Portfolio first, then a site visit with observation and interview.
Assessors want evidence you lift other teachers, not just your own students.
Show student growth across cohorts, not a single dazzling unit of work.
Prerequisites
- At Proficient for at least 12 months (3+ years recommended).
- Currently teaching in a NSW school recognised by NESA.
- Principal endorsement to apply.
Process
- 1.Stage 1: Submit annotated evidence set against the 7 APST at Highly Accomplished level + 2 written reflections.
- 2.Stage 2: Site visit with a trained NESA assessor — lesson observation, discussion, referee interviews.
- 3.Final decision by NESA certification panel.
What assessors look for
- Leading colleagues — mentoring, modelling, PL facilitation.
- Impact on student learning shown with data over time.
- Contribution beyond your own classroom.
Source: NESA Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher Policy.
Prerequisites
- Full registration for 12+ months.
- Principal/leader recommendation.
- Currently teaching at least 0.4 FTE.
Process
- 1.Stage 1: Online portfolio — annotated artefacts against each of the 7 APST descriptors at HA level, plus referee statements.
- 2.Stage 2: Assessor site visit with classroom observation and structured interview.
- 3.Certification decision by VIT panel; valid for 5 years.
What assessors look for
- Coaching and mentoring of colleagues.
- Whole-school improvement contribution.
- Data-informed teaching cycles.
Source: VIT HALT certification framework + DET Career Structures.
Prerequisites
- Full registration with QCT.
- At least 12 months at Proficient (most successful applicants have 5+).
- Principal's written support to apply.
Process
- 1.Pre-assessment self-audit against the APST at HA.
- 2.Stage 1: Portfolio of 5 annotated artefacts + referee statements.
- 3.Stage 2: Assessor visit — observation, interview, professional discussion.
What assessors look for
- Leadership of colleagues' practice.
- Sustained student outcome data.
- Engagement with parents and community.
Source: QCT Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher Certification.
Prerequisites
- Senior Teacher (3-year-trained) or above.
- Currently employed in a WA public school.
- Principal endorsement.
Process
- 1.Submit a written application addressing the Level 3 competencies.
- 2.Successful applicants progress to a structured assessment — observation + interview by trained Level 3 assessors.
- 3.Outcome determines permanent Level 3 status.
What assessors look for
- Exemplary classroom practice with measurable impact.
- Leadership in curriculum or pedagogy.
- Collaboration across the school.
Source: Department of Education WA Level 3 Classroom Teacher policy.
Prerequisites
- Full registration with TRB SA.
- Minimum 12 months at Proficient.
- Principal endorsement and a workplace mentor.
Process
- 1.Stage 1: Portfolio of annotated evidence + observation report + referee statements.
- 2.Stage 2: Site visit — lesson observation, professional discussion, panel interview.
- 3.Certification valid for 5 years, with renewal evidence required.
What assessors look for
- Mentoring early-career teachers.
- Leading curriculum or assessment initiatives.
- Student growth tracked across cohorts.
Source: TRB SA HALT Certification + DfE Advanced Skills Teacher policy.
Prerequisites
- Full registration.
- 12+ months at Proficient.
- Principal support and an assigned mentor.
Process
- 1.Stage 1: Portfolio against the 7 APST at HA, including data-informed reflections.
- 2.Stage 2: Assessor visit and observation.
- 3.Panel decision; certification valid 5 years.
What assessors look for
- Leading professional learning.
- Sustained impact on student outcomes.
- Working with families and community.
Source: TRB Tas HALT framework.
Prerequisites
- Full registration with TQI.
- Minimum 12 months at Proficient.
- Principal endorsement.
Process
- 1.Stage 1: Online portfolio with annotated evidence and referee statements.
- 2.Stage 2: Site visit including classroom observation and professional discussion.
- 3.Certification by TQI panel.
What assessors look for
- Coaching colleagues.
- Leading whole-school priorities.
- Evidence of impact across multiple cohorts.
Source: TQI HALT certification process.
Prerequisites
- Full registration with TRB NT.
- 12+ months at Proficient (typically 3+).
- Principal endorsement.
Process
- 1.Stage 1: Annotated portfolio against the 7 APST at HA, referees and reflections.
- 2.Stage 2: Assessor visit — observation and interview (often combined with travel for remote schools).
- 3.Certification valid 5 years.
What assessors look for
- Culturally responsive teaching practice.
- Leading colleagues in remote and complex settings.
- Sustained student progress.
Source: TRB NT Highly Accomplished Teacher certification guide.
From teachers who got there
"HALT isn't a promotion — it's a recognition. Start a HALT-shaped evidence folder the day you hit Proficient: lesson observations of yourself, of colleagues you've coached, student data over two years, and the professional learning you've led."
