The VIT has compiled definitions for our most frequently used terms, government departments and regulatory bodies. If you are unable to find a specific term in this list, please contact us.
Academic means non-education discipline studies, or educational studies other than initial teacher education studies undertaken at a recognised higher education or further education institution.
An academic transcript from a higher education provider can also be referred to as an academic record, a diploma supplement, a statement of learning, a record of achievement or something else similar.
It should list all the modules or subjects you studied in each year, the marks or grades you achieved for each module, and the credit value and level of each module. It should be stamped or signed by the higher education provider and be on official letterhead paper.
Academic transcripts issued electronically via eQuals are acceptable.
The accreditation process involves a rigorous assessment of an initial teacher education (ITE) program against a set of nationally-agreed standards.
Accreditation standards and procedures are designed to ensure that all graduates of ITE meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the graduate teacher level. This ensures the program is of high quality and prepares pre-service teachers for the teaching profession.
The process also includes an assessment of a provider’s quality assurance and continuous improvement mechanisms, as well as ensuring that the provider has a nationally-endorsed teaching performance assessment which all graduates must successfully complete.
The Accreditation Committee assess and approve ITE programs for the purposes of teacher registration consistent with the National Standards and Procedures for accreditation of ITE programs in Australia. The Committee comprises teachers and principals from government and non-government schools, teacher educators as well as representatives of Victorian teacher employers.
The AEG is a group of all Victorian panellists who have been nationally trained in the initial teacher education Program Standards. The AEG is comprised of teacher educators, employers of teachers, members of the teaching profession and the broader education community. The groups meets to strengthen understanding of the Program Standards to ensure Victorian consistency.
An address history is used to run a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), and must meet specific criteria.
The address history must
All teachers are required to complete the annual registration process by 30 September each year in order to maintain their registration. The annual registration process applies to all registration categories.
The annual registration process must be completed via the teacher’s MyVIT account. The types of tasks required to complete the annual registration process differ depending on the type of registration they hold.
Annual payment to maintain registration as a teacher. In accordance with the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, the fees concerning teacher registration are fixed by the Minister for Education.
When a teacher applies to renew their registration, they will make legally binding self-declarations about their recency of practice, maintenance of their professional learning, and continuing suitability and fitness to teach.
To ensure consistency and compliance with legislation, VIT selects a number of teachers to verify their self-declarations each year. When a teacher is randomly selected for an audit, they will receive an email from VIT containing instructions on how to provide audit evidence
Teachers will be asked to provide information to support their declarations, including information about
Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the expiry of the teacher’s registration and removal of their name from the register of teachers.
There are two ‘school audit’ processes. The Independent schools census and the Department of Education and Catholic Education data exchanges.
The ISV Census and DET/CECV Data Exchange identifies the school(s) at which a registered teacher is employed and confirms that each teacher holds the correct registration.
The Audit, Risk Management and Finance Committee oversees the financial, risk management, audit and general administrative functions of VIT. It makes recommendations to Council on the financial requirements of VIT’s governing legislation and other legislation regulating the financial and risk management and accountability of VIT.
The Committee maintains effective communication with external and internal auditors, and reviews their scope of work, independence and performance. It also receives, discusses and monitors significant findings and recommendations from reports by internal and external auditors.
On behalf of the Council, the Committee reviews and recommends the development and implementation of VIT’s strategic and business plan budgets. In addition, the Committee advises Council on the adequacy and effectiveness of VIT’s financial and accounting policies, related control systems and management information systems.
An association established by the teacher registration and accreditation authorities across Australia and New Zealand with the purpose of facilitating collaboration and cooperation across Australian and New Zealand regulatory authorities.
An independent national authority that works with the state and territory regulatory authorities to implement and administer the National quality Framework to raise quality and drive continuous improvement in Australian education and care services.
To be registered as an early childhood teacher, you are required to hold a qualification approved or recognised by ACECQA.
ACER is responsible for administering the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE).
LANTITE is how initial teacher education (ITE) graduates demonstrate that they have the required personal literacy and numeracy levels to work as a teacher in Australia.
The Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) is conducted by Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), who the VIT has a contractual arrangement with.
Undertaking an NCCHC occurs when a teacher first registers to teach in Victoria and every five (5) years thereafter as part of the annual registration process completed via their MyVIT account.
The information provided by teachers for the NCCHC is used by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and police agencies in all Australian States and Territories to check actions and update records held about the applicant by these agencies.
Please note that VIT does not have access to any records held by ACIC or police agencies. Rather, a Police History Information (PHI) report is provided to VIT once these agencies have assessed the information provided from the NCCHC. The VIT is unable to provide teachers with an NCCHC certificate for external purposes. Those seeking a current NCCHC for non-registration related matters will be required to apply for a separate NCCHC.
An independent statutory authority responsible for national curriculum from kindergarten to year 12 in specified learning areas, the national assessment program aligned to the national curriculum that measures students’ progress and national data collection and reporting on schools and broader national achievement.
National body that provides national leadership for the Australian, state and territory governments in promoting excellence in the profession of teaching and school leadership.
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) are designed to clarify the knowledge, practice and professional engagement required for teachers – they also provide a common language for teachers, teacher educators / organisations, professional associations and the public.
The standards are used by all teachers in Australia and, in Victoria, underpin the requirements for
You will use and demonstrate the standards when you have full registration, and undertake an annual renewal process to maintain the standards at the Proficient Teacher level.
PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT
An authorised third party is a person who is currently licensed or registered to practice in Australia in an occupation as listed in the Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018 (Vic).
In addition to others, the following persons are authorised third parties
Casual relief teachers (CRTs) or Emergency teachers are casual employees engaged by school councils under Part 2.3 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.
School councils may employ casual relief teachers for periods of up to 30 consecutive working days for a range of reasons including
CRTs maintain the same registration requirements as all other registered teachers.
Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, a category A offence includes (but is not necessarily limited to) the following
If a person makes an application to VIT for registration / renewal of registration, VIT must refuse the application if the person is currently charged with, or has been convicted or found guilty of a category A offence in Victoria, or an equivalent offence in another jurisdiction. Prior to making this decision, VIT will provide the person with an opportunity to provide further information and documentation relating to the category A offence.
If the person is a registered teacher, VIT must
Prior to making this decision, VIT will provide the person with an opportunity to provide further information and documentation relating to the category A offence.
Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, a category B offence includes (but is not necessarily limited to) the following:
If a person makes an application to VIT for registration / renewal of registration, VIT must refuse the application if
If the person is a registered teacher, VIT may suspend all of their registrations if the person has been charged with a category B offence.
Prior to making any decisions, VIT will provide the person with an opportunity to provide further information and documentation relating to the category B offence.
Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, category C conduct includes (but is not necessarily limited to) the following
If a person makes an application to VIT for registration / renewal of registration, the VIT may refuse the application if the person has engaged in category C conduct and one of the following applies
Prior to making this decision, VIT will provide the person with an opportunity to provide further information and documentation relating to the category C conduct.
Certificate A means a certificate issued by the Department of Education Victoria to indicate four-year trained teacher status in accordance with Departmental regulations.
Evidence of proficiency / completion of trade training through an approved authority incorporating indentured employment (Apprenticeship), on-the-job-training and formal studies at an approved institution.
In order for VIT to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), we need to know if you have ever been known by another name.
You can provide evidence of all changes of name by supplying a copy of one of the following
If you have recently changed your name, you also need to update your contact details with us.
The Code of Conduct has been developed for and by the Victorian teaching profession, and applies to all teachers and early childhood teachers registered with VIT.
The Code of Conduct identifies a set of principles which describe the professional conduct, personal conduct and professional competence expected of a teacher by their colleagues and the community. It is based on the values set out in the accompanying Code of Ethics - integrity, respect and responsibility.
The values that underpin our profession are integrity, respect and responsibility. The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to
A commencement document is used as valid proof to verify your identity. A person wishing to register is required to provide *one commencement of identity document to confirm your birth or arrival in Australia;
Commencement of identity documents are
In many cases, concerns a person may have about a teacher can be resolved appropriately by discussing them with the teacher's employer.
We can only deal with complaints that relate to allegations of
If the complaint relates to one or more of these areas, then a complaint may be lodged with us about a registered teacher.
We are unable to consider complaints in every circumstance. For example, we cannot investigate
Contact VIT if the person is still unsure about whether we can investigate the complaint.
Teachers may have conditions placed on their registration. If a teacher has a condition, it will be noted on their registration card, and may also appear on the employer portal or public register.
A registration card stating ‘This teacher’s registration has conditions’ can relate to any of the following condition types
Conditions are usually for a period of 6-12 months, with documentation required to meet the condition; this may differ depending on individual circumstances.
VIT is unable to provide specific details of the condition(s) on a teacher’s registration - all enquiries in relation to a condition(s) on a particular teacher’s registration should be directed to that individual.
The manner in which a person behaves, especially in a particular place or situation.
The Victorian Teaching Profession's Code of Conduct supports all teachers to understand the expectations of the teaching profession and the community in relation to their professional conduct, personal conduct and professional competence.
The VIT has an overarching function of providing for child safety and wellbeing, and this underpins the principles set out in the Code of Conduct.
As part of a registered profession and a profession of high public trust and accountability, teachers must be aware of and reflect the expectations and standards expected of them – the Code of Conduct can assist teachers to guide their professional and personal conduct.
Part of VIT's functions include developing and maintaining a Professional Learning Framework to support and promote the continuing education and professional development of teachers
The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 and the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Framework for Teacher Registration in Australia require persons who apply for renewal of registration to demonstrate that they have engaged in at least 20 hours of professional learning and shown evidence that they are continuing their education and professional development.
A criminal offence is if a person has been
Category A offences include
Category B offences include
Casual Relief Teacher (CRT) networks provide an opportunity for casual relief, relieving and emergency teachers (CRTs) to connect with a supportive and like-minded group of colleagues. CRT networks provide relevant and practical professional learning for members, as well as a community for CRTs to connect with other teachers working in a similar context.
CRT networks can provide an ideal place for beginning teachers to connect with, and gain support from more, experienced colleagues working in the same context. These networks are not employment agencies; they exist to support the professional development of CRTs.
Teacher Learning Network (TLN) is a not-for-profit professional development provider for teachers across Victoria, supported by the Australian Education Union (AEU - Victorian branch) and the Independent Education Union Victoria Tasmania (IEU). The PD they offer is largely delivered online and through on-demand courses.
Courses are delivered by practising teachers and cover topics including
How up-to-date a teacher's knowledge and practice is in relation to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) at the proficient teacher level.
The VIT has the power to impose any conditions, restrictions or limitations on a teacher’s registration if it deems appropriate to do so. This can be done at any time, including when making a decision on an application for registration, or while the teacher is registered with VIT.
The VIT may use the information and documentation gathered during an investigation to make an informed decision about a pending application for registration. The decisions may
In the outcome of an application for registration or investigation the VIT may decide to
In order to assist it to make a decision, the medical panel may direct the teacher to undergo a health assessment.
There are 37 descriptors within the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST), and all of them must be evidenced as part of the process of moving to full registration.
To demonstrate that they have met the proficient teacher level of the APST, provisionally registered teachers will use the Inquiry process. This process will require gathering evidence against all 37 descriptors and other requirements of the Inquiry, including complying with requirements for child safety and wellbeing.
Once granted full registration, teachers undergo an annual renewal cycle that confirms they are maintaining the standards at the proficient teacher level and are still suitable to be a teacher.
A persons registration in Australia or overseas may have been cancelled or suspended for disciplinary reasons such as a finding of misconduct or serious incompetence.
Also see health reasons.
Domain is a term used to categorise the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST). There are three domains
1. Professional knowledge
2. Professional practice
3. Professional engagement
Teachers are required to address at least one standard in each domain through the PD they undertake each year.
Dual registration is when someone holds both teacher and ECT registration. This means they can teach in both primary / secondary schools and early childhood services.
Teachers wishing to apply for dual registration – i.e. both teacher and ECT registration – they should select the ‘Teacher and early childhood registration’ option when applying.
The teacher / early childhood teacher
Early childhood education describes the period of learning that takes place from birth to 8 years old. There are several types of early education programs, including those that are federal, state or privately funded.
If you are employed as an early childhood teacher (ECT) in a Victorian education and care service or children’s service, you will need to be registered.
If you are an educator or staff member employed in an education and care service or children's service, and don’t hold an approved early childhood teaching qualification, you won't be required to register with us.
ECTs work in early childhood education services such as childcare centres, preschools and kindergartens. To be registered as an ECT, you will need to hold a qualification approved or recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Being registered as an ECT demonstrates you are a teaching professional who
The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is an independent statutory authority for the teaching profession, whose primary function is to regulate members of the teaching profession.
The VIT was established in December 2002 by the Victorian Institute of Teaching Act 2001.
In 2006, the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (the Act) amalgamated all relevant education and training Acts (including the Victorian institute of Teaching Act 2001). The Act was proclaimed 1 July 2007.
Further substantial amendments to legislation were enacted in 2010 with effect from 1 January 2011, and VIT continues to operate under and subject to the Act as amended.
The VIT is obligated to administer Part 2.6 of the Act and report to Parliament through the Minister for Education. This includes but is not limited to
The Minister for Education issues Statements of Expectations which set out the Minister’s expectations for VIT to demonstrate good regulatory practice, including performance targets. You can view the Statement of expectations for the Victorian Institute of Teaching for 2020-22.
Educational leadership is typically the work of a principal or school leader but can also include work for the Department of Education and Training (DET), the Catholic Education Office (CEO) or other educational organisations schools/services deal with directly. Educational leadership roles can be both in and out of schools/services where the nature of their work has a relationship with the standards of professional practice. Educational leaders may not be teaching learners, but their work will directly influence teaching and learning in classroom situations.
The Effective Mentoring Program (EMP) is a two-day professional learning program developed and delivered as a partnership with the Department of Education and Training (DET). It is open to any experienced fully registered teacher.
This program is a blend of the skills and knowledge fundamental to mentoring, and knowledge about the process for moving from provisional to full registration. Participants explore the practice of mentoring and how mentoring can support new teachers to improve their teaching practice.
A refresher program is also offered for mentors who undertook the Effective Mentoring Program more than three years ago.
Visit the Events and seminars page for more information or to register for a seminar.
Under VIT's permission to teach (PTT) policy, those applying for PTT an ‘emerging or small candidature language’ who do not meet VIT's English language competency requirements may be granted PTT with conditions. Such conditions may include undertaking appropriate training to improve their English language competence and / or demonstrating an improvement of English language competence by way of an English language test.
An emerging language is one spoken by a new immigrant community to Australia, including refugee and humanitarian entrants, within the first eight years of the community being established in Victoria. A small candidature language is one for which there are fewer than 500 student enrolments in language programs across Victorian primary and secondary schools.
The employer portal is a secure online facility enabling Victorian school principals, early childhood managers and their authorised delegates to
If you completed all the years of higher education study associated with a qualification leading to early childhood teacher registration in English at an institution in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Ireland, you will satisfy the English language competence requirements.
If an applicant for early childhood teacher registration cannot meet the above then they must provide evidence that they have undertaken one of the following English language tests with achievement at the standard specified below
Note: English language test results can be completed over multiple test sittings of the same test, provided none of the results are older than two years at the time of application for registration. The results must be consistent with the guidelines set by the approved testing providers.
Exceptional circumstances
If you are a registered teacher applying for early childhood teacher registration as a second registration, the English language competence requirements will not apply to you.
Section 2.6.8(a)(ii)(B) of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 requires that in order to be a registered teacher, a person must produce evidence that they satisfy the criteria approved by the Minister with regard to English language competence. The following criteria articulate this requirement and align with the nationally consistent approach to the registration of teachers.
An applicant for full or provisional registration and permission to teach satisfies English language competence if they provide evidence that their teacher education qualifications (consisting of four full years of higher education study that includes an approved initial teacher education program; or qualifications assessed as comparable); or in the case of permission to teach, other relevant qualifications; were undertaken in English in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Ireland.
If an applicant for full or provisional registration and permission to teach cannot meet the above, then they may provide evidence that they have undertaken one of the following English language tests with achievement at the standard specified below
Note: English language test results can be completed over multiple test sittings of the same test, provided none of the results are older than two years at the time of application for registration. The results must be consistent with the guidelines set by the approved testing providers.
Exceptional circumstances
In exceptional circumstances, permission to teach for languages other than English (LOTE) may be granted at a lesser level of competence in the English language than required at 1.2. (Inclusive of Victorian School of Languages and Auslan programs).
EFTSL is a measure of the study load based on a student undertaking a course on a full-time basis over an academic year. For example, one EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Evidence of completion (EOC) shows that a qualification has been successfully completed. It may be listed on your academic transcript as a completion, conferral or award date, or be a separate certificate issued by your higher education provider.
Typically, VIT can accept an official letter of completion from your higher education provider or a Testamur (degree certificate). If your official academic transcript lists the date of completion (or the date of conferral) of the award, then this can be used as EOC.
Supervised teaching practice (STP) is the compulsory component of an initial teacher education (ITE) program during which time a student teacher is on a school placement, and engaged in the teaching and learning process with school students.
This teaching practice is under the supervision of a qualified teacher and university education staff, and is formally assessed by the university.
To be eligible for teacher registration with VIT, applicants are required to provide evidence of 45 days of STP. If you have completed between 30 and 45 days of STP, you may be able to make up the difference with teaching undertaken since completing your ITE program.
This is calculated on a pro-rata basis (see website)
If evidence of STP is not outlined on your transcript, you will need to supply a letter from your ITE provider outlining the number of supervised teaching practice days completed and the age group(s) of students taught during placement. Statements listing STP in hours will not be accepted.
Teaching experience must be provided in the form of a statement of service.
VIT recognises the high professional and ethical standards of registered teachers and early childhood teachers as well as principals and early childhood educational leaders in Victoria. These professionals support children and young people, and have a huge impact in shaping their lives.
As a regulator, VIT has an important responsibility to respond to growing community expectations while ensuring the teaching profession is respected for its crucial role in delivering excellence in education.
VIT is committed to educating teachers and the community about teaching quality by showcasing best teaching practice.
Refers to recognition of teaching experience undertaken within the 5 years prior to the application for registration.
Registration expiry: your registration will expire if you fail to complete the annual registration process by 31 December. Your name will be removed from the register and you will be unable to undertake the duties of a teacher / early childhood teacher.
Provisional registration expiry: your provisional registration will expire 2 years from your initial registration date, however your expiry date will be listed as 30 September - this is when you pay your annual registration fee and will bring you in-line with the annual registration process for future years.
Fitness to teach is defined as whether the character, reputation and conduct of a person are such that the person should be allowed to teach in a school.
A teacher’s behaviour, whether in the practice of teaching or in their private lives, may demonstrate qualities of a kind that indicate that person is not fit to practice as a teacher.
Teachers have the right to request access to their personal information held by VIT. They also have the right to request that VIT corrects their information where necessary. Requests for access to documents containing personal information and in the control of VIT are handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 or Information Privacy Principle 6.
VIT's Freedom of Information statement contains details regarding the following matters
View the full Freedom of information statement on the website
Full registration means that you are a qualified teaching professional who has demonstrated the following requirements
A person who has successfully completed a course of study or training, especially a person who has been awarded an undergraduate or first academic degree.
Graduate teachers have completed a qualification that meets the requirements of a nationally accredited program of initial teacher education. Graduate teachers demonstrate knowledge of practical strategies for creating rapport with students and managing student behaviour.
In Victoria, you can only apply for graduate positions if you graduated within the past four years.
A person's registration in Australia or overseas may have been cancelled or suspended for health reasons such as a serious mental impairment or substance abuse or dependence.
Also see disciplinary reasons.
Higher education institution means a university, TAFE or other accredited post-secondary institution, that is registered by the Tertiary Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) or equivalent, which provides a course of higher education study.
Higher Education Study means Post Year 12 study undertaken at a university, TAFE or other accredited post-secondary institution.
Teachers and Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) who provide home schooling are required to be registered as a home schooler with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and must provide evidence of this. They will also be required to provide a statutory declaration that includes the number of days of home schooling they completed within the registration period.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module
(Approved English language testing centre)
If an applicant for full or provisional registration and permission to teach cannot meet criterion 1.1, then they may provide evidence that they have undertaken the following English language tests with achievement at the standard specified below
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic module
This assessment must be undertaken at any approved IELTS test centre. The VIT does not accept IELTS Online test results.
A term applied by VIT to a registered teacher to indicate they have met the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) at the proficient teacher level on initial application.
Registered teachers are required to achieve and maintain an acceptable level of competence in their practice.
Serious incompetence refers to a situation where a teacher is failing to meet the Australian Professional Standards of Teaching (APST) to such a degree that their whole approach to teaching
A momentary lapse in performance will not generally indicate serious incompetence.
See also serious incompetence.
One or more requirements in a registration application are not met.
Industrial experience' means being engaged in an approved occupation of a non-teaching nature.
There is ground for refusal of an application for registration.
One of the functions of the VIT is to accredit initial teacher education programs using nationally agreed standards and procedures.
ITE providers are required to demonstrate evidence that their program will provide the knowledge and skills pre-service teachers need to be successful in the classroom by the time they graduate.
ITE providers will be given guidance on what evidence they need to provide, as part of a suite of material to support their applications for accreditation. Other material to be developed will include examples of applications and evidence, and templates for completion by higher education providers and accreditation panellists.
We use the Australian accreditation standards to accredit initial teacher education programs and are responsible for coordinating the accreditation of
As a provisionally registered teacher (PRT) they are required to undertake the Inquiry process to develop their practice and collect evidence that they meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) at the proficient teacher level.
By following the Inquiry process, they have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and practice of teaching within a supported environment. They'll work with more experienced colleagues and reflect on the effectiveness of their practice in relation to their students or learners.
Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, an applicant for registration as a teacher may be granted interim approval to undertake the duties of a teacher if the person is entitled to that registration but it is not practicable to wait until the VIT can consider the application.
The VIT has the power to suspend the registration of a teacher on an interim basis if it has formed a reasonable belief that
Interim suspensions are reviewed every 30 days, and will take into account any written submissions made by the teacher.
The VIT may revoke the interim suspension of a teacher’s registration if it no longer reasonably believes that the teacher poses an unacceptable risk of harm to children.
Previously known as an 'interim negative notice', an interim Working With Children (WWC) exclusion indicates that a person has made an application to WWC Victoria and a preliminary assessment has been made that the person may be refused a WWC.
Before making a final decision, WWC Victoria will issue the person with an interim exclusion and provide the person with an opportunity to provide additional information and documentation before a final decision is made.
The purpose of an investigation is to gather relevant information about concerns in relation to a teacher and to determine appropriate disciplinary responses.
We are empowered to investigate a range of concerns about registered teachers to ensure teachers meet high ethical standards and are fit to teach. These include
International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR) Professional / Teacher Registration Module
(Approved English language testing centre)
Achievement at Level 4 in all four areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Test achievements are only deemed valid if provided by approved testing sites where the assessment is teaching focused.
This assessment must be undertaken at an Accredited ISLPR Testing Centre. Visit http://islprvic.org/about/ for more information.
A learner is anyone who is enrolled at an early childhood service or school and is undertaking an approved curriculum.
The use of the term learner as a synonym for student has grown in popularity among educators in recent years. The decision to use learner in place of student may be due to a couple of factors
The literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE) is how initial teacher education (ITE) graduates demonstrate that they have the required personal literacy and numeracy levels to work as a teacher in Australia.
If you graduated from a Victorian ITE program after 1 July 2016, you are required to pass LANTITE before applying for registration as a teacher with VIT.
If you were enrolled in an accredited ITE program anywhere in Australia on or after 1 January 2017, the LANTITE requirement is part of your ITE program and must be met before graduation. Your ITE provider can advise you when within your program you will be required to meet the test.
As part of the process for moving to full registration, provisionally registered teachers / early childhood teachers (PRTs) are required to find a mentor to help guide them through VIT’s Inquiry process. This mentoring support is central to the development of new teachers and those who have been out of the teaching profession for an extended period of time.
The VIT recommends a registered teacher who has participated in a VIT mentor training program (Effective Mentor Program or other program) act as the mentor. Where it is not possible to be supported by a VIT trained mentor, a PRT may work with an experienced colleague who holds full registration with VIT. However, there should be a VIT trained mentor on their workplace recommendation panel.
Misconduct is the conduct of a teacher occurring in connection with the practice of teaching that is of a lesser standard than a member of the public, or members of the teaching profession are entitled to expect from a reasonably proficient teacher.
See also Serious misconduct
Sometimes referred to as 'instrumental instruction', music instruction may count as professional practice if it takes place within a classroom setting. Small group or sessional instruction can only count as professional practice for teachers and ECTs who hold full registration as part of the annual registration process.
If a teacher is currently registered interstate or in New Zealand, or accredited in New South Wales, and want to teach in Victoria, they need to register with VIT under the Mutual Recognition process via their MyVIT account.
The teacher will be granted registration in line with the registration they hold in the other jurisdiction.
MyVIT is a secure online portal for accessing your registration information and services. Your MyVIT account will help you keep track of your application, complete your annual renewal and maintain your personal information.
Your MyVIT username is the email address VIT has on file for you.
All teachers and early childhood teachers (ECTs), regardless of their registration category, are required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) once every five years from the date they registered with VIT.
Teachers are still required to undertake the NCCHC even if they hold a current Working With Children (WWC) clearance (previously known as a Working With Children Check or WWCC).
The NCCHC provides VIT with details of convictions and findings of guilt for criminal offences following an examination of the records held by police services across Australia.
Undertaking an NCCHC occurs when a teacher first registers to teach in Victoria and every five (5) years thereafter as part of the annual registration process completed via their MyVIT account.
The information provided by teachers for the NCCHC is used by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and police agencies in all Australian States and Territories to check actions and update records held about the applicant by these agencies.
Please note that VIT does not have access to any records held by ACIC or police agencies. Rather, a Police History Information (PHI) report is provided to VIT once these agencies have assessed the information provided from the NCCHC.
The PHI may include information from the applicant’s records held by ACIC and police agencies pertaining to
A finding in the NCCHC will not automatically preclude a teacher from teacher registration.
Where a matter is returned on a NCCHC, VIT is required to assess a teacher’s suitability to teach. The VIT considers each case on its merits.
Is the Agreement between the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and state and territory jurisdictions that common minimum standards for teacher regulation will apply.
Please see 'WWC exclusion'.
Both provisional and fully registered teachers and early childhood teachers can apply for non-practising registration. You may want to apply for non-practising if you
As a non-practising teacher, you cannot teach in any Victorian primary, secondary or special school, or be employed / engaged as a registered early childhood teacher in a Victorian education and care service or a Victorian children’s service.
If you were over the age of 18 and have continuously resided in any country other than Australia for 12 months within the last 10 years, you will need to provide a certified copy of a police certificate issued by the national police service in the country you lived in.
You have resided continuously in a country if you have held a primary address in the country for a period of more than 12 months, even if you have taken holidays in a different country during this period. For example, if you
An overseas CRC must cover the full period that you resided there.
If you currently reside overseas, the overseas CRC must be issued within 7 days of your application being submitted (e.g. if your application is submitted on 31 August, the CRC must be issued no earlier than 24 August).
If you have obtained an Australian permanent residency visa or citizenship since residing overseas, you will be exempt from providing an overseas CRC.
A nationally trained accreditation panellist who participates on initial teacher education program reviews.
VIT offers two application pathways for full registration as a teacher or early childhood teacher on initial application for registration.
Pathway one – Immediate full registration
Pathway two – Mutual recognition
A program or course of study
Holding Permission to Teach (PTT) means you have been offered short-term employment to undertake the duties of a teacher in delivering and/or assessing student participation in the school’s curriculum program. If you hold PTT, then you are NOT registered as a qualified teacher.
PTT is an alternative authorisation to teach and exists primarily to address a workforce shortage. Schools must prioritise the employment of qualified, registered teachers.
Schools that are unable to employ a qualified, registered teacher may fill a teaching position with an individual who has the skills and experience to deliver and / or assess student participation in an educational program.
There are a number of circumstances where PTT might be applicable.
See Interim suspension.
A pre-service teacher (PST) is someone who is undertaking the education and training required to become a teacher or early childhood teacher. It can also refer to a person who has already completed their teacher education studies but has not yet gained registration and practiced as a teacher.
PSTs will undertake their Supervised Practice Teaching (SPT) days under the guidance of a qualified teacher.
A primary document is used as evidence of your identity in the community as part of an application and for the purpose of running the NCCHC. These include
In the conduct of its regulatory functions, VIT is bound by the Victorian Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (PDP Act) and the Health Records Act 2001 (HR Act) and therefore must comply with the Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) and the Health Privacy Principles (HPPs). These govern the collection, use, handling and disclosure of personal and sensitive information and health information. Personal information is information that relates to an identifiable living person. Personal information may take many forms including images.
VIT is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality and security of teachers’ and early childhood teachers’ personal and health information and adheres to the IPPs and HPPs.
The Professional Conduct Committee is responsible for considering reports in relation to investigations undertaken under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) and determining an appropriate regulatory response. These responses include
Professional learning (PL) is an ongoing process supported by planned learning activities and programs designed to enhance professional knowledge, practice and engagement.
A teacher should consider their individual PL needs in relation to their teaching context, the needs of their learners and the priorities of their learning environment or education sector.
The VIT requirement to undertake 20 hours of PL for renewal of registration applies to all registered teachers equally, whether they work full time, part time or on a casual basis.
The standards of professional practice are focused on student learning and articulate what a teacher should know and be able to do.
The professional practice activities they select
Thinking about professional practice in terms of the standards will help a teacher select professional development activities that keep their knowledge and practice updated. Consider asking
Refers to how the school will support the Permission to Teach (PTT) applicant to develop their pedagogical and classroom management skills, and progress towards teacher registration according to their plan (i.e. the applicant's plan to progress towards teacher registration).
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers are organised into four career stages designed to reflect the continuum of the development of your expertise as a teacher
VIT have adopted the graduate and proficient career stages for teacher registration and annual renewal.
A proficient teacher has met and demonstrated proficiency in the standards of Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST).
A qualification delivered by a higher education institution.
To verify your identity for the first time, you will need to provide us with copies of appropriate proof of identity documents.
Please note, if VIT has previously verified your identity, your document requirements may differ. This will be specified within your application form.
At least one of your ID documents contains a photo of you; and that at least one of your ID documents contain your full name and date of birth.
Please note, VIT does not accept Working With Children Checks or bank / credit cards as forms of identification.
Change of name - if you have ever been known by another name then you must provide a linking document between your current name and former name(s).
Documents to show evidence of a name change are
The Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (formerly known as a Whistleblower Protection) encourages and assists people in making disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and public bodies. The Act provides protection to people who make disclosures about improper conduct in the public sector without fear of reprisal. These disclosures are called 'protected disclosures'.
Anyone can make a protected disclosure against the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). This includes employees and members of the public.
The Protected Disclosure Act creates a framework for dealing with protected disclosures and the people who make them; its purpose is to
A protected disclosure is a report made by a person about improper conduct of public bodies or public officers performing public functions.
A protected disclosure can also be made about detrimental action against a person by public bodies or public officers in reprisal for the making of a protected disclosure.
The Provider portal is for Early Childhood services and s a secure online facility enabling Victorian early childhood services and providers and their authorised delegates to
As a provisionally registered teacher, you are new to the profession and/or have not yet practised as a qualified teacher in an Australian or New Zealand school, or are returning to the teaching profession after an absence of five or more years.
Provisional registration is granted until you are able to meet the standards at the Proficient Teacher level. We provide you with a period of two years to demonstrate you
Holders of permission to teach (PTT) (General) and PTT (Internship) are expected to undertake an approved initial teacher education (ITE) program at the same time that they are using their PTT grant. Generally, VIT considers progression as completing at least 0.5 equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL) of the ITE program across the duration of the PTT grant.
Exceptional circumstances
Exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All permission to teach (PTT) applicants must progress towards teacher registration. Second (or subsequent) applications for PTT must demonstrate the progress made towards the plan as well as a plan for the coming grant.
Evidence of progress should include academic transcripts detailing the units that have been completed towards the accredited qualification.
All individuals holding permission to teach (PTT) must be supervised by a registered teacher. Supervision includes oversight of the planning and implementation of class programs, and professional support with regard to
Note: it does not mean that a registered teacher has to be present in the classroom with the PTT holder at all times.
Qualification' means an award granted by a higher education or further education institution or other recognised vocational or professional body on completion of an approved course of study or training, or both.
To be registered as an early childhood teacher (ECT), you will need to hold a qualification approved or recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
To be registered as a teacher, you will need to hold
or
or
Qualification for the purposes of the English language competency policy means a higher education award under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 which is defined as
Higher education awards are approved by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and can be delivered at a University or TAFE.
Awards offered or conferred for the completion of a vocational education and training (VET) course may also be delivered at a TAFE but are accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Such awards do not fall within the definition of a qualification for the purposes of the English Language Competency Policy.
Recency of practice means
To renew your registration as a teacher, you need to maintain recency of practice by engaging in teaching, equivalent practice or educational leadership during the renewal period.
Recognised' means recognised by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority or an equivalent authority in another Australian State or Territory.
Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, VIT must refuse registration for a person for the following reasons
The Register of Disciplinary Action (RODA) is a register which lists disciplinary action taken against teachers by the Institute (and formerly by the Registered Schools Board).
Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, the VIT is required to maintain the RODA and make it available for inspection by the public.
Disciplinary action includes
When searching the public register for a teacher's registration status, the following key will help you identify if a teacher is registered to teach.
Registration Status Description
Current Registered to teach
Non Practising Registered but UNABLE TO TEACH
Where the registration status is 'Current', this means the teacher is registered with VIT and eligible to teach in a Victorian school or early childhood service, even if their expiry date is in the past.
Where the registration status is 'Non Practising', this means the teacher is registered with VIT but is unable to meet the professional practice requirements for renewal of registration and therefore CANNOT teach in a Victorian school or early childhood service until they make an application to return to teaching. Upon successful application, the teacher’s record will show as 'Current'.
To be registered to teach as an early childhood teacher (ECT), applicants are required to have completed an early childhood education qualification that is approved or recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) in one of the following configurations
Registered teachers are required to complete qualifications that meet national standards and undertake rigorous suitability assessments in order to obtain registration. The VIT ensures that regular professional learning and suitability assessment continues throughout a teacher’s career.
Teachers work in many different education settings including government, Catholic and independent schools and early childhood services, as well as other teaching contexts such as hospitals, zoos and museums.
All teachers who are registered to teach in Victoria will appear on the Register of teachers.
A person listed on the Register of teachers is registered and permitted to teach in a Victorian
Registered teachers are required to complete annual registration tasks in order to remain registered. If a teacher does not complete these tasks by their registration expiry date, they are removed from the register and are unable to undertake the duties of a teacher.
The type of registration defined under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, these include
Teachers who hold full registration are required to make an application by 30 September each year to renew their registration. This includes completing renewal modules – professional learning and professional practice – and making declarations regarding suitability to teach. If this applies to you, the modules will show in your MyVIT account.
Teachers with full registration have demonstrated that their professional practice against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) standards at the proficient level. To maintain full registration, you are required to renew your registration annually.
To successfully renew your registration, you will need to make declarations
(Provisionally register teachers and those who hold permission to teach (PTT) see annual renewal.)
Reportable conduct is defined in the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005. It means
Refers to 'Returning to teaching from non-practising'
When you wish to return to teaching from non-practising, you must notify VIT prior to undertaking the duties of a teacher.
You can submit an application to return to teaching at any time via your MyVIT account by accessing the ‘Manage your registration’ tile.
When you apply to return to teaching, you must be sure that you will be able to meet the returning requirements, as you are not able to return to non-practising registration. See the website for these requirements.
School as defined under s.1.1.3 of the Education and Training Act 2006 means a place at or from which education is provided to children of compulsory school age during normal school hours, but does not include
School also refers to an equivalent institution in another Australian state or territory, or another country.
The quickest and easiest way to check your registration status is by searching the public register. Simply type in your name or registration number, and if your name appears, you are lawfully allowed to teach.
Please note: if your name is displayed in red, this means you are non-practising and are unable to undertake the duties of a teacher.
A registered teacher doesn't need to be in possession of their registration card to prove they are registered to teach. The public register displays all the necessary details to confirm your registration, such as your name, registration number, initial registration date and expiry date.
If you have recently applied or renewed your registration and your school has asked for your card as proof of registration, but you're waiting for it to arrive, you can advise them to check the register. Its a lot faster and can provide peace of mind in real time.
If your name does not appear on the register, you are not registered or permitted to teach. If you're unsure why your name does not appear, please contact us for more information.
Secondary documents are used to confirm identity as part of an application and for the purpose of running a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). They include
Registered teachers are required to achieve and maintain an acceptable level of competence in their practice.
Serious incompetence refers to a situation where a teacher is failing to meet the Australian Professional Standards of Teaching (APST) to such a degree that their whole approach to teaching
A momentary lapse in performance will not generally indicate serious incompetence.
Serious misconduct generally involves a substantial departure from the accepted standards of the profession, including conduct that is found to be
Who are learners with special needs?
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 provides a definition of learners with a disability.
This is quite broad and includes:
The definition of disability includes those learners with disability who are supported by general resources available within the school or service, as well as learners who are receiving targeted specialist education services and supports.
The impact of the learner’s disability should result in the school or service actively addressing the learner’s specific individual education needs arising from their disability. This should be done within quality differentiated teaching practice and / or by monitoring the learner, or providing a ‘supplementary’ / higher level of support.
State-wide media for the purposes of advertising teaching positions means media accessible to a broad selection of the teaching profession. This can include newspapers, online recruitment platforms, sector-based recruitment platforms or teacher recruitment agencies.
The VIT will not accept recruitment limited to school-specific media (i.e. social media platforms or newsletters) and / or community-based recruitment platforms.
A statement of service is a signed letter issued by your employer on letterhead, detailing
Legislation requires VIT to ensure that a person is suitable to teach in a school or early childhood setting. Suitability to teach, as set out in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, means determining whether a person is fit to teach, and whether a person is physically or mentally able to teach (this includes assessing whether the character, reputation and conduct of a person are such that they should be allowed to teach in a school or early childhood setting).
Declarations of matters or conditions that will affect an applicant’s ability to undertake the duties of a teacher must be assessed and may require additional documentation from applicants.
Supervised teaching practice (STP) is the compulsory component of an initial teacher education (ITE) program during which time a student teacher is on a school placement, and engaged in the teaching and learning process with school students either in a
This teaching practice is under the supervision of a qualified teacher and university education staff, and is formally assessed by the university.
The supervised teaching practice must be formally assessed. While it is desirable for supervised practice teaching to take place in a variety of learning environments, the majority of the supervised practice teaching must occur in Australian primary and/or secondary school settings for VIT approved courses.
VIT will not consider
If evidence of STP is not outlined on your transcript, you will need to supply a letter from your ITE provider outlining the number of supervised teaching practice days completed and the age group(s) of students taught during placement. Statements listing STP in hours will not be accepted.
Suspension of registration occurs if you hold provisional registration or a grant of permission to teach (PTT) and have not made the required payment of your registration fee and / or did not update your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) by the due date.
The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 outlines the requirements and penalties relating to the suspension of a teacher’s registration.
Under the Act, suspension of registration means that you will not be registered and cannot teach in any Victorian school / early childhood service for the duration of your suspension – you cannot undertake duties of a teacher / early childhood teacher until the suspension has been revoked.
You can apply to have your suspension revoked by
You will also need to apply for revocation of suspension form via your MyVIT account.
Your suspension may be revoked from the date we determine that your explanation is satisfactory, and confirmed receipt of fees.
There may be some circumstances in which VIT will suspend the registration of a teacher on an interim basis. This is in circumstances where VIT has formed a reasonable belief that
There are also some circumstances where VIT must suspend a teacher’s registration on an ongoing basis.
Following an investigation, VIT may agree to suspend a the teacher's registration for a period of time (with or without conditions). The teacher will be removed from the register, they will not be able to teach and they may appear of Register of Disciplinary Action (RODA)
Visit the Immediate action page to find out more.
All teachers practising in Victorian schools are required to be registered.
A teacher
Teacher Education means approved initial professional education studies, curriculum and teaching methodology studies appropriate to teaching in primary and/or secondary schools, and supervised practice teaching in primary and/or secondary school settings.
The Australian Government established TEMAG in February 2014 to undertake a review of initial teacher education programs. Recommendations were made by TEMAG as part of the ITE reform with the aim of stronger quality assurance of teacher education programs, rigorous selection for entry into programs, improved and structured professional experience for teacher education students, robust assessments of graduates to ensure classroom readiness and national research and workforce planning capabilities.
A Victorian Department of Education initiative of partnerships of a cluster of schools with one or more universities to deliver innovative and effective initial teacher education professional experience placements.
A teaching performance assessment (TPA) is a tool used to assess the practical skills and knowledge of pre-service teachers. Pre-service teachers collect evidence of practice to complete a TPA in the final year of their initial teacher education program. It is assessed by ITE providers and is a requirement for graduation.
A teaching performance assessment (TPA) is a tool used to assess the practical skills and knowledge of pre-service teachers. Pre-service teachers collect evidence of practice to complete a TPA in the final year of their initial teacher education program. It is assessed by ITE providers and is a requirement for graduation.
Australia’s independent national regulator of the higher education sector. Tertiary Education Quality Standard Agency (TEQSA) regulates and assures the quality of Australia’s higher education sector by registering higher education providers and evaluating their performance.
The Department of Education (DE) formally known as The Department of Education Training (DET) leads the delivery of education and development services to children, young people and adults both
DET implements Victorian government policy on early childhood services, school education and training and higher education services. DET also manages Victorian government schools and drive improvement in primary and secondary government education.
By legislation, VIT must maintain a public register of teachers. An extract of the register of teachers is displayed on the website.
A person listed on the register is registered and permitted to teach, unless their name is displayed in red (these teachers are non-practising and are unable to undertake the duties of a teacher). A teacher who shows on the register with an expiry date in the past is registered and permitted to teach.
All registered teachers, including non-practising teachers, are exempt from the Working with Children Check. Please refer to the Working with Children Check website for more information. This is because teachers are already subject to extensive criminal record checks.
In 2021, Victorian schools recruited more than 4,100 teaching professionals as tutors to support students in catching up with any learning they may have missed due to the coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic.
A pre-service teacher, a teacher on leave, a teacher working part-time who is looking for more hours, a recently retired teacher or a casual relief teacher were eligible to apply for a tutoring position.
A lecturer refers to a post-secondary teacher who teaches in a college or university. They can teach both undergraduate and post-graduate students. Unlike professors, they do not need a Master’s or Ph.D. to teach. What they bring to the table, however, is their working experience in the field which gives them the qualifications to teach a certain course.
You do not require VIT registration to teach in a university, TAFE or tertiary education setting.
Teachers and ECTs providing university lecturing may only use this experience as professional practice if it is in support of other teachers, i.e. lecturers from Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs.
The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 provides that all applicants are required to provide consent for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). Once registered, teachers must undergo an NCCHC every 5 years.
In order to meet the requirements for a NCCHC, an applicant / teacher must have their identity verified by an authorised third party. The verification of identity form is completed as part of an application for registration.
A weekly criminal record check of all registered teachers conducted by Victoria Police.
The statutory authority responsible for the provision of curriculum and assessment programs for students in Victoria.
VIT is governed by a Council which oversees the operations of the VIT and ensures the legislated functions are performed effectively and efficiently in a high performance environment and that the reputation of VIT is maintained and enhanced.
The VIT Council consists of up to twelve members, with the majority being registered teachers or persons who are engaged or employed as early childhood teachers. Council members, including the Chairperson, are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Education.
Council members possess the skills, experience and qualifications that are relevant to enable the Council to exercise its powers and perform its duties and functions. Council will include persons who have knowledge of, or experience in, the areas of management, finance, law and corporate governance.
The current VIT Council was formed in June 2019, following appointments made by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Education. The new Council members were appointed for a three year term ending 30 June 2022. The Council has also refreshed its charter, including the formation of five committees. This is the 6th Council since VIT’s inception and for the first time features two representatives from the early childhood sector.
Where there is a workforce shortage, a school may seek a grant of permission to teach (PTT) to fill the role. The employer/school must provide evidence that there is a workforce shortage for this position and subsequent positions.
The evidence must include a declaration by the principal stating that the workforce shortage exists and that no qualified registered teacher is able to fill the position. A workforce shortage declaration should be specific and detailed, explaining
See also PTT.
The Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a screening process for assessing and re-assessing people who work with or care for children in Victoria.
The WWCC is administered by WWCC Victoria and is governed by the Worker Screening Act 2020 (previously the Working with Children Act 2005).
The WWC Check includes considering the person’s criminal history and relevant professional conduct findings.
Previously known as a 'negative notice', a Working With Children (WWC) exclusion indicates that a person has made an application to Working with Children Check Victoria and they have been refused a Working with Children Check. It means that the person is not permitted to engage in child-related work.
VIT must refuse the application (or cancel their registration) if the person has received an exclusion. Prior to making this decision, VIT will provide the person with an opportunity to provide further information and documentation relating to the WWC exclusion.
