Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) Primary/Post-primary, Montessori
Each year the Council offers a priority registration process to Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) - the NQT fast track registration process.
Step 1 – Vetting
If you are already registered with the Teaching Council you do not need to re-apply for vetting for registration purposes. Please proceed to Step 2 below.
Please follow the guidelines carefully as applications / documents not correctly submitted will cause delays for everyone and cannot be processed.
- Create an online account by clicking on this link Account Creation NQT (teachingcouncil.ie)
- When you have created your online account or if you already have an online account, please access the NQT Vetting application here NQT Vetting Application (teachingcouncil.ie)
Please note these links must only be used by NQTs (Newly Qualified Teachers) in Ireland.
As part of the Vetting process, you will be required to upload proof of identity and proof of address. Double check that your name and address is consistent on the documents and the documents are dated appropriately. Please refer to the required proof of identity and proof of address information before you start and have scans/photos of these documents to hand for upload.
If you have lived overseas for a cumulative period of more than 12 months after the age of 18 you will be required to provide police clearance for each jurisdiction you have lived in. Further information is available at Overseas Police Clearance.
The Teaching Council can only accept vetting carried out by the Council for registration purposes. Vetting via another body such as a sports club or voluntary organisation cannot be accepted and will delay your registration.
Step 2 – Consent for transfer of student details from the HEI
Your course provider will contact you to ask for your consent to transfer your details to the Teaching Council. This will include the following:
- Name
- PPSN Number
- Title
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Personal email address
- Mobile number
- Qualification Result
- Qualification title
- Course Duration
- Year of Award
- Subject methodology (post-primary only)
When contacted please follow your course providers instructions and submit the consent in the format requested.
Remember:
a) If you do not consent to this process, your final results will not be transferred to the Council for the fast-track registration process and you will have to apply via the standard application process which can take longer.
b) Please ensure that the email address you provide is the same as the one provided for vetting.
Step 3 – Character Reference
As part of the registration process, the Council must be satisfied that all applicants for registration are fit and proper persons to be admitted onto the Register of Teachers. This is a legal requirement set out in the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015. The Council has asked the course providers to give a bulk character reference for NQT applicants as part of the transfer of results process. Should a college/university decline to provide such a reference for an applicant they will notify the applicant and the Council so that alternative arrangements can be considered. This will happen automatically, and applicants do not need to do anything.
Step 4 – Registration
Provided you have granted consent (Step 2) to your course provider, your personal details and final results will be transferred to the Teaching Council on successful completion of your teacher education qualification.
On receipt of this information the Council can commence the registration process and issue you with a secure link to complete your NQT registration application online. We kindly ask that you do not contact the Council for status reports during the registration process as this will delay the processing of all registrations.
If you are registering for the first time it is important to upload the required documentation when making your registration application to avoid any delays. Please refer to requirements below:
Academic Transcripts
You are required to submit full academic transcripts (all years and result confirmed) for your undergraduate qualification in the following scenarios:
- If you have completed a consecutive Post-primary teacher education qualification (Professional Masters of Education (PME)) and did not partake in the PME Verification project in your first year of your qualification.
- You have completed a consecutive Primary teacher education qualification (Professional Masters of Education).
Already Registered with the Council
If you are already registered with the Council under another route, you will still need to complete Step 2 above (Consent for transfer of your details to the Council). Please note your registration number will not change and there is no requirement to submit an additional registration fee or to re-apply for Garda vetting (for registration purposes). We will issue you with a secure link to complete your NQT registration online.
If you are registering as a Newly Qualified Teacher under the Post-primary route your registration under the Further Education route will be removed. If you wish to retain this route, please confirm by email to nqt@teachingcouncil.ie quoting your registration number before 30th August 2023.
Issuing your Certificate of Registration
When your registration is finalised, you will receive an email issuing a Certificate of Registration through our online “My Registration” facility. You will also be able to update your contact details and renew your registration annually online. Please keep a note of your anniversary date and renew on time to maintain your registration.
You can access full details in relation to registration and conditions in the Registration handbook. This also includes full details in relation to the condition of Droichead.
Curricular Language Subjects (including Gaeilge)
Immersive Educational Experience (IEE)
Applicants for curricular language subjects and Irish/Gaeilge must submit verifiable evidence of an Immersive Educational Experience (IEE) in the curricular language applied for of a minimum of four weeks duration.
This may be accessed in two blocks, each of which must be at least two weeks. At least one of these blocks must be in a setting where the language is the vernacular language of the region/country.
The immersive educational experience(s) must be one of the following:
- Attending a language course
- Working as a staff member in an educational setting
- Conducting an action research project which is of relevance to their teaching studies
- Engaging in School Placement
A Guidance Note on IEE is available here.
Evidence of linguistic competence
a. All applicants must provide evidence of linguistic competence in the language. This can be demonstrated by providing evidence of achieving a minimum level of B2.2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or equivalent) from the higher education institution where the qualification was completed.
b. Alternatively, applicants can provide certification of achieving level B2.2 standard of an independent language competency test.
Further Education
Applicants wishing to register as a teacher in the Further Education sector must meet the requirements set out in Route 3 of the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2016 and The Teaching Council [Registration] (Amendment) Regulations 2016.
Principle Conditions for Admission to the Register
Qualifications
Evidence of Character– including Vetting (mandatory).
Application Process
Teachers should apply for registration online via the My Registration portal paying particular attention to the supporting documentation required. Registration is subject to vetting.
Before you start an application online, please ensure you have the following information to hand:
- Photos/scans of academic transcript. Module descriptors may also be required where transcripts are not sufficiently detailed
- Photos/scans of acceptable proof of ID and proof of address
- Employment contact details
- Employment history
- Completed Fit and Proper Person assessment form
You will be able to save your application and return to it later if required. You have three months from the date of commencement to complete and submit your application. Any applications that remain unsubmitted after three months will be deleted.
Please refer to the Guidance notes before starting your application.
