Registration
Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCAA), you must be registered and must hold a practising certificate to work as an occupational therapist in Aotearoa New Zealand. All applications for registration and practising certificates are made online. To become registered you must:
- hold a relevant qualification in occupational therapy ( HPCAA Section 12-15)
- meet certain criteria regarding fitness and character ( HPCAA section 16)
- apply to be registered ( HPCAA Section 17 )
- provide and upload the relevant documentation
- consent to criminal history checks
- pay the application fee ( HPCAA Section 17 )
- wait for approval.
Read about the legal requirements about when registration and practising certificates are required, and the use of the NZROT title here.
If you are considering registering or re-registering in Aotearoa New Zealand Te Whatu Ora is offering help with relocation costs for some roles. More information is available here .
Watch this video for more information on registering as an occupational therapist in Aotearoa New Zealand:
Application types
Register via the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA) pathway
Payment
You pay a one-off application fee when you apply for registration. This can be made by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or by internet banking (New Zealand banks only) as part of your application. Application fees are non-refundable.
Registration outcome
Each application is assessed individually. You will be advised if your application for registration has been successful through your applicant portal and via email.
- you do not supply all the information required
- anything in your application is false or misleading
- your circumstances change significantly (e.g., you are convicted of an offence).
If your registration is refused, you will be given the reason/s why and an opportunity to respond.
Applications that remain incomplete after 3 months are deemed lapsed and are no longer valid.