The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is transitioning from physical registration cards to a digital solution for a safer and more convenient way to verify teacher registration in Victoria. A digital registration card provides registered teachers, early childhood teachers and employers with convenient access to real-time proof of registration status.
The digital registration card solution will improve the registration experience, provide for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and deliver a range of benefits for teachers, employers and the wider teaching profession.
Reduces the risk of fraud or stolen identity
In the past, teachers have created fake registration cards or attempted to use another teacher's card to gain employment or status as a registered teacher. With the use of a QR code as an added security measure, digital cards eliminate the occurrence of fraudulent activity.
Provides real time registration status
Physical cards provide ‘point in time’ proof of registration and are only valid on the day they are printed, however digital registration cards provide 'real time' confirmation of registration using live data from VIT's teacher registration system.
Provides easy access via a smart phone
Teachers have the convenience of accessing their digital card any time of day via the digital wallet in the Service Victoria mobile / tablet application. Teachers will be able to easily retrieve and show their registration status in real time via their smart phone.
Reduces the risk of unregistered teaching practice
A teacher's registration can become suspended or expired at any time. If an employer fails to check the register of teachers or Employer portal to confirm registration, a teacher could use their ‘point in time’ physical card to claim they have current registration to continue teaching.
Reinforces the register of teachers as the source of truth
Stakeholders are encouraged to use the register of teachers as the highest level of verification and as digital registration cards use the same live data as the register of teachers, this ensures teachers and employers are relying on the most accurate source of information.
Provides a sustainable solution for VIT’s stakeholders
Stakeholder feedback indicates a preference for a more environmentally friendly registration card and VIT is proud to offer teachers, employers and the wider teaching profession a sustainable solution that reduces impact on the environment.
Eliminates wait times on cards arriving in the post
Once a teacher's application for initial registration or renewal of registration is approved, their new digital registration card will be available for quick access via their smart phone. This means teachers can commence teaching immediately once approved (including PRTs and PTT holders).
Reduces future print and postage costs
The budget for printing and posting physical registration cards is high, with VIT spending a significant amount per year in this area. Note: The VIT is funded exclusively from teacher registration and initial teacher education program accreditation fees (i.e. VIT does not receive any direct government funding).
Eliminates physical card issues
The use of digital registration cards will eliminate issues associated with the production and distribution of physical cards such as Australia Post delivery delays, replacement cards, incorrect cards and certain types of registration that are not issued a card until their application has been properly assessed (e.g. interim registration).
Enables teachers with an extension or interim registration to hold a registration card
Once a teacher's application has been assessed and approved, their new digital registration card will be available for quick access via their smart phone. This means teachers can commence teaching immediately once approved.