Exemption cards for Queensland registered teachers

Queensland registered teachers do not need to apply for blue cards and instead can apply for an exemption card.

When teachers don’t need a blue card

Teachers registered with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) don’t need an exemption card when teaching at a school or boarding school.

Teachers employed in another role—other than teaching—in a school also don’t need an exemption card.

When teachers need an exemption card

Registered teachers do need an exemption card when providing child-related regulated services outside of their teaching role. This may include:

• privately tutoring children
• working in a childcare centre
• volunteering at a children’s sporting club
• participating in a homestay
• participating in a reading program
• providing disability support
• supervising after-hours school care
• working at a state-delivered kindergarten.

Here are some scenarios of when a teacher will need an exemption card:

• A teacher who regularly participates in their school’s homestay program will need an exemption card under the Child accommodation services including homestays category of regulated employment and will need to nominate the school as the employer.
• A teacher at a school who also sits on the board of an entity which operates the Outside Hours School Care facility will need an exemption card under the Education and care services and similar employment or business category.
• A teacher who privately tutors students will need an exemption card under the Private teaching, coaching or tutoring category of regulated business.

Apply for an exemption card

Registered teachers can apply for an exemption card online or by using the appropriate paper form:

• Exemption card application
• Exemption card application or renewal for disability service workers
• Exemption card business application.

Registered teachers can commence providing child-related regulated services once they have applied for an exemption card and have been linked to an organisation. However, directors of a non-state school governing body must have a valid exemption card before starting child-related work.

Once an application for an exemption card is received, Blue Card Services will liaise with QCT to confirm the applicant is a registered teacher and whether further employment screening is required. If a teacher has a criminal history that requires a further assessment of their eligibility, we may request further information.

More information

For more information watch our Information for registered teachers video.