Every educator in an approved service needs the right qualification for their role, and checking it is one of the most important parts of onboarding. ACECQA keeps a national list of approved early childhood qualifications, from Certificate III through to early childhood teaching degrees. This guide walks through 9 practical steps for checking an ACECQA approved qualification, whether you’re an educator, a compliance lead or someone who trained overseas.
What counts as an ACECQA approved qualification?
Under the National Quality Framework, ACECQA approves early childhood teaching, diploma and Certificate III level qualifications for educators in education and care services. The NQF approved qualifications list includes current and former approved qualifications, as well as approved first aid, emergency asthma and anaphylaxis qualifications.
9 Steps to check ACECQA qualifications
1. Start with the NQF approved qualifications list
ACECQA’s online list lets you search by qualification level, institution, qualification name or code. You can filter your results by qualification level, such as ECT, Diploma or Certificate III.
2. Match the details carefully
When you search, compare the qualification name, code and institution with the educator’s certificate, and check any date conditions on the list entry. Some approvals depend on when the educator enrolled or started the course, so the transcript or a letter from the provider can help. Taking a moment to check each detail helps avoid surprises later.
3. Sight the certificate and transcript
Ask to see the original certificate, or a certified copy, along with the academic transcript where relevant. The transcript can help confirm the qualification was completed and show the units studied. Note what you sighted, when and by whom. It’s good record keeping, and qualification details also need to be recorded on the National Early Childhood Worker Register.
4. Recheck qualifications, not just at onboarding
Qualification status can change. For example, ASQA can cancel qualifications if a training provider didn’t assess learners properly, and it publishes these actions on its website. Our article on how QuickCare identified educators impacted by the ASQA qualification review explains more. Rechecking qualifications from time to time can help you catch changes early.
5. Understand “actively working towards” a qualification
Educators who are enrolled in an approved Certificate III, have started study, are making satisfactory progress and are meeting enrolment requirements can be counted as actively working towards that qualification. Similar provisions apply to diplomas, with extra conditions such as already holding an approved Certificate III. ACECQA’s actively working towards guidance sets out the full requirements, including differences for family day care.
6. Plan ahead for ECTs who are still studying
Until 31 December 2026, regulation 242 allows some people studying an approved ECT qualification to be ‘taken to be an early childhood teacher’ if they meet set conditions, such as holding an approved diploma or having completed at least 50% of the course.
This provision is ending: ACECQA has confirmed it will expire on 31 December 2026 and won’t continue in the ACT, NSW, Tasmania or WA. It already doesn’t apply in Queensland or Victoria, or to NSW centre-based services caring for 30 or more preschool-age children. The Northern Territory is still finalising its arrangements, so if you’re in the NT or South Australia, check with your regulatory authority. If anyone on your team is currently counted under regulation 242, check their study progress and talk to your regulatory authority about your options for 2027.
7. Apply for an assessment if a qualification isn’t listed
If you trained overseas, or your qualification doesn’t appear on the list, you can apply to ACECQA for an equivalence assessment at Certificate III, diploma or ECT level. You’ll need certified copies of documents such as your certificate, full transcript and evidence of English language proficiency, with formal translations for anything not in English. ACECQA states its target is to complete assessments within 80 calendar days of receiving a complete application, so incomplete applications will take longer. Check ACECQA’s website for current fees and conditions before applying.
8. Understand what a successful assessment covers
A successful equivalence assessment means you can work as a qualified educator at that level in an approved service. However, ACECQA notes it doesn’t guarantee teacher registration or a job in Australia. ECTs may also need to meet separate state or territory teacher registration requirements.
9. Keep qualification records up to date
Qualifications and training are recorded on the Worker Register, and records must be updated within 14 days of any change. A central record for each educator makes it easier to see who holds which qualification and who is still studying. Our guide to childcare compliance software covers features that can help.
Final thoughts
Checking an ACECQA approved qualification doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need care. A search of the approved list, a look at the original documents and regular rechecks can give everyone confidence that each educator is qualified for their role.
How QuickCare can help
QuickCare helps childcare services keep educator qualifications and checks in one place. Real-Time Compliance checks Cert III, Diploma and ECT qualifications (against ACECQA’s approved list, and ASQA cancellations if applicable), alongside WWCC checks and expiry alerts for first aid and CPR. Services still complete their own final checks, such as sighting evidence and making Worker Register entries.
