What we do

The QCT's work is divided into four main areas:

Registration

Registering teachers and renewing their registration.
Granting permission to teach.
Returning teachers to teaching.
Ensuring teachers adhere to the Act.

Professional Standards

Using the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) in our work.
Certifying Highly Accomplished (HAT) and Lead Teachers (LT).
Approving teacher education programs.

Integrity

Giving legal advice and handling appeals.
Investigating complaints about teachers.
Checking that teachers meet professional standards.

Corporate Services

Managing finance, staff, IT, and records.
Supporting the Director and Chair with governance and board matters.
Handling communication and engagement.

The QCT is a public service organisation under the Public Sector Act 2022. We comply with the Act, meet the Public Sector Commission's requirements, and follow government directions. All QCT staff, including the Director, are public servants.

Our history

Queensland was the first Australian state to establish registration for public and private school teachers. The Board of Teacher Education was established in 1971.

Registration began in 1973, and it became mandatory in 1975.

In 1989, the Board of Teacher Registration (BTR) replaced the Board of Teacher Education.

The QCT replaced the BTR in 2006.

While all other states and territories now have teacher registration or accreditation authorities, Queensland and South Australia are the only states or territories that have consistently required registration to teach.

Last updated:: 17 June 2026