Early Childhood Teacher Registration

Early childhood teachers in the NT will soon need to be registered with the Teacher Registration Board (TRB NT).

This new requirement helps strengthen child safety and professional standards.

The Northern Territory is introducing mandatory registration for Early Childhood Teachers from September 2026.

Early childhood teachers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

Qualified teachers working in:

• Preschools
• Long day care
• Early learning centres
• Any approved early childhood service delivering education programs

You must register if you teach or deliver educational programs and hold an approved early childhood teaching qualification.

• Proof of identity
• Early childhood teaching qualification/s
• Final academic transcripts
• Evidence of supervised teaching practice
• Current working with children Card (Ochre Card)
• National Police Check issued by SAFENT within the previous 3 months or evidence that an application has been lodged
• Completed Form A for new applicants
• Completed Form B for applications under Mutual Recognition 

• Full Registration
• Provisional Registration 

• If you are currently employed as an Early Childhood teacher, you must submit an application for registration prior to September 2027
• From September 2027 it will be an offence for an early childhood teacher to teach unregistered

Required if the total 4 years of higher education qualifications were not completed in an exempt country. Accepted evidence includes IELTS (academic), ISLPR (teachers), or proof of study completed in English.

More info: English Proficiency | Teacher Registration Board. English Language Proficiency is not required if applying to the NT under Mutual Recognition.

Early childhood services must:

• Ensure relevant teaching staff are registered in accordance with legislation
• Notify TRB NT of employment changes
• Support staff during the transition