Police Checks within the Australian education system

The Australian education system is considered one of the best in the world, made up of thousands of dedicated childcare workers, preschools teachers, primary and secondary teachers, universities lecturers, TAFE teachers and private educators.

Teaching is also considered one of Australia's most stable professions and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that about 276,329 teachers and 95,995 administrative workers are connected to the Australian education system that covers over 1,200 institutions - offering around 22,000 courses.

Understanding the paths to becoming a teacher.

Every Australian state has its own guidelines for educational institutes; however in all states, if you want to teach in primary and secondary schools, you must have a bachelor or higher-level education degree with an accredited institute such as a university. During this period, you will also have the chance to work closely with experienced, registered teachers to gain hands-on teaching experience.

When you've completed your studies, you will need to apply for registration - which includes both a Police Check (such as an NCC Police Check) and in most cases, a child clearance check. Once completed, you'll have a provisional registration that lets you apply for positions as an instructor. Following this, you will need to provide evidence to be considered for full registration. It is quite an extensive process.

How does the education system differ from state-to-state in Australia?

While it would be much easier to have a Federal system, especially for families and students that relocate between states, right now, each state has its own requirements. For example, in NSW, the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) handles the accreditation of teachers. In Queensland, you need to apply to the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). They will review your Criminal History, where you must disclose any history, including minor incidents when completing the application.

If you are looking to study to become a qualified teacher, we would highly recommend that you take a Police Check before your studies to ensure you don't have any records that could prevent you from obtaining your accreditation in the years to come. It is very fast and affordable to obtain this check, and you can learn more here: NCC Secure Online Police Check.

When it comes to institutes such as TAFE and Universities, or any other Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the same rules apply, so it's simply best to undertake a Police Check to ensure there will be no barriers when applying for a new role.

Do work placement students require Police Checks?

Yes, this is a necessity for many states and educational providers. For example, TAFE NSW gives students a 'code of practice' that outlines the required behaviour standards. If the student is undertaking a placement in health, child or aged care, they must acquire a Police Check.

If you are a student looking to undertake a work placement role, please be sure to ask your instructors and institute administration about the requirements. If you require a Police Check, NCC offers secure online Police Checks using your webcam, mobile phone or tablet, all within 24-hours^. 

What about private and niche learning institutes?

For training colleges including Registered Training Organisations (RTO#) of all kinds, both teachers and students must be able to learn in a safe environment. The easiest way to minimise any risks is through a Police Check, using an Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) accredited agency such as NCC, who provide the confidence you need when onboarding new staff and students, including those who will be undertaking work placement roles.

NCC provides online Police Checks for both Teachers and Students within niche educational sectors such as institutes like Arc Training who offer courses in Business, Warehouse, Retail and Manufacturing. 

Introducing InstaID+ - the latest identity verification solution

Working with educational institutes, National Crime Check is proud to announce InstaID+, a new app that ensures you are not at risk of any teachers or students using false identities. Combined with an NCC Police check, you can rest assured that your teachers, students and administration staff do not have a criminal history that you need to be concerned about.