Teacher Registration Board Northern Territory (TRBNT)

Early Childhood Teacher Registration

 

The Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) ACT 2004, was amended in 2025 to include the Registration of Early Childhood Teachers. The registering of Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) is mandatory from September 2026. 

 

The aim of the inclusion of registering ECTs is improving child safety. Registering ECTs allows for greater visibility and tracking of who is working in the Northern Territory, where they are working, as per all other teachers in the Territory. It also assists to uphold the professional standards Early Childhood teachers work within.

 

Do I need proof of English Language Proficiency testing?

In determining your proficiency in the English language, the Board considers:

  • Whether your qualifications for registration have been undertaken in English in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, English-speaking Canada or the United States of America.; or
  • Your results in one of the following:
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – academic
    • International Second Language Proficiency Ratings (ISLPR) - teachers

The Board may accept the results of an English language proficiency test undertaken by the applicant within 3 years from the date the Board receives the application for registration. Any costs associated with the English language tests will be the responsibility of the applicant.

English Proficiency | Teacher Registration Board

 

How do I register?

To apply for registration as a new applicant, you must complete Form A on the TRBNT website Homepage | Teacher Registration Board. It is recommended you read the instructions within Form A thoroughly prior to commencing your application process to determine the specific requirements for your circumstances. Your application will only be accepted by the Board if it is complete, and therefore it is also recommended that you familiarise yourself with the requirements for a complete application, found on the Registration Process page. The team at TRBNT aim to support you.

 

What is the Director/ Nominated Supervisor responsible for?

  • After September 2027 it will be an offence to employ an Early Childhood Teacher working in a teaching role that is unregistered.
  • It is recommended as Director / Nominated Supervisor to support Early Childhood Teachers working at your Early Childhood Education and Care Centre to become a registered teacher.

 

What is the Early Childhood Teacher responsible for in Registration?

  • After September 2027 it will be an offence to be employed as an Early Childhood Teacher working in a teaching role if you are unregistered.
  • It is recommended to have a discussion with your Director / Nominated Supervisor, and begin the process of becoming registered. 

 

Where can I find support?

  • The first point of call is your Employer, Director or Nominated Supervisor. As they are responsible for making sure their staff are appropriately qualified and registered.
  • TRBNT can support via: 

Tel: (08) 8944 9388

e: trbregistration@trb.nt.gov.au

w: www.trb.nt.gov.au

 

Free Professional Learning Events | Teacher Registration Board

Personalised Professional Learning is available upon request for teams if needed. To arrange please contact the Quality Teaching Team at trbqualityteach@trb.nt.gov.au