With support from the Department of Education, the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) has introduced a new registration category to address teacher workforce shortages in Victoria and make it easier for experienced teachers to re-enter the profession.
Experienced returning registration acknowledges the prior experience of teachers returning to the profession who previously held full registration in Australia or New Zealand.
It helps returning teachers understand their obligations and professional responsibilities and familiarise themselves with the current teaching landscape in Victoria before returning to full registration.
There are two types of experienced returning registration
- Experienced returning registered teachers can teach in any Victorian primary or secondary school or specialist education provider.
- Experienced returning registered ECTs can teach in any Victorian early childhood education service, such as childcare centres, preschools and kindergartens.
Experienced returning registered teachers (ERRTs) can work full-time, part-time or as casual relief teachers (CRTs). Visit the Casual relief teachers page to find out more about working as a CRT and the resources available.
Teachers are not permitted to work in settings that do not fall within the scope of their registration type unless they hold dual registration. For example, an experienced returning registered early childhood teacher cannot undertake the duties of a teacher in a school. Visit the FAQs page to find out more.
Registration requirements and how to apply
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 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 (please note you will be required to provide evidence of this when applying).
How to apply
Eligible teachers can apply directly through their MyVIT account.
Visit the How to register page for further guidance on the registration process.
Applicants can also learn about typical processing timeframes on the How long does it take to register page.
Check out the Registration Evidence Checklist for more information on what evidence to provide when applying for registration with VIT.
Registration requirements
Experienced returning registration is granted for a period of two (2) years. In this time, ERRTs are expected to complete the returning to full registration process by demonstrating they
- have met the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) at the Proficient Teacher level
- have taught for at least 80 days in one or more Australian or New Zealand schools or early childhood services
- refresh their understanding of the Victorian Teaching Profession’s Code of Conduct and Ethics and other regulatory requirements.
ERRTs are encouraged to actively engage and seek guidance with their workplace through observations, professional discussions and professional learning. This support can help guide practice and provide opportunities for feedback during the return to full registration.
Employers are required to attest to the teacher’s proficiency and confirm the registration requirements have been met.
Please note: the experienced returning registration pathway does not include an inquiry or a panel.
Ready to apply for full registration?
Once an ERRT can prove they have met their professional practice requirements, they can apply for full registration. Visit the Returning to full registration page to find out more about the process.
Ongoing obligations
All teachers, regardless of their registration category, are required to meet certain obligations in order to maintain their registration.
For ERRTs, these include
- paying their annual registration fee by 30 September each year as part of the annual registration process
- consenting to VIT running a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) every five years
- maintaining their details with VIT, including confirming/updating their name, contact and employment details.
Visit the Maintain my registration page to find out more.
The initial registration fee paid by ERRTs is pro-rated and covers their registration from the commencement date of their provisional registration until the next 30 September annual registration deadline. The expiry date listed on their digital registration card will also reflect this date and not the date that their grant of provisional registration expires.
An ERRT is expected to complete the annual registration tasks and pay the annual fee by 30 September each year, at which time the digital registration card will be automatically updated. Visit the Registration fees page to find out more.
Need help?
For questions regarding experienced returning registration or assistance completing the Return to Full Registration Pathway, contact VIT at rtf@vit.vic.edu.au.
Last updated: 14 Apr 2026