Teacher Accreditation

Find out about teacher accreditation in NSW Catholic schools and how to become an accredited teacher.
Teaching and Learning
A teacher at a table with some students teaching them writing.

Types of accreditation required to teach in NSW

Teaching in a Catholic school in NSW requires two distinct types of accreditations: 

  • Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead
  • NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Teacher Accreditation

These accreditation processes complement each other, covering different aspects of a teacher’s professional and spiritual journey, ensuring an integrated approach to education in Catholic schools.

Accreditation to Work, Teach, and Lead (WTL) 

WTL accreditation, mandated by the Catholic dioceses, emphasises the unique mission of Catholic education. It ensures that educators are not only proficient in their teaching skills but also committed to fostering a faith-based learning environment. 

This pathway involves a combination of professional development in religious education, spiritual formation, and a dedication to the values and ethos of the Catholic Church. The supportive nature of this accreditation process is designed to nurture teachers’ spiritual growth and professional excellence, making it a fulfilling journey for those passionate about Catholic education.

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Teacher Accreditation

NESA teacher accreditation is a requirement for all teachers in NSW, ensuring they meet prescribed professional standards. 

NESA sets requirements for achieving and maintaining accreditation at various career stages, from Graduate to Lead Teacher, through continuous professional development and adherence to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

NESA accreditation to teach in NSW

Teachers in NSW must attain accreditation to teach. 

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is the sole Teacher Accreditation Authority (TAA).

  • You must apply to NESA for accreditation to teach in NSW. 
  • CSNSW plays no role in accreditation.

Once NESA grants your accreditation, you should approach the diocese or school you would like to teach in to organise your registration to teach within that system or school. 

You will find more information about NSW Teacher Accreditation regulations, policies and procedures on the NESA website.

Or call NESA on 1300 739 338.

If you have questions about teacher accreditation in a particular Catholic school, direct them to the school in the first instance.

Becoming an accredited teacher

Accreditation to teach means that a teacher has addressed the obligations set out in the NSW Teacher Accreditation Manual.

A teacher must:

  • meet the requirements of the professional teaching standards for the relevant level of accreditation
  • hold a current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance for paid employment under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
  • not have been determined as being unsuitable to teach by NESA
  • pay the annual accreditation fee to NESA
  • comply with any other conditions specified in the rules of NESA and the TA Regulation.

Teachers in NSW are accredited at one of four career stages:

  • Graduate
  • Proficient
  • Highly Accomplished
  • Lead Teacher.

All teachers must reach the Proficient Teacher career stage within five years of their initial provisional accreditation.

Conditional Accreditation is available for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students who have completed a substantial part of an:

  • accredited undergraduate degree
  • or graduate entry teaching degree
  • or been awarded a non-teaching Bachelor degree and have been offered employment teaching that discipline in an NSW school.

The Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher career stages are voluntary.

Teacher Accreditation in Australia is a national certification, and teachers certified in other states and New Zealand are eligible for accreditation in NSW.

Maintaining teacher accreditation

Teachers maintaining accreditation will need to declare to NESA that they have:

  • met the conditions of accreditation as set out in section 1 of the NSW Teacher Accreditation Manual 2024,
  • completed 100 hours of professional development aligned to the Standards,
  • retain a professional development log that records required information for 12 months after the end of their maintenance period.

This declaration will roll their accreditation into the next five-year maintenance cycle and is completed in the online accreditation system for teachers (eTAMS) in the final three months of their maintenance period.

Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher Accreditation (HALT)

Teachers who can demonstrate exemplary teaching practice are encouraged to apply for Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher accreditation. This nationally recognised certification process is voluntary and acknowledges the significant work of some teachers leading others for optimum student outcomes. 

More information about HALT can be found by contacting