Competence overview

Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA), the OTBNZ is responsible for setting standards of clinical competence, cultural competence, and ethical conduct. 

These are the seven competencies for registration which have been set by the OTBNZ:

Competency 1 – Implementation of occupational therapy
Competency 2 – Safe, ethical, legal practice
Competency 3 – Culturally safe practice
Competency 4 – Communication
Competency 5 – Management of self and people
Competency 6 – Management of environment and resource
Competency 7 – Continuing professional development

The competencies are fully explained in the document Competencies for Registration as an Occupational Therapist. Practising occupational therapists must comply with the OTBNZ Code of Ethics for Occupational Therapists, which presents the required standards of ethical conduct.

In order to be registered, applicants for registration must demonstrate entry-level competence in each of the seven competence areas.  Once registered, practising occupational therapists must maintain the required standard of competence.