Former Education Queensland director-general Julie Grantham has pleaded guilty to a nepotism charge.

Ms Grantham has faced court over claims she improperly used her influence to get her son a job, after she pulled strings for her son be given a job at a government-owned sports centre in 2011.

Grantham pleaded guilty to one count of abuse of office for gain in Brisbane's District Court.

Judge Terry Martin gave her a six-month sentence, wholly suspended, in what he called “a serious case of nepotism” and a "betrayal of trust".

“You betrayed the trust placed in you as director-general,” Judge Martin said.

“This is a serious example of nepotism, and it seems brazenly and arrogantly effected.”

Judge Martin said Ms Grantham's son was indeed qualified for the position, the appointment was still made improperly and at the expense of other potential applicants.

After a subsequent merit-based appointment process, Ms Grantham's son was rehired in the position at a lower salary level.

Nineteen character references, including from Indigenous leader Noel Pearson and current directors-general Jim Watterston and David Mackie, were tendered by the defence.

“I am embarrassed that my tenure will be remembered as the D-G who faced criminal charges,” said a statement read on Ms Grantham's behalf by defence lawyer Ralph Devlin QC,

“I am embarrassed that I will be judged so poorly after having served with distinction since I was 20 years old and joined the public service.”

Ms Grantham offered to pay the difference between her son's original and revised salary – about $17,000 - to the State Government.

Crime and Corruption Commission chairman Alan MacSporran said the charges showed the importance of public servants in senior positions setting high standards of behaviour.

“Today's court outcome demonstrates that even the most senior of people working in the public sector are not immune from criminal prosecution when their behaviour deviates from an obligation to act with integrity and to serve the public interest,” Mr MacSporran said in a statement.

“I will be writing to every director-general and chief executive officer in Queensland public sector departments and agencies reminding them of the importance in setting a very high benchmark for transparent and ethical behaviour in their organisations.”