If you previously held full registration in Australia or New Zealand and wish to return to teaching, you could be eligible for experienced returning registration.

Experienced returning registration acknowledges the prior knowledge and experience of teachers returning to the profession and helps address teacher shortages, making it easier for them to re-enter the profession and strengthen the workforce.

Experienced returning registration applies to teachers who meet the current requirements for registration and have held full registration within the last  

• 5 years and wish to return to teaching (but ineligible for immediate full registration due to missing 80 days of classroom teaching)  
• 5 – 10 years and wish to return to teaching  
• 10 - 15 years and have engaged in teaching-related experience during that time and wish to return to teaching.  

An experienced returning registered teacher (ERRT) has two years to complete the returning to full registration process by demonstrating  

• their practice meets the Proficient Teacher level of the APST  
• they have taught for at least 80 days in one or more Australian or New Zealand schools or early childhood services.  

This does not include completing the Inquiry process, rather it’s a structured supported process to help returning teachers meet current child safety standards and reacquaint themselves with the Education State priorities, professional responsibilities and community expectations in the current teaching landscape.

If you previously held full registration in Australia or New Zealand and wish to return to teaching, however do not meet the above requirements, you could be eligible for provisional registration.

A provisionally registered teacher (PRT) has two years to complete the moving to full registration process. This work is undertaken in collaboration with other experienced fully registered teachers who can provide the PRT with feedback and support in the development of their practice.

The VIT’s Inquiry process is used to provide a consistent means to evidence the standards that has comparability across schools and teaching contexts. It’s recognised as an effective vehicle for professional learning for teachers of any experience, so has value even if a teacher has taught extensively. 

As an experienced teacher, you will understand our need to ensure all newly registered teachers meet the required professional practice standards. All teachers who are registered with VIT are required to do this, whether they have previous teaching experience or not. This is also consistent with the national agreements that apply to all Australian teacher regulators.