What happens when an application for registration arrives at the Institute?

The Institute receives more than 10,000 applications for registration every year. More than 5000 of those applications are processed during January and February to ensure teachers, many of them recent graduates, can start teaching as soon as possible in the new school year.

Applicants seeking registration for the beginning of the school year are encouraged to submit their applications early, in the period from October to December.  Applications submitted in January may not be able to be finalised in time.

Applications for registration can take 4-6 weeks to be finalised.

The process for assessing an application is rigorous and intensive. The Institute must ensure that only teachers of good character, who meet the qualifications requirements, are registered to teach in Victoria. In this way the Institute protects the professional status of teaching and assures the general community that all teachers in Victoria meet high professional standards.

The following process is applied strictly in order of receipt of the application.

• the online application form is received electronically and date stamped in the database
• confirmation pages are printed signed and mailed to the Institute with supporting documents
• an application fee is paid at time of submission or an invoice sent
• the application is held until confirmation pages and supporting documents and payment are received
• the application is allocated to a registration officer for case management
• the application is assessed to ensure that it is complete 
• the level of registration is determined as provisional or full based on evidence of previous professional practice and standards of professional practice
• the request for a criminal record check is processed and suitability assessment is made
• the qualifications are assessed to ensure that they meet the requirements for registration
• the application is listed for the next registration approval meeting
• if approved, the register is updated with the applicant’s name,a registration card is generated and sent to the applicant
• The applicant may begin teaching at this time.

In most cases delays which occur in the processing of an application result from the applicant not providing complete information. In these circumstances the Institute cannot assess the applicant's eligibility for registration. If the application form is not complete, the applicant will receive a letter detailing the information that has been omitted. The applicant will then be given 30 days in which to provide the documents or information and pay the required fee, or the application will lapse.

To ensure your application is processed without delay, make sure

• the online application form is submitted allowing 4-6 weeks for processing
• your confirmation pages are printed and signed
• a character reference is provided
• you attach certified copies of all required supporting documents
• the application fee is paid at time of submission or promptly if you pay by invoice.

Registration officers communicate with applicants and principals at all stages of the process to ensure that the application may be approved as quickly as possible.