Registered Teachers in New Zealand
Teacher registration is your official membership to the teaching profession. Registration was established to ensure a minimum quality standard is applied to all teachers entering or currently teaching in the general education system of New Zealand.
Teacher registration was introduced in 1990 and made compulsory in state kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in 1996, in early childhood centres in varying stages from 2005 and for Kura Kaupapa Māori from 2006. Teacher registration certifies that a teacher is satisfactorily trained, qualified and suitable to be a teacher and provides the assurance to future employers, parents and the public that the requirements for registration have been met. Different categories of registration indicate how recently the teacher has meet the Registered Teacher Criteria, or whether the teacher is yet to meet them for the first time.
Requirement to hold a Practising Certificate
When an application for registration is approved, a teacher is issued with a practising certificate. This practising certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue, and enables the holder to be legally employed in a teaching position within the general education system of New Zealand. A current practising certificate is mandatory for those employed in teaching positions in primary schools, secondary schools, free kindergartens and in many positions in early childhood education services.
Quick Links
Am I currently registered? Check the Online Register
I need an application form to apply for registration and a practising certificate
I hold full registration and need to renew my practising certificate