National Early Childhood Worker Register
The national rollout of the Worker Register occurred on Friday, 27 February. Approved Providers are now required to use the Worker Register to enter and maintain accurate and up-to-date information about all education and care service workers engaged at their services. This initiative gives regulators better visibility of who is working in the sector and where, strengthening oversight and supporting the safety and wellbeing of children.
To support this, the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA IT System) has been expanded to capture this information.
Learn about how to access, create and maintain worker information in the Worker Register with our range of resources below.
Keeping your worker data up to date
Approved Providers are responsible for ensuring information in the Worker Register is accurate and kept up to date. Any relevant changes must be updated within 14 days of becoming aware of them. The following resources are helpful for ensuring ongoing compliance:
New and Upcoming JSON Bulk Update Functions
To support providers and organisations with workforce management systems, the JSON Bulk Upload capability is being expanded to support ongoing maintenance of worker records.
In addition to creating new worker records, providers using JSON uploads will soon be able to:
Edit/update existing worker records
Remove workers from services
These enhancements will enable providers to manage worker information more efficiently through their own workforce management systems and reduce the need for manual updates within the NQA IT System.
For more information refer to our:
Factsheet: JSON Bulk Update (Edit or Remove)
User Guide: Completing a JSON Bulk Upload (Update or Remove Worker Records)
JSON Bulk Capabilities
The JSON Bulk Upload functionality enables worker data to be exchanged directly between provider workforce systems and the Worker Register. For organisations managing large workforces, JSON integration provides a scalable and efficient way to maintain Worker Register records.
JSON Function | Description | Status | Schema File |
|---|---|---|---|
Create Workers | Create new worker records in bulk at the service level | Available Now | Download the Create JSON Schema and Technical File |
Edit Worker Details | Update worker details in bulk at the provider level (multiple services) | Coming Soon | Download the Edit/Remove JSON Schema and Technical File |
Remove Workers | Remove worker/cease employment in bulk at the provider level (multiple services) | Coming Soon | Download the Edit/Remove JSON Schema and Technical File |
Additional technical documentation will be published before release.
How to Enter and Maintain Worker Information
Approved Providers can enter and maintain workforce information using one of three methods.
Method | Create New Worker Records | Edit | Remove | Supported Usage | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NQA IT System Portal (Individual) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Manage individual worker records through the online portal. | Recommended for individual worker updates. |
Excel Bulk Upload | Yes | No | No | Create multiple new worker records for one service using a standardised Excel template. | ⚠️ For creating new workers only. Use to update existing workers will create duplicates. |
JSON | Yes | Yes* | Yes* | Import worker data directly from workforce management or third-party systems using a defined JSON format. Designed for large-scale and automated data management. | ⚠️ Create functions operate at the service level. Edit and Remove functions operate at the provider level (multiple services). |
*Edit and Remove functionality coming soon
Worker Register Factsheets
Access more in depth information on important topics with our Worker Register factsheets.
Worker Register User Guides
Use the sections below to find clear, step-by-step instructions tailored to the task you’re completing.
General guides
Learn the basic functions of the Worker Register
Bulk upload (Excel spreadsheet) guides
Learn how to use the bulk upload function to create new worker records by uploading multiple workers in one go
Download an example filled-in copy of our sample bulk upload template
Download a blank copy of our bulk upload template to start preparing your data
JSON upload guides
Learn how to access the JSON create bulk upload (system‑to‑system) function
Download an example copy of our JSON Schema file (create)
Report guides
Learn how to access and use Worker Register reports effectively
Support Channels
Support is available through the following channels. Please contact the appropriate support channel to ensure your enquiry is handled as quickly as possible.
Technical Support
All technical questions and issues should be raised via the Jira Help Desk:
Raise a ticket: Jira Help Desk
Non‑Technical and Policy Enquiries
For non‑technical enquiries and policy‑related questions:
Phone: 1300 422 327
Email: WorkerRegister@acecqa.gov.au
Printable Files
Approved Provider Data Checklist
Getting Started with the Worker Register
Factsheet: How to Get Started with JSON Bulk Upload