FAQs

GENERAL

Why do we have teacher registration in Queensland?
Teacher registration ensures that only qualified and suitable people are employed to teach in our schools, which not only strengthens the standard of education for our children but also protects their safety. This ultimately ensures the integrity and accountability of the profession.

When was the Queensland College of Teachers established?
The Queensland College of Teachers was established on 1 January 2006, to replace the former Board of Teacher Registration.

What is an 'approved teacher'?

An 'approved teacher', as defined in the Act, is a person who either is a registered teacher (ie holds full or provisional registration under the Act) or holds a permission to teach.

Registration and the 'Blue Card'- given that there is regular, five-yearly criminal history checks for renewal of registration, do teachers still need a "Blue Card" to undertake other kinds of child-related employment?

No. Effective 1 July 2010 legislation was amended to avoid the duplication of screening of persons working with children. Instead of applying for a 'blue card' registered teachers should now apply to the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian for an exemption card. On application for an exemption card the Commission will liaise with the Queensland College of Teachers to confirm the applicant is a registered teacher and whether further employment screening is required.

REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION

What are the requirements for registration?
Applicants are required to be suitably qualified, to be a suitable person to be registered as a teacher, and meet the English language proficiency requirements.

What are the requirements regarding English language proficiency?

The ability to communicate in spoken and written English at a professional level is a requirement for both provisional and full registration. Under QCT policy, if you have not undertaken your preservice teacher education program in English in an exempted country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America), you must provide the QCT with evidence of your recent achievement of acceptable scores on accepted tests of English language proficiency. The tests accepted by the QCT are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic Module) and the International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR - only if conducted by approved test centres).

From 1 January 2012 the scores acceptable to the QCT are: IELTS – an overall score of at least 7.5, with scores of no less than 7 in reading and writing, and no less than 8 in speaking and listening; and ISLPR – scores of 4 for speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Queensland universities are required to ensure that pre-service teacher education graduates from non-English speaking backgrounds meet these same standards.

PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION

What is provisional registration?
Provisional registration is a transition period to full registration, an acknowledgement that teacher education is a continuum made up of the preservice program, induction and continuing career-long professional development. Recent teacher education graduates from universities in Australia as well as some teachers applying for registration after a career break or teachers applying for Queensland registration from interstate or overseas will normally be granted provisional registration.

How long is the period of provisional registration?
Under legislation applying from 1 January, 2006, provisional registration is for an initial period of two years.

How do I know when my provisional registration period expires?
Check your Certificate of Registration. The end date of your provisional registration is shown on your certificate. However, this is subject to payment of the annual fee.

Can the period of provisional registration be extended?
Yes. If you do not meet the requirements for full registration before your provisional registration is due to expire, your provisional registration may be extended for a further two years subject to payment of your annual fee. Only one such extension is permitted.

What are the requirements for obtaining full registration?
To gain full registration, you need to successfully complete the equivalent of one year of full-time teaching (200 days) and demonstrate achievement against the QCT Professional Standards for Queensland Teachers.

If you have a condition on your provisional registration, for example an undertaking to complete additional studies, this condition will also need to be satisfied in order to gain full registration.

What is the process for moving to full registration?

The process for moving to full registration involves a supported introduction to the teaching profession in Queensland; required teaching experience; ongoing development against the professional standards; and recommendation by the school principal or equivalent person. The process is outlined in the policy - Process for Moving from Provisional to Full Registration.

What kind of teaching experience is acceptable for the assessment of eligibility for full registration?

Classroom teaching experience in a Queensland state or non-state school, or a recognised school in another Australian state or territory or New Zealand is acceptable. Teaching an educational program based on a QSA approved or accredited syllabus, or kindergarten guideline in another setting is also acceptable.

If teaching in a setting in Queensland other than those identified above, a provisionally registered teacher must apply to the QCT to have their teaching experience recognised. This also requires the organisation to apply to the QCT for recognition.

PROVISIONALLY REGISTERED SUPPLY TEACHERS

What if I have difficulty gaining the required experience of 200 days?

The required minimum teaching experience of a total of one year (200 days) does not have to be completed in one school or within one year and may include a number of individual days as well as continuous teaching experience.

In some cases, supply teachers may experience difficulty in obtaining sufficient teaching work to meet the requirement. If you find you are in this situation, you are encouraged to make personal contact with schools in your local area, providing a CV and explaining the circumstances and need for teaching experience. If possible, provide references from schools where you have gained teaching experience. Maintain regular contact with local schools, participating in professional development where possible at these schools, e.g. on pupil-free days.

As a provisionally registered teacher, you have an initial period of two years (with one extension of two years possible) in order to move through the process to gain full registration. If you do not move to full registration within the four years, your registration will end and you will need to reapply for provisional registration.

As a supply teacher, how can I access induction and support?

Provisionally registered supply teachers are encouraged to build strong relationships with local schools and, in particular, with schools where employment is most regular. It is important that you get to know the relevant members of the administration team and curriculum leaders in the schools.

You should inquire about the availability of induction programs for beginning teachers. Often these are run after school on a regular basis and schools may be amenable to your participation in these programs.

As a supply teacher, how can I demonstrate achievement across the standards to meet the requirements for full registration?

Examples of practice from supply teaching may be used to demonstrate achievement of the standards. These examples may be selected from those gathered across a number of schools. Your examples of practice should be verified by the relevant person at the time (e.g. principal, deputy principal, head of curriculum, head of department). Where your teaching engagement stretches over a number of days, take advantage of the situation by inviting an administrator into the classroom to observe your teaching. You can also request permission to attend staff meetings, faculty meetings etc. If engaged on a contract, you are encouraged to make the most of the opportunity of extended practice to engage in longer term planning, implementation and assessment to demonstrate achievement of the Standards.

RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION

How often will I have to renew my registration?
The period of registration is now five years, with renewal of registration at the end of each five year period. However, registration will only remain current if you pay the annual fee for each registration year.

What are the requirements for renewing my registration?
To renew your registration you must have undertaken continuing professional development (CPD) as required under the Continuing Professional Development Framework of the QCT.

You must also demonstrate your ongoing suitability to teach (a criminal history check will be conducted by the QCT).

If you do not meet the recency of practice threshold, that is, if you have not practised as a teacher, whether or not on a full-time basis, for at least one year (200 days) within the five-year period of registration, you will continue to be eligible for full registration. However, your registration will be renewed subject to a ‘Returning to Teaching’ condition.

Renewal – When to Renew

Who needs to renew their teacher registration?

All fully registered teachers who are approaching the end of their five year period of full registration will need to apply for renewal of their registration before their registration end date. This date is found on the QCT Registration Certificate and Registration Card and is the registration renewal date that appears on the Register of Teachers.

I moved from provisional to full registration at the end of last year. Why do I have to renew my registration after one year?

The five year period of full registration includes any time spent as a provisionally registered teacher. This means if you moved to full registration at the end of four years of provisional registration, you still have one year remaining of the five year registration period. You will need to renew your registration for another five years after you have completed that one year as a fully registered teacher.

How do I know when I am due to renew my registration?

The QCT will provide you with information about renewing your teacher registration a few months prior to the end of your five year period of full registration. Your registration end date is located on your Certificate of Registration and your Registration Card. This date is also found on the QCT Register of Teachers adjacent to your name and annual fee due date and is titled 'registration renewal date'.

Can I renew my registration even if I have not been teaching?

Yes. There are many fully registered teachers who are currently not teaching. You can renew your registration even if you have not taught for many years or if you are taking a break from teaching for family, career or other reasons. However, if you have not practised as a teacher, whether or not on a full-time basis, for at least one year (200 days) within the five-year period of registration, your registration will be renewed subject to a ‘Returning to Teaching’ condition.

Renewal – Application Processing

When can I renew my registration?

You will be able to apply for renewal of registration as soon as you have received your annual fee notice or within the three months prior to your registration end date. You can apply online or by returning your Renewal or Restoration of Full Registration Form and making your annual fee payment. If you need to make an application earlier please contact the QCT for assistance.

How do I renew my registration?

To apply for renewal of your registration you must submit your Renewal or Restoration of Full Registration Form and pay your annual fee by your registration end date. When you are due for renewal an online form will appear in your Online Services account. You can log into Online Services to renew your registration if you have a username and password.

Alternatively, you can fill in and return the Renewal or Restoration of Full Registration Form (and declaration form if applicable) provided in your fee notice package.

I notice that a question on the form relates to my town and country of birth but wouldn’t I have provided this information before?

At the time when many people originally applied for registration this information was not required. Now, however, your town and country of birth is information required by the Queensland Police Service in order to process your national criminal history check.

What is 'continued registration'?

If the QCT is still processing your application for renewal after your end date the QCT Register of Teachers will be updated to show your registration status as a fully registered teacher has continued. This means that until a decision is made on your application the Register of Teachers will show that your annual fee due date is in 12 months’ time. However your registration renewal date will still show your previous registration renewal date until your renewal or restoration of registration is finalised and you are registered for a further five year period.

You and your employer can access the public register and use the register as evidence of your continued registration until your registration is decided.

When will I receive my certificate and card?

If you are renewing or restoring your teacher registration you will receive a Certificate of Registration, Registration Card and an approval notice once the QCT has approved your registration.

What happens if I do not apply for renewal before my five year period of registration ends?

If you do not apply for renewal, or the QCT has not received both your annual fee payment and your Renewal or Restoration of Full Registration Form by your registration end date you will be sent a reminder. If you do not submit the outstanding fee/form immediately you will be issued with a Notice of restoration.

What is restoration?

The restoration period is for three months from your registration end date. If you did not apply to renew your registration you can make an application during this period of restoration by submitting a form and paying the annual fee plus a restoration fee. Your registration will continue while the QCT processes your application. You can continue to practise as a teacher during this time.

How long will it take to receive an outcome of my renewal/restoration application?

Every application is different. Applications for renewal or restoration will be processed as quickly as possible. If you have made a mistake on your form or have not provided all the information required, your application will take longer to process. It is important to note that part of the application process involves a criminal history check and the QCT relies on other organisations to provide this information.

RECENCY OF PRACTICE

What is recency of practice?

Recency of practice means teaching in a Queensland school, or teaching an educational program based on a syllabus or kindergarten guideline* approved by the QSA in another setting, for the equivalent of one year (200 days or 1000 hours) within the five year period of registration. From 1 January 2012, recency of practice will also include teaching in a recognised school in another Australian state or territory.

*Please note that, as the QSA Kindergarten Learning Guideline was not available until 2011, teaching experience gained prior to 2011 with the Pre-Prep year (ie with 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 year old students) in C&K Kindergartens and in other early childhood settings using the Early Years Learning Framework is also acceptable for recency of practice purposes. Teaching experience gained in 2011 with the Pre-Prep year (ie with 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 year old students) in C&K Kindergartens will be acceptable for recency of practice purposes until the end of 2011.

Other kinds of teaching experience may be considered by the QCT on an individual basis, but only on application for review of a ‘Returning to Teaching’ condition.

What experience is recognised by the QCT as equivalent to teaching in a Queensland school for recency of practice purposes?

Teaching experience in a Queensland school, or teaching an educational program based on a kindergarten guideline, or syllabus approved or accredited by the Queensland Studies Authority may be included for recency of practices purposes (see above).

From 1 January 2012 teaching experience in a recognised school in another Australian state or territory, will be accepted as equivalent to teaching in a Queensland school for recency of practice purposes.

Other types of teaching experience may be considered by the QCT on an individual basis, but only on application for review of a ‘Returning to Teaching’ condition. Teachers applying for a review of an RTT condition will be required to demonstrate that they meet specific criteria.

Will I be able to remain registered, even after a lengthy absence from teaching?

Yes. You can remain registered even if you have not taught for many years or if you are taking a break from teaching for family, career or other reasons. However, if you have not practised as a teacher, whether or not on a full-time basis, for at least one year (200 days) within the five-year period of registration, renewal of registration will be on the condition that you successfully complete a ‘Returning to Teaching’ professional development program prior to or within the first 12 months after returning to teach in a Queensland school.

How do recency of practice provisions affect supply teachers?
Supply teaching has always counted as professional practice. The QCT has determined that the ‘one year’ (defined as a total of 200 days) of practice required for recency may be completed at any time within the five years preceding your registration end date. Supply teachers will maintain their registration and be able to continue to do supply teaching, although some may need to undertake a 'Returning to Teaching’ program if they do not meet this minimum requirement.

If I don’t have recency of practice, can I still keep my registration?

Yes. You can maintain your full registration by paying your annual fee but your registration will be subject to a ‘Returning to Teaching’ condition. This means that when (or if) you decide to return to teach in a school, you will need to complete a ‘Returning to Teaching’ professional development program in the 12 months immediately before or within 12 months after returning to teaching.

Once you return to teaching, CPD requirements will apply.

If I don’t have recency of practice, do I have to do professional development?

Under the CPD Framework (see below), continuing professional development is an annual requirement. At the time of renewal, you need be able to demonstrate that you have completed at least the pro rata requirement for each year in the five year registration period in which you teach more than 40 days.

If you do not have recency of practice at the time of renewal the ‘Returning to Teaching’ condition as outlined above will apply.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

The Board of the QCT endorsed the Continuing Professional Development Framework in December 2008. The CPD Framework outlines the amount and type of CPD required to be completed by all teachers with full registration.

What does `CPD required’ mean?

Teachers engage in a range of professional development activities to develop their skills and practice. The CPD required under the CPD Framework means that teachers will undertake CPD that has regard to the professional standards and that demonstrates:

a balance across the following identified areas
a range of types of CPD activities; and
completion of at least the minimum amount required.

How much CPD do I need to undertake?

If you have full registration and you are working full-time, to meet the requirements for renewal of your registration you will need to do at least 30 hours of CPD per year. If you are a supply or contract teacher with full registration working less than full-time, the Framework contains a pro-rata CPD schedule.

Provisionally registered teachers participate in professional learning and development against the Professional Standards for Queensland Teachers with the support of one or more fully registered teachers. There is no set number of CPD hours for the period of provisional registration.

Does ‘balance’ mean that I have to do the same amount of CPD in each area?

No. The balance may vary according to the particular teacher’s situation. For example, in some employer settings the first two areas (employer directed and supported and school supported) may merge. For supply teachers and teachers on short contracts a greater emphasis on individually identified CPD may be appropriate.

I already spend a lot of time planning as well as involvement in meetings and extra curricula activities. Do I have to do CPD as well?

Yes. CPD does not include normal expectations of the teaching role. Planning and preparation, engagement in extra-curricular activities and attending routine core business meetings are part of your role as a teacher.

Will I be able to meet the CPD required without taking time out of my school?

Yes. The CPD Framework places a high value on the quality professional development activities that occur at the school site. In addition there is a wide range of CPD that may be undertaken by teachers outside school hours, including online courses. Table 1 in the CPD Framework provides some examples of types of CPD.

Should I be recording my CPD activities now?

Yes. From 2010, teachers with full registration who have recency of practice at the time of renewal of their registration, must have met all requirements of the CPD Framework, including maintaining records of their professional development.

CPD – Supply and Contract Teachers

As a supply/contract teacher, do I have to do CPD?

To meet registration renewal requirements, supply and contract teachers will need to undertake annual CPD in accordance with the CPD Framework. If you are a supply or contract teacher with full registration you need to complete at least the pro rata CPD requirement for each year in the five year registration period in which you teach more than 40 days.

How much CPD do I need to do each year?

The CPD Framework contains a pro-rata schedule to indicate the minimum CPD requirement for teachers employed less than full-time. As a supply teacher you will need to monitor progressively the number of days you teach to assist in determining the required CPD. As a contract teacher you will usually be required to participate in a range of site-based professional development while working in a school and you should monitor that you meet the required minimum for the year, according to the time that you are working in schools.

Do I have to achieve a balance across the three CPD areas – employer directed and supported; school supported and individually identified?

Yes, but the QCT recognises that teachers engage in a wide range of activities to contribute to their ongoing learning and growth and, depending on the context, the balance will be different for different teachers. Within your CPD plan, you may wish to have a stronger emphasis on individually identified professional development. If you are a contract teacher working for an extended period in a school you may find that you are able to participate in a greater range of school based or employer directed professional development.

How can I access employer directed and supported or school supported CPD?

The CPD Framework emphasises the importance of quality professional development opportunities that occur at the school site. As a supply teacher you will need to take a proactive approach and develop close relationships with a school or schools in which you work on a regular basis. As a minimum, you should know who coordinates professional development within the school and how to access information about the opportunities that may be available and appropriate to you. As a contract teacher you are likely to participate in the range of school-based activities while employed within the school. Records of participation should be verified at the time.

How should I record and report on my CPD activities?

A record of the CPD that you have undertaken can be in a form that best suits your individual and/ or school needs. An online recording tool is available on the QCT website. You should keep your records and evidence for 12 months following renewal of registration and make this available to the QCT only if your records are requested.

CPD – Retired Teachers

I may do some supply teaching during the next few years. How much CPD will I need to do?

If you meet the recency of practice requirement of 200 days of teaching in schools within a five year period of registration and you intend to renew your registration, you must have met all requirements of the CPD Framework. The pro-rata schedule within the CPD Framework indicates the minimum annual CPD requirement for teachers working less than full-time. You should monitor how much teaching you are doing in schools to determine your situation. If you teach less than 40 days in any one year your CPD requirement for that year is nil.

How do I record my CPD activities?

An online recording tool is available on the QCT website that may help you maintain your records. You should also keep a record of your hours of teaching practice. If requested by QCT these records may need to be supported by Statements of Service from the employer/s. You should also keep evidence of your participation in CPD, which should be verified at the time by the provider.

CPD–Teachers in rural and remote communities

I teach in a remote area of the state and have limited access to face-to-face CPD. How will I achieve the amount and range of CPD required according to the CPD Framework?

The CPD Framework places a high value on the quality professional development activities that occur at the school site. There are also opportunities to support your professional development with online courses that are relevant to teaching. These activities can contribute to your annual CPD requirement. Developing an individual plan and identifying your learning needs and goals with regard to the Professional Standards for Queensland Teachers early in the year, may also assist you in planning your CPD. Table 1 in the CPD Framework provides some examples of types of CPD activities that could be undertaken by teachers, including those in rural areas.

CPD – Teachers not employed in schools

I am a fully registered teacher but am not currently employed in the education sector. Can I still be a registered teacher?

Yes. You can renew your full registration by applying at the appropriate time and paying your annual fee but will be subject to a ‘Returning to Teaching’ condition. This means that when (or if) you decide to return to teach in a school, you will need to complete a ‘Returning to Teaching’ professional development program.

I have been teaching in a non-school setting during the period of registration. Will I meet the recency of practice requirement and will I need to show the QCT that I have done CPD during this time?

Under the legislation, teaching is defined as teaching in a Queensland school or in another setting delivering an educational program based on a syllabus or kindergarten guideline approved or accredited by the Qld Studies Authority*. From 1 January 2012, the QCT will also accept teaching in a recognised school in another Australian state or territory for recency of practice. Therefore, your teaching experience for recency purposes must be in a Queensland school (or, from 1 January 2012, an Australian school) or in an early childhood setting teaching the QSA kindergarten guideline.

*Please note that, as the QSA Kindergarten Learning Guideline was not available until 2011, teaching experience prior to 2011 with the Pre-Prep year (ie with 3 ½ to 4 ½ year old students) in C&K Kindergartens and in other early childhood settings using the Early Years Learning Framework is also acceptable for recency of practice purposes. Teaching experience gained in 2011 with the Pre-Prep year (ie with 3 ½ to 4 ½ year old students) in C&K Kindergartens will be acceptable for recency of practice purposes until the end of 2011.

If you are working in other settings you may still have your full registration renewed and will not need to have met the CPD Framework requirements in the five years prior to your renewal. However, your renewed registration will be subject to a ‘Returning to Teaching’ condition. This means you will need to complete a ‘Returning to Teaching’ professional development program only when or if you return to teaching in a Queensland school.

‘RETURNING TO TEACHING’ CONDITION

What is a ‘Returning to Teaching’ condition?

A ‘Returning to Teaching’ (RTT) condition is a requirement that teachers update their knowledge, skills and practice by completing an approved ‘Returning to Teaching’ professional development program within the 12 months before, or within the first 12 months after, returning to teaching. The approved programs vary in delivery mode and cost. Participants should choose a program that best suits their individual needs.

How can I apply for a review of a ‘Returning to Teaching’ Condition?

If you are subject to a RTT condition you may make a written application to the QCT asking for the condition to be reviewed and amended or cancelled. The Application for Review of RTT Condition Form is available from the QCT website. Along with this form you should submit certified copies of all evidence, for example statements of service, that you wish to rely on in requesting a review of a RTT condition.

‘RETURNING TO TEACHING’ PROGRAM

What is a ‘Returning to Teaching’ program?

A ‘Returning to Teaching’ program is a specific program of professional development of approximately 30 hours. It provides opportunities for teachers who do not have recency of practice (have not completed 200 days of teaching in a school or other approved setting in the five year period of registration) to meet the condition placed on their registration. Approved ‘Returning to Teaching’ programs are listed on the QCT website.

Why do I need to do a ‘Returning to Teaching’ program?

A ‘Returning to Teaching’ professional development program is a requirement under the Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Act 2005 for teachers who do not have recency of practice. The program is designed to assist you with understanding the current curriculum frameworks, teaching and learning practices, and legislative and legal responsibilities that are central to your work with students in contemporary school settings. Approved ‘Returning to Teaching’ programs are listed on the QCT website.

When will I need to undertake a ‘Returning to Teaching’ program?

If you have a ‘Returning to Teaching’ condition on your registration you are required to undertake an approved ‘Returning to Teaching’ program, either in the 12 months before or within 12 months after the day you return to teach in a school.

Who will pay for the ‘Returning to Teaching’ program?

If a fee is required for all or part of a ‘Returning to Teaching’ program, the individual teacher is responsible for the associated costs.

Will it be difficult to do the ‘Returning to Teaching’ program if I have family commitments or don’t live in a metropolitan area?

‘Returning to Teaching’ programs are delivered by appropriate providers in a variety of flexible modes, for example on-line and flexible delivery. You are able to choose an approved program that best suits your needs.

How do I know what program to do?

You must complete an approved ‘Returning to Teaching’ program in order for the QCT to remove the condition on your registration. The QCT website lists all approved RTT programs.

Will there be a process for recognition of prior learning (RPL)?

Applications for RPL will be considered by the provider of the ‘Returning to Teaching’ program, where a teacher can demonstrate relevant current knowledge and understandings against the content of a particular strand or specific topic of a strand as a result of recent learning, employment or experience.

REGISTRATION FEES

Is there still an annual fee?
Yes. While registration will be renewed every five years, registration will only remain current if the annual fee is paid for each registration year.

What does the annual fee pay for?

The annual fee enables the QCT to undertake the functions outlined in the legislation and ensure its independent operation. The fees ensure the QCT is able to:

Implement the Professional Standards for entry to, and ongoing membership of, the profession;
Implement codes of practice for Queensland teachers;
Assess overseas and interstate qualifications for the purposes of teacher registration;
Conduct regular criminal history checks on approved teachers;
Investigate serious complaints against teachers to improve child safety and maintain standards;
Maintain a system of provisional registration for new teachers which ensures they meet the standards for full registration;
Approve and monitor Queensland preservice teacher education programs;
Develop policy and administer CPD requirements, for purposes of renewal of registration;
Develop policy and administer recency of practice requirements, for purposes of renewal of registration;
Apply guidelines for and endorse ‘returning to teaching’ in schools programs;
Undertake research that will benefit the profession; and
Promote the profession to raise the status of teaching and teachers in Queensland.

Can I pay my annual fee for 2 or 3 years in advance?

No. There is currently no option to pay for more than one year at a time. The Annual Fee is payable every year and a fee notice will be sent to your chosen address approximately six weeks prior to the due date of the payment.

Queensland College of Teachers

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