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.

You may apply and pay for a practising certificate with your registration, or anytime within three years following registration. Practising certificates must be renewed on at least an annual basis.

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

Are you returning to practice in New Zealand after a break away?

Apply to return to practice in New Zealand

Are you a New Zealand trained occupational therapy Graduate?

Are you currently registered as an occupational Therapist in Australia?

Are you currently registered as an occupational therapist in Ireland, Canada or the UK?

Do you hold an occupational therapy qualification from another country?

If you do not hold a qualification in occupational therapy, then you are not eligible for registration in New Zealand

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. Practitioners who are new or returning to practice in New Zealand are routinely required to complete the relevant recertification programme: induction and orientation.

Your application may be delayed or you may be refused registration if:

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.