Exemption cards for Queensland registered teachers

If you are a registered teacher with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), you do not need a blue card when working at a school or boarding school.

Teachers who work in another role at a school do not need a blue card.

An exemption card is a type of blue card. It is available only available for Queensland registered teachers and sworn police officers.

When you do not need an exemption card

You do not need an exemption card when you do work that is part of your role as a registered teacher.

You do not need an exemption card if you are:

  • teaching at a state or non-state school
  • coaching a school sporting team
  • providing learning support in a school classroom
  • doing another role at a school as part of your job.

When you need an exemption card

You need an exemption card if you:

  • provide private tuition or music lessons for payment
  • take part in a school’s homestay program
  • work in a kindergarten or childcare centre
  • sit on the board of an outside hours school care (OHSC) service
  • coach a children’s sports team outside your school role.

These activities may be covered by different blue card categories:

Applying for an exemption card

Registered teachers can apply for an exemption card online.

You can apply using a paper form by filling in an:

Registered teachers can usually start child-related work after they have:

  • applied for an exemption card
  • been linked to an organisation.

Directors of a non-state school governing body must hold a valid exemption card before they start child-related work.

When Blue Card Services receives an application, it will check the applicant’s teacher registration with QCT.

Blue Card Services will also check if more screening is needed.

More information

Learn more about:

Contact us

Call us on 1800 113 611 or (07) 3211 6999 or send us an email.

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