Limited Authority to Teach
A Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) is a special authority granted by the TRB to a person where certain conditions are met.
Purpose of LAT
While the TRB is of the firm view that it is in the best interests of Tasmanian students that all Tasmanian teachers are qualified, registered teachers, a LAT may be granted as a temporary solution when a school or education provider cannot find a suitable registered teacher for a role. LAT applications for specialist practitioners may be exempted from the recruitment requirement.
How LAT Applications Work
LAT applications are initiated by the school or employer, on behalf of the person who may be employed. Schools initiate the application for a LAT in their TRB Online employer portal, linking it to the potential LAT holder’s TRB Online account. For an initial teacher education (ITE) student, the school must nominate a mentor – to be noted in the supporting information accompanying the application.
If you don’t have a TRB Online account: The applicant will need to create an account in TRB Online before the school can link their LAT application.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for Limited Authority to Teach in Tasmania you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria for the applicable LAT Category
- Have a current Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP)
- Be of good character and fit to teach
- Meet minimum English language proficiency requirements
For an initial teacher education (ITE) student, the school must nominate a mentor – to be noted in the supporting information accompanying the application.
Required Evidence
Proof of Identity
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) requires evidence that proof of identity documents belong to an applicant where a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is being sought.
This can be completed in your TRB Online account during the application process using biometric technology to take a selfie and compare it to your photo identification.
Please click the link Proof of identity requirements for more information.
RWVP Details
Have your RWVP card number ready at the online application step.
Proof of Eligibility
- Pre-Service Teacher – Please download your most recent unofficial academic transcript from your student portal in PDF format. Upload this as the evidence and answered the study details in the online application.
If your teaching degree is postgraduate, you must also list your undergraduate degree details. - Specialist Practitioner – Please provide your qualifications detail that is relevant to the subject area. If you do not have relevant qualifications, you may provide details and resume of how your skills and experiences are relevant to the subject area.
English Language Proficiency Evidence (if applicable)
If you have not undertaken Secondary schooling OR completed a minimum of four years of higher education in any of the recognised countries, you will need to demonstrate the English Language Proficiency through a satisfactory IELTS Academic assessment.
International Police Check (if applicable)
If you are currently residing overseas, or have previously resided outside of Australia, as an adult, for 12 or more continuous months in one country, you must provide the TRB with a suitable International Police History Check (or its equivalent) from each relevant country. Please note, you are only required to provide information relevant to the last 10 years.
Payment is to be made as part of the online application prior to submitting.
Fees are not subject to pro-rata arrangements and are paid in full for the calendar year to which they relate, regardless of when an application is made.
Important Notes
Employment Not Guaranteed: Granting of a LAT is no guarantee of employment. Employment arrangements are a matter for the employer.
You cannot start teaching until approved: You cannot start teaching until you receive notification from the TRB that your LAT application has been approved, regardless of the proposed LAT start date. If you are unsure, please get in touch.
Further Information and Resources
Further information to assist schools and applications is provided in the following resources:
Important Policy Changes (1 December 2025)
Generic Relief LATs are no longer available. However, a school can apply for a school-specific relief LAT on behalf of eligible pre-service teachers.
Teaching Under Direct Supervision
The TRB has rescinded the Teaching under the direct supervision of a registered teacher policy. Permission to Teach (PTT) notifications to the TRB are no longer required.
Instructors who meet the following definition of teaching under direct supervision will now be managed at the school level. Teachers responsible for an individual, small group or class of students who are not eligible for registration and/or who are not directly supervised must hold a Limited Authority to Teach.
Definition of Direct Supervision
The following must be taken into consideration by schools when determining whether a person meets the definition of teaching under direct supervision, or requires a LAT:
A person who is not a registered teacher or holder of a LAT (any external presenter, guest speakers, specialists, tutors or coaches) may deliver lessons or presentations, but a registered teacher must remain physically present and responsible for:
- Lesson planning and learning outcomes
- The safety, behaviour, and welfare of students throughout
For clarity: Direct supervision means the supervising teacher is physically present and able to provide an immediate response to any needs or issues that arise. The supervising teacher oversees activities as they occur, providing direction, feedback and assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can find answers to frequently asked questions by visiting the FAQs page.
Ready to Apply?
Once you’ve completed your teacher education and met all requirements, you can apply for registration through our online portal.