Registration and certification
Registration and certification, is a process that keeps teachers accountable to the code and standards.
Documents
Every teacher in Aotearoa must be registered and hold a current practising certificate to teach.
Registration confirms you meet the professional and ethical standards to be a teacher. It doesn’t expire unless you choose to de-register or your registration is cancelled. You will not be able to teach with registration alone.
A practising certificate is what allows you to teach legally in New Zealand. It needs to be kept current.
These are the Standards that underpin initial teacher education and form the basis for maintaining a practising certificate. These Standards are therefore also central to the professional growth cycle [hyperlink to PGC text on PPTA website].
The first set of Standards were approved by the Teaching Council and came into effect in 2017 (Ngā Paerewa | Standards 2017). In June 2026 the Teaching Council announced new Standards that would begin to come into effect in 2026 (Ngā Paerewa | Standards 2026).
Schools and ECE centres should be using Ngā Paerewa | Standards 2026 for teachers’ professional growth cycles from 2026 onwards. This includes Element A (the common understanding of the Standards in the teaching setting), and Element E, the annual summary statement.
Every three years, Principals and professional leaders are asked to make endorsement decisions for the renewal of practising certificates. Endorsements in 2026 will be made based on the 2017 Standards. From 2027, endorsements will be made based on the 2026 Standards.
If schools are not using the statutory Standards correctly , or appear to be implementing them in ways that are onerous and low-trust, please let your field officer know.
The documents from the Teaching Council which describe the criteria for the statutory Standards can be found here:
The Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession has been crafted by teachers, leaders and teaching experts to articulate the expectations and aspirations of our profession. The Code sets out the high standards for ethical behaviour that are expected of every teacher; the Standards describe what good teaching looks like.
The Code and Standards apply to every certificated teacher, regardless of role or teaching environment. The Education and Training Act 2020 makes the Code binding of all teachers and holders of Limited Authorities to Teach (LAT).
For more information - Move to the 2026 Standards
Last modified on Thursday, 12 February 2026 14:57