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Assessment of Equivalent Early Childhood Educator Qualifications

An individual with early childhood qualifications either not listed on the approved qualifications lists or from overseas, can apply to ACECQA to have their qualifications assessed for equivalence.

ACECQA will determine if the individual can work as one of the three types of early childhood educator under the National Quality Framework (NQF):

  • early childhood teacher
  • diploma level educator
  • certificate III level educator.
Applying for an assessment

The guidelines for the determination of equivalent qualifications explain the application process and the criteria that ACECQA will consider in deciding if qualifications are equivalent. 

Applicants should read these guidelines together with the application form for more detail about the process and the supporting documents that will be needed.

To make an application to ACECQA, you will need to:

  • complete the application form
  • attach the necessary certified documents, and
  • pay the AUD$110 (incl. GST) fee. 

Completed applications can be sent to ACECQA

By email:              apply@acecqa.gov.au

By post:                Qualifications Assessment Team
                             ACECQA
                             PO BOX A292
                             Sydney NSW 1235

Overseas qualifications

If the qualification being assessed is from overseas, then before applying to ACECQA, you will first need certification of the level of the qualification. You can get this from an Overseas Qualification Unit in the state or territory you live in, the Australian Education International – National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) or Trades Recognition Australia.

Assessment process

ACECQA will email applicants within 10 working days once the application has been received and the fee payment processed.

Assessments are usually completed within eight weeks from the date of the initial notification email, providing all supporting documents are submitted with the application and appropriately certified. 

We ask that applicants limit enquiries about progress of assessments, as this takes time away from completing assessments.

After an assessment

If your application is successful, ACECQA will issue you a certificate. This certificate will demonstrate to potential employers that your qualifications are recognised as equivalent for the purposes of the National Quality Framework. 

For individuals with approved early childhood teacher qualifications, you will need to check if you also require teacher registration to work in your state or territory.

If your application is unsuccessful ACECQA will provide you with reasons for its decision.

Assessment for migration

If you wish to apply for an assessment of your Early Childhood Teacher (pre-primary school) qualification for the purpose of the General Skilled Migration Program, then you need to apply to the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). 

AITSL is the designated assessing authority under the General Skilled Migration Program for teacher occupations on the Skilled Occupation List.