Multi factor authentication

From 25 May 2026, the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) requires you to set up multi factor authentication (MFA) in Teacher Login in order to access your online portal.

This also applies to users of Teacher Register Information (Professional) (TRIP).

Why is this being introduced?

State government departments across Western Australia are progressively rolling out MFA to meet mandated cyber security standards and protect sensitive data, in line with the Western Australian government cyber security policy.

By introducing MFA, the TRBWA is adding an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity with more than just a password. A second layer of authentication must be completed using Microsoft Authenticator app or a phone call on a registered mobile or landline phone number.

Set up is quick and helps keep your Teacher Login or TRIP account safe. It is likely that you have already used MFA when logging into MyGov and banks.

You can read more about MFA on the Australian Cyber Security Centre website.

 

MFA adds a two-step identity check to the log in process:

Step 1:              A verification code to your registered email address

Step 2:              A second authentication method (Authenticator app, or phone call)

You will always receive an email verification code (first step), regardless of the MFA method you choose for the second step.

There are two methods available for the second step of authentication: You can enter a one-time code using an Authenticator app on your mobile device, or you can receive a phone call to a nominated number to confirm your identity. This can be a mobile, or a land line.

You should consider carefully which authentication method would suit your needs. If your needs change, you can change your MFA option.

Setting up your MFA method for the first time

These changes mean that the first time you log in to your Teacher Login or TRIP after 25 May, you will need to follow some extra steps to set up your MFA method.

Before you begin, make sure you have, on hand, the mobile device you want to set up the MFA Authenticator app on, or a designated number where you will always be contactable when using the MFA phone method.

 

Option 1: Using an authenticator app to authenticate

An authenticator app generates a one-time code on your device that you enter to verify your identity. This code generally isn’t shared and changes frequently. You may be familiar with authenticator apps if you work in the WA Government, as many agencies use Microsoft Authenticator to access internal devices.

We recommend setting up your authenticator app on an Apple or Android device such as a phone or tablet that you keep with you.

The set-up process is easier if you use two devices – for example, your mobile device and a laptop or PC.

You can watch our short video for a step-by-step guide to setting up MFA for Teacher Login using the Microsoft Authenticator app.

You can also read our set-up Support Guide for Microsoft Authenticator.

 

Option 2: Using a phone call to authenticate

If you would prefer to authenticate via phone call, be sure to choose a number you have access to, such as a landline or your mobile phone.

Tips:

  • Phone numbers must be provided in the format +CountryCode PhoneNumber.
  • An extension number can’t be used
  • Please make sure your phone settings don’t have unknown numbers automatically blocked or ignored as this will prevent  the authentication call from coming through.
  • Please enter the number carefully to avoid incorrect entry.
  • If you use call automatically forwarding to voicemail or another number, this will prevent the authentication call from coming through.

 

Logging in again after you have set up your MFA

Once you have set up your MFA, logging in to Teacher Login will be a bit quicker, as you will just have the two-step process to follow, to access your account.

You will always receive an email code, regardless of the MFA method you choose for the second step.

You can watch our short video on accessing your Teacher Login after the Microsoft Authenticator app has been installed.  You can also read our Support Guide.  

 

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Deleted the Authenticator app, or changed phones?

Please contact us, and we will arrange for your MFA authentication method to be reset.

Having issues setting up your MFA?

  • Use a Supported web browser. We recommend recent versions of Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.
  • Use a personal device to set up MFA.  You’ll need a mobile/landline phone or an Authenticator app on your device.
  • Allow notifications on your device when using the Authenticator app.
  • Allow the authenticator app to have access the camera so you can scan the QR code.

I didn’t get the “Are you trying to sign in” message on my phone

To allow notifications on the Microsoft Authenticator app, you need to enable them in both your phone’s system settings and the app’s internal settings.

If you still aren't receiving notifications, ensure your phone's date and time are set to Automatic, your device is not in Do Not Disturb mode, and that you have the latest version of the app installed.

“We didn’t hear from you” message

Depending on your preferred MFA option, MFA requests are sent to:

  • the device that your authenticator app is installed on (usually a mobile phone) or
  • the phone number you set (landline or mobile)

Make sure you have access to the necessary device or phone number and select the "Send another request to my ..." link.

If the issues persists, try some of the options listed under the "Having trouble?" header in the message. If that fails, please contact us to request an MFA reset.

"You've hit our limit on verification calls" error message during sign-in

Microsoft may limit repeated phone authentication attempts that are performed by the same user or organisation in a short period of time. Please try to sign in again in a few minutes.

"Sorry, we're having trouble verifying your account" error message during sign-in

Microsoft may limit or block voice authentication attempts that are performed by the same user, phone number, or organisation due to high number of voice authentication attempts. If you experience this error, you can try another method, such as an Authenticator app, or contact us for support.

Microsoft permission request pop-up for Teacher Login

If you would like to create an account on the Teacher Login portal, there is a requirement to accept the Microsoft permissions and the terms and conditions for use.  You will see a pop up like the one pictured left asking you to accept the Microsoft terms and conditions for use.

These terms and conditions are detailed at login.trb.wa.gov.au/Terms, and include not using the website for any unlawful purposes, and not attempting to impair or disable the website. 

As Teacher Login is a secure portal, containing important teacher registration information, personal details and correspondence, the TRBWA monitors profile and activity data.  The TRBWA Privacy Policy outlines the way in which the TRBWA manages personal information, as well as its commitment to manage personal information in a manner that protects the privacy, security and confidentiality of the personal information that is collected and held.

Microsoft privacy

This privacy statement explains the personal data Microsoft processes, how Microsoft processes it, and for what purposes.  You can learn more about how Microsoft values, protects and defends data privacy on the Microsoft Trust Center.

For more information about MFA, please email info@trb.education.wa.edu.au.