The provisional to full registration process is designed to ensure that all teachers can demonstrate proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST). This assures the VIT and the community that all Victorian teachers are meeting expected standards, including a clear understanding of the important role they play in providing for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.   

Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, provisional registration is initially granted for a period of two years. During this time provisionally registered teachers (PRTs) are expected to move to full registration using the VIT’s Inquiry process. If a PRT is unable to move to full registration during the initial grant, they can apply for a further grant of provisional registration.   

The Inquiry process is recognised as an effective professional learning model for all teachers, regardless of their level of experience. While most people undertaking the process are graduate level teachers, there are a significant number of experienced teachers returning to the profession who use the process to refine their skills in a contemporary teaching context.   

In order to cater for the diverse range of teaching environments, the full registration process is designed so that teachers can adapt it to suit their specific teaching context.

The VIT is well-placed to support teachers with their regulatory requirements, however it is outside our legislative remit to deal with employment-based matters, such as provision of mentors in the workplace or employment opportunities. The VIT regularly communicates with principals, education leaders, DET and other employment bodies to highlight the ways in which they can support CRTs to meet and maintain their regulatory requirements.

Legislative changes

National consistencies in teacher registration suggest provisional registration should be held for a maximum of 5 years. The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 was recently amended to include a 6-year limit in which a teacher can remain provisionally registered.  

The new limits support the Victorian Government’s desire to have proficient and competent teachers to ensure the best learning and development experience for Victorian learners.  

The VIT will continue to take into account any extenuating circumstances when assessing an application for a further grant of provisional registration. A policy position is currently being developed and will be distributed to provisionally registered teachers and their employers once it has been finalised. 

Provisionally registered casual relief teachers (CRTs) 

The VIT recognises the value of the CRT workforce in providing continuity and stability of learning for Victorian children and young people.  

There is no separate category of registration for CRTs in recognition of the fact that they can undertake all of the duties of a teacher at any time. Provisionally registered CRTs are therefore required to meet the same level of the standards and move to full registration using the VIT’s Inquiry process.

The VIT has developed resources in consultation with the CRT community, such as targeted seminars and supplementary process guides, that explore the opportunities for CRTs to move to full registration. These are available at www.vit.vic.edu.au/registered-teacher/casual-relief-teacher.  

The VIT also offers specialist CRT webinars that outline how to complete the Inquiry process within the CRT context and works with CRT network leaders who mentor provisionally registered CRTs. The VIT works with Teacher Learning Network who deliver CRT specific professional development and regularly presents to CRT agencies on the provisional to full registration process.