Professional standards support quality teaching in Queensland. As trusted professionals, teachers are required to uphold high standards of professional and ethical conduct. This is especially important for student safety, learning and wellbeing.

The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) provide a framework for describing what teachers should know and be able to do at every stage of their careers.

They are used by teachers, employers, teacher educators, teacher regulatory authorities and the public to identify the professional knowledge, practice and engagement needed for quality teaching.

The Teacher Standards are organised into four career stages:

  1. Graduate
  2. Proficient
  3. Highly Accomplished
  4. Lead

The Graduate and Proficient Career stages are required for registration, whilst the Highly Accomplished and Lead career stages are aspirational and voluntary.

The Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) applies the Teacher Standards to teacher registration and certification processes in Queensland.

Code of Ethics
Certification
Continuing professional development

Teacher Standards

Last updated:
2 September 2026