Psychologists registered with Psych-Recruitment will have their qualifications reviewed for eligibility of local professional registration. Information is then forwarded to help with preparing applications and support is provided through the application process.
About New Zealand Psychologists Registration
In New Zealand the title of psychologist is protected in law and the profession is regulated by the New Zealand Psychologists Board in accordance with the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003(HPCA). To practice as a psychologist both registration and an annual practicing certificate are required.
Psychologists register under one of four scopes of practice. They are:
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General Psychologist: this scope requires a minimum of an accepted Masters Degree in Psychology plus at least 1500 hours of evidenced supervised practice (i.e., internship or practicum) acceptable to the Psychologists Board. Overseas qualifications such as that of Forensic Psychologists (UK) or Health Psychologists will register under this scope as there is no specific scope for these specialities in New Zealand.
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Clinical Psychologist: this scope requires a post graduate qualification in clinical psychology plus at least 1500 hours of evidenced supervised practice in a clinical psychology setting (i.e., internship or practicum). Overseas qualifications that are generally accepted include psychology doctorates in clinical psychology, a Ph.D in clinical psychology, a post graduate diploma in clinical psychology.
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Educational Psychologist: this scope requires a post graduate qualification in educational psychology plus at least 1500 hours of evidenced supervised practice (i.e., internship or practicum) in an educational setting. Is some cases qualifications in Education may be acceptable as long as the course was equivalent to a psychology qualification.
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Counselling Psychologist: this scope requires a minimum of a Master’s degree in psychology from an accredited educational organisation and a postgraduate qualification in counselling psychology. Note that eligibility for a counselling psychologist scope of practice shall require a Board approved practicum or internship involving 1500 hours of supervised practice in a counselling psychology setting.
Non-Binding Opinion
For most overseas trained psychologists Psych-Recruitment is able to advise on likely eligibility for registration. For the few qualifications that we are unfamiliar with we will suggest that you obtain a non-binding opinion from the New Zealand Psychologists Board. This is a low cost preliminary assessment to clarify eligibility.
About Australian Psychologists Registration
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the body that completes the initial assessment of overseas qualifications. Their assessment covers two areas – Immigration requirements and Psychologists Board registration.
- If you will need an immigration visa to work in Australia the APS will confirm that your qualification meets the required criteria set by the Australian Immigration services. They provide a letter to be included in visa applications to show the level of qualification.
- Recently Australia moved from a state and territory Psychologists Board registration to just one Australian wide Psychologists Board Registration. The APS assessment will also confirm eligibility to obtain registration with the new Australia Psychologists Registration Board.
http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au
Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMR)
New Zealand and Australia recognise each other’s psychologist registration under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMR). When moving countries local registration is still required, however this is normally a straight forward process, achieved through providing proof of registration in the other country.
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