverse settings, from childcare centres to kindergartens. Wherever you’re studying from, you’re supported every step of the way. With the right preparation and guidance, you’ll be ready to step into the classroom and make a real difference in the lives of young learners.

FAQs about early childhood teacher registration