Teachers Registration Board of the Northern Territory
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Letter of professional standing

1. What is a Letter of Professional Standing?

A Letter of Professional Standing is a statement that a teacher is held in good stead in a particular jurisdiction. Sometimes this letter is called a 'Letter of Good Conduct' or a 'Statement of Good Standing' or similar. In the case of the TRB-NT, it is a statement that summarises your teacher registration history in the Northern Territory and whether there have ever been any issues in relation to your registration.

2. Why do teachers ask for a Letter of Professional Standing?

Usually teachers request a Letter of Professional Standing from the TRB-NT in response to a request by an overseas jurisdiction, generally because the teacher has requested registration in that country and the relevant registration authority wants to ensure there are no issues in relation to that teacher's registration in the Northern Territory.

3. Will I need a Letter of Professional Standing from the TRB-NT in order to register to teach in another state or territory of Australia or in New Zealand?

Generally, no. There is legislation in Australia and New Zealand which allows a currently registered teacher to register in another state or territory of Australia or in New Zealand under the Mutual Recognition Principle, and arrangements are in place between the TRB-NT and the other registration authorities which allow information to be transferred between both jurisdictions without the need for a formal Letter of Professional Standing.

4. What issues can’t the TRB-NT confirm?

Sometimes teachers want the TRB-NT to confirm:

  • What subjects they are qualified to teach
  • What age levels they are qualified to teach
  • That they passed their probation
  • Their teaching service history
  • Their pay level
  • Whether they have been the subject of disciplinary proceedings by their employer
  • Whether they are legally fit to work with children.

Unfortunately the TRB-NT is unable to confirm these issues. The teacher should contact their employer/former employer or supply a current Criminal History Clearance/Working With Children Card to confirm the above.

5. What issues can the TRB-NT confirm?

The Letter of Professional Standing can confirm:

  • On what basis registration was granted
  • The date your registration card was issued
  • Your registration status/category
  • Your registration expiry date
  • Whether your registration has ever been suspended or cancelled
  • Whether conditions have ever been imposed on your registration, and if those conditions have been lifted.

6. I taught in the NT prior to the TRB-NT being established so I have never been registered in the NT, but I have been asked to provide an overseas jurisdiction with a Letter of Professional Standing. Can the TRB-NT assist?

Yes, the TRB-NT is able to supply a letter confirming that you have never been registered in the Northern Territory and why.

7. How do I request a Letter of Professional Standing?

Please complete the Application for Letter of Professional Standing (pdf 213 kb | rtf 2.4 mb) and send by post, fax or email and include proof of identity (certified copy of photo ID). A scanned certified copy is acceptable. An application fee of $23.00 applies.