- First-time accreditation
- Apply for Proficient Teacher accreditation
- Maintain accreditation
- Apply for HALT accreditation
- Manage your accreditation
- Returning Teachers
- Employers
First-time accreditation
Find resources for first-time teacher accreditation in NSW.
Teacher Education Students should be aware that one-year Graduate Diplomas (Primary/Secondary) do NOT meet the requirements for Provisional or Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW. This applies even if another state or territory approves them. For more information go to our Why One-year Graduate Diplomas do not meet national ITE standards page.
Checklists
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Checklist: I’m still studying a teaching degree in Australia | Download this checklist to help you collect everything you need if you’re still studying a teaching degree in Australia. |
| Checklist: I’ve graduated from a teaching degree in Australia | Download this checklist to help you collect everything you need if you’ve graduated from a teaching degree in Australia. |
| Checklist: I’ve some qualifications from overseas (outside Australia) | Download this checklist to help you collect everything you need if any of your qualifications are from overseas. |
| Checklist: I’m registered as a teacher in another Australian state/territory or in New Zealand | Download the checklist to help you collect everything you need if you hold teacher registration in another Australian state or territory or in New Zealand. |
Resources for applicants
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| First-time accreditation for early childhood teachers - understanding the TA Manual updates in October 2025 (PDF 130.26KB). | Use this fact sheet to understand the updates to first-time accreditation for early childhood teachers, as published in the revised version of the Teacher Accreditation Manual in October 2025. |
| First-time accreditation factsheet for applicants with UK qualifications (PDF 162.46KB) | Information on eligibility requirements for first-time accreditation applicants with qualifications from the UK. |
| Principles for the employment of conditionally accredited teachers (PDF 132.14KB) | Read these principles to learn how teacher education providers and employers can support Conditionally accredited teachers. |
| Moving from Conditional to Provisional Teacher Accreditation: Information for Applicants (PDF 138.07KB) | Read these guidelines to learn how to apply for Provisional Teacher Accreditation. |
| Strengthening Conditional Accreditation (PDF 97.65KB) | Use this fact sheet to understand the updates to Conditional accreditation published in the revised version of the Teach Accreditation Manual in February 2026 |
Resources for supporting applicants
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Priority Request fact sheet for Initial Accreditation (employers and principals) (PDF 191.12KB) | How to make a priority request for first-time accreditation if you are a principal or employer, and need a teacher to start at your school immediately. |
| Conditional Accreditation fact sheet (employers and principals) (PDF 160.28KB) | Information for principals and employers on eligibility for Conditional accreditation. Supporting the employment of eligible Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students as teachers. |
| Accreditation exemption for Vocational Education & Training (VET) teachers | Information for principals or employers looking to employ a VET teacher, without teaching qualifications, to teach VET courses in a NVR-registered school. |
Apply for Proficient Teacher accreditation
Find out how to apply for Proficient Teacher accreditation, guides to help you demonstrate how the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (the Standards) apply to your practice and how to support a teacher applying.
Teacher Education Students should be aware that one-year Graduate Diplomas (Primary/Secondary) do NOT meet the requirements for Provisional or Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW. This applies even if another state or territory approves them. For more information go to our Why One-year Graduate Diplomas do not meet national ITE standards page.
Resources for applicants
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Applying for Proficient Teacher accreditation procedure for early childhood and K–12 teachers (PDF 198.44KB) | Teachers can read this procedure to understand the steps you need to take toward achieving Proficient Teacher accreditation. |
| Applying for Proficient Teacher procedure for non-school/service based teachers (PDF 274.22KB) | Non-school/service based teachers can read this procedure on the steps they need to take to achieve Proficient Teacher accreditation. |
| Proficient Teacher evidence guide (PDF 605.99KB) | K–12 and early childhood teachers working towards Proficient Teacher accreditation can use this guide to understand how to compile and annotate documentary evidence. |
| Understanding effective evidence in a PT application (PDF 218.4KB) | Our fact sheet can guide you on what makes effective evidence and questions to consider when developing your evidence for your Proficient Teacher application. |
Resources for supporting applicants
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Accreditation Supervisor guide (PDF 304.04KB) | Read this guide to understand the Accreditation Supervisor role and the process of supporting teachers through the Proficient Teacher accreditation process. |
| Applying for Proficient Teacher accreditation procedure for Accreditation Supervisors (PDF 179.27KB) | Read this procedure to understand how to support provisionally or conditionally accredited teachers working towards achieving Proficient Teacher accreditation. |
| Applying for Proficient Teacher accreditation procedure for school and early childhood employers (PDF 246.56KB) | Read this guide to understand the internal procedures you must have in place as an employer. |
| Applying for Proficient Teacher accreditation procedure for principals and Teacher Accreditation Delegates (PDF 189.58KB) | Read this procedure to understand your role as a principal or Teacher Accreditation Delegate (TA Delegate) supporting a teacher to achieve Proficient Teacher accreditation. |
| Fact sheet – accreditation requirements to teach in NSW schools (PDF 146.08KB) | Read this fact sheet to find out about accreditation requirements for teachers, including principals and executive staff, to teach in NSW schools. |
| Fact sheet – accreditation requirements to teach in NSW services (PDF 142.15KB) | Read this fact sheet to find out more about accreditation requirements for teachers, including TA Delegates and executive staff, to teach in NSW centre-based early childhood services. |
| Observation report template (PDF 960KB) | Accreditation Supervisors can use this template as a framework to record an observation of a teacher who is working towards Proficient Teacher accreditation. |
Maintain accreditation
Find resources for teachers maintaining their accreditation, including the NESA Professional Development (PD) log template, an extension form if you need more time to meet requirements and a form to record how you continue to meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (the Standards).
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| NESA Professional Development Log (PDF 318.07KB) | Use this optional template to log your professional development (PD) as part of maintaining your teacher accreditation. |
| HALT maintenance of accreditation form (PDF 196.64KB) | Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers must complete this form to finalise their maintenance of accreditation in the final three months of their maintenance period. This form must be submitted by their principal/TA Delegate/employer to NESA by the end of the teacher’s maintenance end date. |
| Maintenance of Proficient Teacher accreditation form for non-school and service based teachers (PDF 183.49KB) | Proficient teachers in eligible non-school and service based roles can use this application to voluntarily maintain their accreditation. |
| Maintaining Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation procedure for teachers (PDF 190.01KB) | Read this procedure to understand the steps you need to take to maintain your HALT accreditation. |
| Maintaining Proficient Teacher accreditation procedure for teachers (PDF 189.33KB) | Use this procedure to follow the steps you need to take to maintain your Proficient Teacher accreditation. |
Resources for supporting applicants
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Maintaining Proficient Teacher accreditation procedure for principals, Teacher Accreditation Delegates and employers (PDF 197.69KB) | Follow this procedure if you are a principal, TA Delegate or employer supporting a teacher to maintain their Proficient Teacher accreditation. |
| Maintaining Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation procedure for principals, Teacher Accreditation Delegates and employers (PDF 212.08KB) | Follow this procedure if you are a principal, TA Delegate or employer supporting a teacher to maintain their HALT accreditation. |
Apply for HALT accreditation
Find resources for applying for Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation, including guides and templates to support your application, and resources to use while you support an applicant.
View the resources for the following areas:
Resources for applicants
Procedure
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Applying for HALT accreditation procedure for teachers (PDF 288.21KB) | Teachers can read this procedure to understand what is involved in applying for HALT accreditation. |
Evidence guides
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Highly Accomplished Teacher evidence guide – For applicants working in K–12 schools (PDF 762.05KB) | Teachers can use this guide to understand the evidence needed to demonstrate the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (the Standards) at Highly Accomplished Teacher. |
| Highly Accomplished Teacher evidence guide – For applicants working in early childhood services (PDF 785.54KB) | Early childhood teachers can use this guide to understand the evidence needed to demonstrate the Standards at Highly Accomplished Teacher. |
| Lead Teacher evidence guide – For applicants working in K–12 schools (PDF 567.25KB) | Teachers can use this guide to understand the evidence needed to demonstrate the Standards at Lead Teacher. |
| Lead Teacher evidence guide – For applicants working in early childhood services (PDF 708.9KB) | Early childhood teachers can use this guide to understand the evidence needed to demonstrate the Standards at Lead Teacher. |
Fact sheets
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Collaborative evidence fact sheet (PDF 116.5KB) | This fact sheet explains in-depth collaborative evidence together with examples. |
| Indirect impact fact sheet (PDF 117.37KB) | This fact sheet explains the requirements for indirect evidence, differences between indirect and direct evidence, and roles and related evidence of indirect impact. |
| Internal observation fact sheet (PDF 120.36KB) | Find out the requirements for internal observations, what they should include, and how and when they are submitted. |
| NESA recognised programs fact sheet (PDF 120.37KB) | Find out more information about what qualifies for a NESA recognised program, how it contributes to a HALT application and case studies. |
Internal observations
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Applicant guide – Internal observations (PDF 220.46KB) | Read this guide for advice about the requirements for internal observations of teaching practice for HALT accreditation. |
| Internal observation report template – Applicant’s observation of a colleague (PDF 144.97KB) | HALT applicants can use this template as a framework to report on an observation of a colleague’s teaching practice. |
Other templates
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Template for collaborative evidence (PDF 135.24KB) | Use this template to submit evidence from a collaborative project or initiative as part of your HALT application. |
Site visits
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Site visit guide – Applicants (PDF 321.63KB) | Read this guide for advice on planning, preparing and running a site visit. |
| Site visit – Recorded observation schedule and details (PDF 120.94KB) | Use this template to share information with the External Assessor for a recorded observation. |
| Site visit – On site observation schedule template (PDF 147.71KB) | Use this template to share information with the External Assessor for an on site observation. |
| Site visit session plan template (PDF 116.06KB) | Complete this template to plan your sessions. |
| Site visit professional discussion notes template (PDF 73.42KB) | Use this template to help prepare your own discussion points for the professional discussion with the External Assessor. |
Resources for supporting applicants
| Resources | Description |
|---|---|
| Applying for HALT accreditation procedure for principals, Teacher Accreditation Delegates and employers (PDF 213.6KB) | Read this procedure to understand what you need to do when supporting a teacher applying for HALT accreditation. |
| External Assessor Guide – Site Visit (PDF 343.04KB) | External assessors can use this guide to learn about their role and responsibilities in the application process. |
| Principal or Teacher Accreditation Delegate guide – Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation (PDF 264.27KB) | Principals and TA Delegates can read this guide to understand their role in the application process. |
Manage your accreditation
Find resources for managing your accreditation, including forms for voluntary cancellation and Leave of Absence.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Applying for a Leave of Absence procedure (PDF 170.59KB) | Read this procedure if you are applying for a Leave of Absence. |
| Extension of time application form (PDF 223.05KB) | Complete this application to request an extension to meet Proficient Teacher or maintenance requirements. |
| Non-practising teacher accreditation procedure information for K–12 and early childhood teachers (PDF 247.34KB) | Follow this procedure if you want to change to Non-practising accreditation. |
| Leave of Absence for suspended teachers application form (PDF 699.77KB) | Suspended teachers who do not hold an active accreditation can use this application to apply for a Leave of Absence. All other teachers can apply in their NESA online account (eTAMS). |
| Voluntary cancellation of teacher accreditation application form (PDF 152.38KB) | Use this application to voluntarily cancel accreditation. |
Returning Teachers
Use these resources to apply for re-accreditation, or immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Applying for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher procedure for teachers (PDF 173.75KB) | Eligible returning teachers can read this procedure how the steps they need to take to apply for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher. |
| Applying for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher procedure for principals and Teacher Accreditation Delegates (PDF 173.54KB) | Learn about the steps you can take to support an eligible returning teacher to apply for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher. |
| Immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher application form (PDF 260.27KB) | Eligible returning teachers can use this application to apply for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher. |
| Applying for re-accreditation procedure for returning teachers (early childhood and K-12) (PDF 335.24KB) | Read this procedure on the steps required to apply for re-accreditation under the different pathways. |
| Re-accreditation after voluntary cancellation application form (PDF 184.54KB) | Teachers can use this application to apply for re-accreditation after cancelling their accreditation. |
| Re-accreditation after ceasing application form (PDF 269.57KB) | Provisional and Conditional teachers can use this application to apply for re-accreditation after their accreditation has ceased. |
| Re-accreditation after revocation application form (PDF 256.09KB) | Teachers can use this application to apply for re-accreditation after their accreditation is revoked. |
| Re-accreditation after cancellation application form (PDF 298.13KB) | Use this form to apply for re-accreditation if your accreditation was cancelled for outstanding fees, not meeting your maintenance requirements and other circumstances. |
Employers
Find resources to support teachers with accreditation and guide the development of internal employer procedures.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Nominating an early childhood employer representative (PDF 166.05KB) | Read this fact sheet for an explanation for early childhood employers to nominate an employer representative as a contact person for all matters relating to teacher accreditation for early childhood teachers. |
| Teacher Accreditation Fact Sheet for Early Childhood Employers (PDF 195.44KB) | Gain a snapshot of provisional and Proficient Teacher accreditation within the early childhood context. |
| Teacher Summary Report Fact Sheet (PDF 383.16KB) | Understand the key information in a Teacher Summary Report produced from NESA online account system (eTAMS). |
Contact our teacher accreditation team
You can contact specialist teacher accreditation staff depending on your circumstances.
Call: 1300 739 338 or if you are calling from overseas +61 2 9268 6300
Stay connected
Keep in touch by following NESA on social media.
For more information on how to contact a specific team or make a complaint, visit NESA's contact us page.