Information for Teachers from outside New Zealand
Are you thinking about coming to live and teach in New Zealand? If you have completed your teacher education programme in a country other than New Zealand then this information is for you. The first steps are to apply for teacher registration and a practising certificate so that you can teach in New Zealand.
Who needs to be registered?
Teacher registration was introduced in 1990 and made compulsory for those employed in teaching positions in state kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in 1996, in other early childhood centres in varying stages from 2005 and for Kura Kaupapa Maori from 2006. A current practising certificate is required by law for those in teaching positions in primary and secondary state, independent and integrated schools, free kindergartens and in increasing percentages in early childhood centres.
Gaining registration and finding teaching work in New Zealand
The pages below describe in detail the processes for applying for qualifications checks and for applying for teacher registration and a practising certificate, and also how to begin searching for a teaching role in New Zealand.
How do I apply for registration and a practising certificate to teach in New Zealand?
What is NZQA's role in assessing qualifications gained outside New Zealand?