How to register as a teacher in Victoria
Teacher registration in Australia is still administered by individual states. The Australian department of education is working towards a framework for national registration, however, in the meantime, teachers need to register in the state that they plan to live and work.
Thankfully registering to teach isn’t a long or difficult process.
Teacher registration in Victoria
Before you are able to be employed as a school teacher in Victoria, you must be registered as a school teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
Registered teachers include:
- early childhood teachers work in early childhood education services such as childcare centres, preschools and kindergartens
- primary and secondary teachers work in primary or secondary, P-12 or special education school settings
- specialist teachers work in special education school settings, hospitals or museums
- principals can work as educational leaders in a large range of education services.
- Being a registered school teacher means that you meet the VIT’s school teacher qualification requirements, are deemed as suitable to teach in a school by the VIT, and can maintain professional practice as specified by the VIT.
To apply to be registered as a school teacher in the state of Victoria you will need to provide key documents, including proof of your qualifications and a police check. The exact documents you need will be explained when you apply to the VIT.
Step 1: Register to teach in Victoria
Create a MyVIT account
Applications for registration should be completed via the teacher’s MyVIT account. Applicants who have never held VIT registration will need to first set up a MyVIT account (by clicking on the ‘Sign Up’ link).
Once their MyVIT account has been established, teachers can apply for registration by clicking on the ‘Apply for registration’ tile.
Step 2 – Select registration type
You will then be asked to select the appropriate registration type. Please note that teachers wishing to apply for dual registration – i.e. both teacher and early childhood teacher – should select the ‘Teacher and early childhood registration’ option.
You will then be asked whether you have pending teaching employment and whether you have any current teacher registrations in another Australian State or Territory or New Zealand.
Step 3 – Complete application modules
An application form will be generated for the applicant to complete. You will be asked to complete a series of modules. Each module that requires attention will display a blue button to the right that says ‘Update’.
- You will need to provide information and documentation to prove you have the approved qualifications
- Criminal record check. You will need to give VIT permission to run a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).
- Proof of identity documentation is required for the purpose of running the NCCHC.
- You will also need to provide information and supporting documentation (if required) of your name history, including any name changes.
- You will be asked to supply your address history in the past 10 years.
- Suitability. This is where you make relevant declarations about your suitability to teach. These include information about:
* whether you have held and/or been refused teacher registration or any other professional registration;
* if you have been the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action in relation to your employment as a teacher or have had this employment suspended or terminated for any reason;
* if you have been charged with or found guilty of any criminal offence or reportable conduct;
* if you are suffering from any physical or mental impairment, disability, condition or disorder which seriously affects your ability to practice as a teacher; and
* whether you have been given an interim negative notice or negative notice under the Working with Children Act 2005 (VIC).
Depending on your circumstances, some teachers may also be required to complete additional modules including:
- Literacy and Numeracy Tests. This is where you will provide information about any Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) testing completed if required (for teacher registration only).
- English language competence: provide information about English language competency testing completed (if required).
- Overseas criminal record check (if required/requested).
Step 4 – Submit application and payment
Once the bottom displayed to the right of each module is green and says ‘Review’, you will be able to submit your application and pay your registration fee. Please note that payments must be made via a credit card or debit card displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo.
If you wish to amend the information within a module, you can select the green ‘Review’ button. This may override any information previously provided. Please note: application fees are non-refundable.
How long does it take to register?
Teacher registration applications usually take 4-6 weeks once all documentation has been submitted. In some cases, applications may be assessed more quickly.
Are you thinking of moving to Australia?
Book a FREE consultation with our team for jobs, flights, visas, banking, insurance, tax file numbers, forex and more…