How to Get Skill Assessment for Early Childhood Education?

Want to work as an Early Childhood Educator in Australia? If you're planning a career in this sector — especially if you have an overseas qualification — you’ll need a skill assessment.

Skill assessments are how you show you’ve got the right training to work in Early Childhood Education. If you’re planning to build a career in childcare in Australia, you’ll need one.

In this article, we’ll break down what an Early Childhood Education skill assessment is, what you’ll need to get through it and how Foundation Education can help you get qualified to work with children.

What is a skill assessment for Early Childhood Teachers?

A skill assessment is a formal process that checks whether your qualifications and experience match Australian standards for Early Childhood Teachers. It’s mainly required if you're an international student or overseas-trained teacher applying for a skilled visa.

From December 2024, the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) became the official assessing authority for this role, replacing AITSL. This change helps align the process with the specific needs of Early Childhood Education in Australia.

Early Childhood Teacher skill assessment requirements

You’ll need to show a few things to get through the skill assessment process:

1. A recognised qualification

To pass the Early Childhood Education skills assessment, you'll need to show ACECQA that your overseas qualifications meet Australian standards. You can check if your qualification already appears on the ACECQA list of approved qualifications.

This usually means having a qualification equal to an Australian CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or Bachelor's degree, depending on the role you're aiming for.

1. English language skills

If English isn’t your first language, you may need to take a test like IELTS or PTE to show your communication skills meet visa requirements.

1. A few extra documents

Along with your qualifications and experience, you’ll need to send through some paperwork to back it all up. This includes:

• A copy of your passport

• A copy of your academic transcripts

• A copy of your course completion certificates

• A copy of your evidence of English language proficiency

• Proof of your placement hours or work history

• A current CV or resume

• A complete Applicant Declaration and Consent Form

• An Authorised Representative Declaration and Consent Form 

You may be asked for some other things, like evidence of teacher registration if it applies to you.

Tips to prepare for a successful skill assessment

A bit of prep can make your skill assessment feel a lot more manageable. Here’s what helps:

Start early and give yourself time

Skill assessments can take a few weeks to process, so don’t leave it to the last minute. The 60-day assessment period only starts once ACECQA has received a complete, "Assessment Ready" application. 

Aim for an "Assessment Ready" application

To cut down processing time, carefully follow ACECQA's instructions on required documents, file formats and scanning quality. Double-check that all information and supporting evidence is included before you hit submit.

Make good document copies

ACECQA specifically requires certified colour copies of documents. If you want to get your application right on the first go, you need to bring both colour copies and the original documents to get legally certified by an authorised person. Then, you’ll scan them so they’re application-ready.

Pay attention to translation requirements

For any documents not in English, you need formal translations and submit certified colour copies of both the original and the translated versions. Incomplete or uncertified translations will cause delays.

Doing your course in Australia? Here’s what you need to know

If you’re planning on doing a course in Australia, you might be confused as to which childcare qualifications you need.

If you're just starting out, the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the foundation course you’ll need to start your career in the sector. With it, you’ll be able to work as an Early Childhood Educator, Childcare Assistant, Long Day Care Educator and Kindergarten Assistant.

Already working or want to move up the career ladder? The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care gives you more responsibility, opening doors to leadership and advanced roles.

You can also do both at once with the CHC30121/CHC50121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Early Childhood Education courses at Foundation Education

With Foundation Education, you’re not just getting a qualification — you’re getting support every step of the way. Our nationally recognised courses are built to help you meet every Early Childhood Teacher skill assessment requirement, from core knowledge to hands-on experience with kids. You’ll finish your course feeling confident and ready, with a qualification that meets national standards.

Ready to get started? Explore our courses or speak with a careers advisor about how to start working in childcare in Australia.