Accomplished Teacher Accreditation

Accomplished Teacher accreditation is a voluntary level of accreditation, exclusively available to educators in Independent schools.

Accomplished Teacher accreditation is available to teachers in Independent schools with an industrial agreement that includes ISTAA-accreditation at the level of Accomplished Teacher or Experienced Teacher, including the CMEA.

Accomplished Teacher accreditation is positioned on the professional growth continuum between Proficient and Highly Accomplished Teacher.

Accreditation at the level of Accomplished Teacher is not just about having experience, it provides recognition that a teacher has continued to develop their expertise and practice to be consistently operating beyond proficiency and to an Accomplished Teacher Standard.

Accomplished Teacher accreditation provides:

  • A Growth Framework – Schools and teachers can use the Accomplished Teacher Standards to inform the growth and development of practice. After achieving Proficient Teacher accreditation, aspiring teachers can begin ongoing cycles of self-reflection, to grow and align their practice with the Accomplished Teacher Standards.
  • Industry Recognition - Accomplished Teacher accreditation enables accomplished teachers to have their expert practice formally recognised and validated, with recognition of Accomplished Teacher accreditation portable across schools in the Independent sector with an industrial agreement that includes ISTAA accreditation.

Accomplished Teacher Accreditation Process at a Glance


Step

Description

Teacher growth and development

  • Following Proficient Teacher accreditation by NESA/registration by the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI), teacher uses the Accomplished Teacher Standards to inform growth and development of their practice beyond proficiency.
  • Teacher implements an ongoing cycle of self-reflection to align their practice with the Accomplished Teacher Standards.

Pre-application

  • When confident their practice aligns with the Accomplished Teacher Standards, teacher completes the AISNSW Am I ready for Accomplished Teacher online module and checks eligibility and readiness for accreditation.
  • Teacher speaks with their Principal or appropriate school leader about readiness to commence the Accomplished Teacher accreditation process.
  • Teacher may gather evidence during the year prior to application.

Application

  • During the application period, teacher applies to AISNSW for Accomplished Teacher accreditation and pays the application fee.
  • AISNSW reviews the teacher’s application and, subject to eligibility and school support, formally approves the application.
  • Teacher prepares their evidence for submission.
  • During the submission of evidence period, teacher submits evidence and pays the submission fee.
  • AISNSW reviews the evidence to validate it against the Accomplished Teacher Standards.
  • AISNSW notifies the school and teacher of the accreditation outcome.

Timeframes for Accomplished Teacher Accreditation

Applications are accepted early in Term 1 each year, with submissions of evidence open during Terms 2 and 3 of the same year. Submissions are reviewed following payment of the submission fee. Accreditation outcomes are finalised within 12 weeks of final submission of evidence. Teachers may use evidence generated in the year of application and the previous calendar year.

An overview of the timeframes for Accomplished Teacher accreditation is provided below.

Evidence timeframe: Commencement of previous calendar year to date of submission

Application period: Early in Term 1 each year (approximately weeks 3-4)

Submission of evidence period: Submissions open 1 June and close on 31 August each year

Accreditation outcome to applicants: Within 12 weeks of Submission of Portfolio of Evidence, or submission of any additional evidence (where requested).

Additional evidence (where requested): To be submitted within three months of feedback being provided.

Accomplished Teacher Accreditation Manual

The Accomplished Teacher Accreditation Manual outlines the policies and procedures for Accomplished Teacher accreditation, as well as providing guidance and advice for Principals, accreditation supervisors and prospective Accomplished Teacher applicants.
Access Manual

2026 Accomplished Teacher Accreditation

Teachers wishing to apply for 2026 Accomplished Teacher accreditation should read the Accomplished Teacher Accreditation Manual and access the 2026 Accomplished Teacher Accreditation Key Information document for details of:

  • 2026 timeframe dates
  • 2026 fees.
Access Key Information

Further Information and Support