Permission to Teach

Permission to Teach (PTT) is a special approval that allows a school to employ someone who is not eligible for teacher registration. PTT is not registration and is granted temporarily, with strict parameters for the approval period, subjects, year levels, and school.

When a PTT is required

A PTT application is needed when a school or employing authority:

  • has a vacant teaching position but can’t find a registered teacher to fill it
  • wants to hire someone who isn’t eligible for teacher registration but has the necessary knowledge, qualifications, skills, or training for the job
  • needs the person to teach or assess students in a program based on the national curriculum (run by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) or a syllabus approved by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).

Read our PTT policy [PDF 756KB] to learn more.

Steps to apply for PTT
  • The school principal or authorised person submits an online employer declaration through the PTT section of their myQCT account. PTT subjects and year levels requested should align to ACARA/QCAA subjects [PDF 293KB].
  • QCT emails the nominated person with instructions to complete the online PTT application.
  • The applicant submits their PTT application.
  • QCT tells the applicant what documents are needed and how to submit them.
  • The applicant or employer pays the PTT application fee.
  • QCT begins assessing the application once the required information is received.
  • Once a decision is made, the QCT notifies the applicant and employer of the outcome.
How PTT applications are assessed

QCT must be satisfied that:

  • no appropriate registered teacher is available for the position
  • the applicant has the necessary knowledge, qualifications, skills, or training for the position
  • the applicant is suitable to teach.

Other factors, like English language proficiency, may also be considered.

PTT approval period
  • A PTT can be approved for up to two years.
  • Before it expires, QCT will contact the teacher and employer to explain how to renew the approval if needed.
  • According to the Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Act 2005, renewal is only possible if the PTT has been held continuously for two years and is largely unchanged. Otherwise, a new application is required.
  • To renew or reapply for PTT, the employer must again prove there is no appropriate registered teacher available for the position.

The PTT reapplications and renewals guide [PDF 1.02MB] has more information.

QCT has created Principles for Permission to Teach guidelines [PDF 126KB] to help schools and employers decide how to hire preservice teachers under a PTT.

Preservice teachers must continue their initial teacher education (ITE) studies while undertaking PTT positions.

Their PTT experience requires support and collaboration from multiple stakeholders.

Refer to the Guide for preservice teachers on Permission to Teach in Queensland [PDF 952KB] to help them navigate their teaching positions.

Below is an overview of the key roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in supporting PTT holders, from the initial application process to teaching in schools.

PTT holders
  • Submit all required information to the QCT, including confirmation of discussions with your higher education institution (HEI) regarding your ITE workload and study arrangements.
  • Adhere to the approved parameters and any conditions outlined in your PTT approval notice by teaching only the approved subjects and year levels for the period of your PTT at the nominated school.
  • Confirm the details of your PTT approval notice with your employer, provide your school with accurate and timely information about any issues as required, and discuss your teaching load, wage, and contract.
  • Engage with your HEI about expectations for completing your ITE program, and don’t undervalue its impact – your goal is to complete your ITE studies and obtain provisional registration with the QCT.
  • Uphold the professional standards expected of all teachers and be prepared to undertake non-teaching duties as determined by your school (e.g. supervision duties and attendance at non-curricular events).
Schools and employing authorities
  • Start the application process: submit all required documents to the QCT. This includes proof that you tried to hire a registered teacher before offering a PTT position. You can’t advertise directly for PTT teachers.
    • State schools: contact your regional office to start the PTT process.
    • Catholic schools (Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Townsville): contact your diocese.
    • All other Catholic and independent schools: use your school’s myQCT account to submit PTT declarations.
  • Help PTT holders settle in: introduce them to their timetable, school policies, and expectations.
  • Provide support and a mentor: assign a mentor to guide the PTT holder. Offer additional support, such as reduced teaching loads or extra time off during busy study periods.
  • Ensure compliance: make sure PTT holders teach only the subjects, year levels, and at the school listed in their approval. Teaching outside these limits is against QCT rules.
  • Work with universities: stay in touch with the PTT holder’s university. Share any concerns about their performance or wellbeing, and discuss how best to support them.
Higher education institutions
  • Make sure the PTT holder can handle both their teaching job and their ITE studies. Discuss their ability to keep up with the program.
  • Provide academic help and confirm what they need to do to finish their ITE program.
  • Partner with schools to ensure the PTT holder’s teaching duties match their ITE program.
  • Ensure ITE programs meet national standards and seek advice before making big changes.
Last updated:
22 October 2026