Professional registration

Psychologists using our services will have their qualifications reviewed for eligibility for registration (i.e., license). Information is then forwarded to help determine the timing for making application and what is required. 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 in accordance with the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003(HPCA). To practice as a psychologist both registration and an annual practicing certificate is legally required.

Psychologists register under one of four scopes of practice. They are:
  • Clinical Psychologist: this scope requires a post graduate qualification in clinical psychology. Overseas qualifications that are generally accepted include clinical psychology doctorates such as Psy.D or Ph.D, or a post graduate diploma. In general registered/licensed  clinical psychologists from the United Kingdom, Ireland, South African, the USA, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands will be able to register in New Zealand. 
  • Educational Psychologist: this scope requires a post graduate qualification in educational psychology such as a doctorate or equivalent.
  • Counselling Psychologist: this scope requires a minimum of a Master 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.
  • General Psychologist: this scope requires a minimum of an accepted Master 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 specialties in New Zealand.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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 recognises each others 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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