What is Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority?
The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) is the national regulatory body established under the Education and Care Services National Law. It administers the National Quality Framework, which sets consistent quality standards across Australian early childhood education and care services.
ACECQA's role in skilled migration is to assess whether overseas early childhood education qualifications and professional credentials meet Australian standards. This assessment is critical for overseas-trained early childhood teachers and managers seeking to work in Australia through skilled migration visas.
The authority evaluates comprehensive documentation including university degrees, teaching qualifications, professional registrations, and work experience. It considers both the content and level of overseas qualifications against Australian requirements for the early childhood sector.
ACECQA primarily assesses early childhood educators including pre-primary school teachers, childcare centre managers, and other senior early childhood professionals who plan to register and practice in Australia.
Which visas require an ACECQA skills assessment?
ACECQA assessments are required for skilled migration visa applications in the early childhood education sector. The assessment supports applications for several skilled visa subclasses:
The ACECQA assessment validates that your overseas early childhood education qualification is equivalent to Australian standards. A positive skills assessment is a mandatory requirement for all skilled visa applications in this occupational group and significantly strengthens your visa eligibility.
How ACECQA assessment works
The ACECQA assessment process involves detailed evaluation of your academic credentials, professional qualifications, and work experience. The assessment typically takes 8–12 weeks from submission to outcome.
- Prepare and compile all required original or certified documents including degree certificates, transcripts, and proof of professional registration
- Submit a complete application package to ACECQA through their online portal with all supporting documentation
- ACECQA conducts a comprehensive review of your qualifications against Australian early childhood education standards
- If clarification is needed, ACECQA may request additional evidence or direct communication with your previous educational institution
- ACECQA issues an assessment outcome letter detailing whether your qualification is recognised as equivalent to Australian standards
- A positive assessment is provided to the Department of Home Affairs with your visa application
- The assessment outcome is typically valid for 3 years from the date of issue
Assessment pathways
ACECQA offers assessment pathways for different professional backgrounds within the early childhood sector. The assessment type depends on your qualifications and professional registration:
For applicants with an early childhood teacher qualification (3-year bachelor degree or higher). ACECQA evaluates whether your teacher training degree meets Australian requirements for pre-primary and early childhood teaching roles. Requires evidence of university-level early childhood education training and professional teaching qualification.
For applicants with management-level qualifications in childcare services. Assessment evaluates qualifications covering early childhood management, administration, and regulatory compliance. Suitable for those with diplomas, degrees, or professional certifications in childcare centre management.
For applicants whose qualifications span both academic credentials and substantial professional experience. ACECQA considers documented work experience in Australian-equivalent early childhood roles when formal qualifications alone may not fully demonstrate competency.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Original or certified copy of your bachelor degree certificate in early childhood education or related field
- Official university transcript showing all subjects completed and grades achieved
- Proof of professional teaching or childcare registration in your country of origin
- Professional membership certificates from early childhood education bodies
- Statutory declaration confirming the authenticity of documents and your professional history
- Employment reference letters from employers on official company letterhead covering your relevant work experience
- Curriculum vitae detailing your professional experience in early childhood education and care
- Certified English translation of all non-English documents completed by a NAATI translator
- Evidence of additional qualifications such as management courses or advanced certifications
- Proof of any professional development or continuing education in early childhood practice
- Identity documentation such as passport pages
- Details of the educational institution and course codes if available for verification purposes
All non-English documents must be officially translated by a NAATI-certified translator. Original certificates and transcripts should be certified by the issuing institution or a relevant authority. ACECQA reserves the right to request additional documentation or direct verification from educational institutions.
ACECQA assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood Teacher Assessment | AUD 400 |
| Childcare Manager Assessment | AUD 450 |
| Professional Experience Review (additional) | AUD 150 |
| Reassessment or Review Application | AUD 300 |
| Urgent Processing (if available) | AUD 500 |
Assessment outcomes
ACECQA issues one of three outcomes:
A positive assessment confirms that your early childhood education qualification is substantially equivalent to Australian standards and you meet the professional competency requirements for the early childhood sector. This outcome is valid for 3 years and supports your skilled visa application. You can then proceed to register with your state teaching authority if required.
A negative assessment means your qualification is not considered equivalent to Australian standards at this time. You may request a review of the decision within 28 days or consider undertaking additional professional development or a bridging course. Some applicants pursue alternative skilled migration pathways or obtain additional qualifications before reapplying.
If you disagree with a negative assessment, you have the right to request a review of the decision. A review typically involves re-examination of your submitted documents and may include additional evidence you wish to provide. Review applications must be lodged within 28 days of receiving your outcome.
Occupations assessed by ACECQA
ACECQA is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 241411 | Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 241412 | Special Education Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 322211 | Child Care Worker | STSOL |
| 312814 | Childcare Centre Manager | STSOL |
| 251912 | Education Adviser | STSOL |
| 241499 | School Teachers nec | STSOL |