What you must know before applying for AHPRA registration

Joe N • Feb 28, 2023

What is AHPRA?

AHPRA, or Australian Healthcare Practitioner Regulation Agency, is a National Organisation that supports the Medical Board of Australia and maintains quality standards amongst health practitioners.


The statutory responsibility of AHPRA is to implement the National Registration and Accreditation scheme. It checks the status qualification and suitability of the medical practitioners. It works in association with fifteen national health practitioners boards, including:


  • Pharmacy
  • Chiropractic
  • Chinese Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Physiotherapy
  • Psychology boards
  • Medical radiation practitioner
  • Occupational therapy
  • Registered or Midwife and
  • Endorsed enrolled nursing


The agency works towards maintaining and protecting public health by setting standards and policies that registered practitioners must fulfill. The AHPRA registration process is a comprehensive system covering various background checks, qualifications, and experiences of people in the health profession.. The system helps ensure that the practitioners possess the required knowledge and skill set to provide safe services for their patients. All healthcare professionals must complete this registration process before being legally allowed to practice in Australia.

What is an AHPRA CV?

Registering with AHPRA means going through various background checks and fulfilling several criteria and policies. A curriculum vitae is the best way to let any agency know the details regarding your professional journey. It is a professional document that contains all your work details, including your qualifications, experiences, relevant skill set, bridging programs, achievements, etc. It represents your candidature in front of the board members on your behalf and lets them know that the health practitioner is qualified.

How is the AHPRA CV structured?

AHPRA does not provide a specific template for curriculum vitae like RACGP and ACRRM. However, they have mentioned the details they require in the CV. You can use the following information to create your own AHPRA CV template.

AHPRA CV

Personal information

Your personal details are the first thing any agency or service provider will need in a CV. Include your name, address, phone number, and email address.


Educational Background

It is the most crucial section of your CV, as you must mention your educational qualifications to prove your eligibility for the AHPRA registration. 

Mention the qualification title, the name and address of the facility, and the year of qualification.


Bridging Programs and Qualifying exams

Information about qualifying exams and bridging programs increases your credibility as a medical professional. The important information that needs to be included in this section is the date of qualification of the examination, name of the exam, name of the facility, address, and your results.


Clinical and procedural skills

Provide a list of all the clinical and procedural skills.


Professional Experience

Include all your past and current work experience with the following information.


  1. Duration of the work. (including the start and end date)
  2. Designation (include full-time/part-time and hours of work)
  3. Facility (including address)
  4. Job description, including the targets and awards achieved.


Provide a concise explanation for any gaps in the work history, i.e., due to study, family commitments, etc. Include the duration of the interval and the reason.


Registration History

Provide all the details regarding your registration history for all registration boards. The information must include the following:


  1. The name of the registration authority and country
  2. Date of the registration
  3. Registration number


Publications

Mention the details of all the publications under your name, including journals and books.


References

Include at least three references from colleagues, supervisors, or other medical professionals you have worked with. For each referral, include the following:



  1. The name and designation
  2. Facility, City, State, Country
  3. Contact number
  4. Email Address


To wrap up the CV, you must include a verification statement: “The Curriculum Vitae is true and correct as of DATE.” Sign and date the declaration, and your AHPRA CV is done.


Always remember that the AHPRA will only accept original signed copies of the CV.


Also, do not forget to attach certified copies of any results, achievements, or reports from skill tests, bridging courses, etc., to back the information stated in the CV. 

AHPRA Registration

AHPRA registration in Australia

The Australian health system is high quality and one of the best globally. The rising demand for medical professionals makes Australia the perfect place to work and live. There are ample job opportunities (both locum and permanent) in the health sector across various disciplines, which includes



To begin your medical career in Australia, all you need to do is register yourself with AHPRA. The registration paperwork may be a daunting procedure. However, we have tried to simplify the process for you. If you are a doctor and looking out for more information about AHPRA registration please read our detailed blog post on how to register for AHPRA as doctor.


Check the eligibility criteria

It is essential that you fulfil the eligibility criteria to apply for AHPRA registration, since it ensures that you are suitably trained and qualified. The first step to applying for registration is to know if you are eligible for it or not. Before applying, you must fulfil the AHPRA registration checklist mentioned below:


  • Recency of practice
  • English Language skills
  • Professional indemnity insurance arrangements
  • Criminal records


Collect the required documents

Once you know that you are eligible to apply for the registration, you can begin collecting the documents required for it, which includes:


  • Academic proof
  • Evidence of any name change
  • Identity proof
  • Statement of service from your employer(s) for the past five years
  • A signed and dated CV
  • Copy of NMBA-approved English language skill test result.


Submit the AHPRA online application

The last step to complete the registration process is to submit the AHPRA online application.

AHPRA CV Template
AHPRA CV Template

Why use our AHPRA CV Template

  1. Professionally Designed AHPRA CV Template: Our expertly crafted template ensures that your CV aligns with the specific guidelines and requirements of AHPRA. This professional design sets your CV apart and helps you meet the necessary standards.
  2. Time-Saving Solution: Save valuable time by avoiding the need to research and format your CV from scratch. Our pre-designed template provides a structured layout that you can easily customize with your own information. Streamline the registration process and focus on what matters most - your qualifications and experience.
  3. Ensure Compliance with AHPRA Guidelines: A well-structured and compliant CV is crucial for successful AHPRA registration. Our template includes carefully categorized sections that enable you to effectively showcase your qualifications, experience, and skills in a format that meets AHPRA's expectations.
  4. User-Friendly Customisation: Our template is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it simple to edit and personalize. Highlight your unique professional background by easily adding or removing sections as needed. Tailor your CV to accurately represent your qualifications and expertise.
  5. Guaranteed Accuracy: Utilize our template to ensure that the essential information required by AHPRA is included and properly organized. This minimizes the risk of errors or omissions during the registration process, giving you confidence in the accuracy of your CV.


Start your AHPRA registration journey on the right foot. Download our AHPRA CV template today and simplify the process of creating a professional and compliant curriculum vitae. Streamline your path to successful AHPRA registration with our expertly designed template.


FAQs

What are the requirements for AHPRA registration? 

To become registered with AHPRA, first, you must complete an approved qualification in your chosen healthcare profession. Next, you'll need to provide proof of your English language skills. Additionally, you'll need to meet any specific requirements set by your profession's National Board.


These requirements might include things like providing proof of professional indemnity insurance or undergoing a criminal record check.


It's essential to check the latest information on the AHPRA website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date details.


How much does AHPRA registration cost?

Depending on the kind of registration and occupation, AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency) registration fees can change. The following list shows standard registration costs for various popular professions:


Practitioner of medicine: $880 (1 year registration)

Nurse: $180 (1 year registration)

$60 for a midwife (1 year registration)

$470 Dental Professional (1 year registration)

$240 for a physiotherapist (1 year registration)


It's crucial to remember that these costs could fluctuate and that there might be extra charges for extra services like criminal background checks, English language examinations, and qualification evaluations. The most recent details on registration fees can be found by visiting the AHPRA website.


How long does AHPRA registration take?

Many factors, such as the type of registration, the thoroughness of the application, and the unique circumstances of the applicant, might affect how long it takes to complete AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency) registration. However, the applicants can check their registration status online using the Registers of Practitioners. AHPRA strives to handle applications as rapidly as possible, nonetheless.


The following are some typical AHPRA registration deadlines:


New graduate standard registration period is 4-6 weeks.

For a seasoned practitioner, the typical registration period is 8 to 10 weeks.

limited enrolment: 6 to 8 weeks

6 to 8 weeks for provisional registration


It's crucial to remember that these deadlines are simply estimates and may change depending on the complexity of the application and the number of applications that AHPRA is currently processing. Also, it is advised to submit an application well before the registration deadline.


How to renew AHPRA registration?

To renew your AHPRA registration, visit the Registration Renewal section of their website.


When prompted, enter your AHPRA User ID. This can be either your email address or the 10-digit number mentioned in your renewal reminder notice. Please note that it should not be confused with your registration number.


Next, provide your date of birth as part of the verification process.


Lastly, enter your current password. In case you've forgotten it, you can easily update it by utilizing the password reset function.


Remember, staying on top of your renewal process is essential, so be sure to follow these steps in a timely manner.


Where to find the AHPRA registration number? 

After you have successfully submitted the application to AHPRA along with all the required documents and information, they will assess it against the registration standards. Based on the assessment they will either register you, register you with conditions or reject your application. 


In case your registration is approved, AHPRA will publish your name on the national register of health practitioners. This register contains the names of all the practitioners allowed to practice in Australia, along with all their details. You can find your AHPRA registration number in the national register of Practitioners.


Does AHPRA registration include indemnity insurance?

AHPRA registration does not include indemnity insurance. However, it is an essential criterion that needs to be fulfilled to be able to practice your medical profession in Australia. The initial registration and even the renewal of registration ask for a declaration from the practitioner that they will not practice unless they have professional indemnity insurance arrangements. 


Does AHPRA registration require an English test?

Yes, to be allowed to practice, it is crucial for you to demonstrate your English speaking skills that will enable you to safely practice medicine in Australia. The following are the tests accepted by AHPRA:

  • Occupational English Test: It is important to note that this exam is not conducted for professions like Chinese medicine, chiropractic, osteopathy, paramedicine and psychology.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT - This is a computer-based test that can be taken at a designated testing center.
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - This is a computer-based test that can be taken at a designated testing center.


Is AHPRA registration yearly?

Yes, the validity for AHPRA registration is valid only for a year and needs to be renewed after that. The fee paid for the registration is also once a year, paid in full at the time your registration application is approved, regardless of how long you wish to hold it in that period.


How to download AHPRA registration certificate?

To download your AHPRA registration certificate, follow the steps below:

  1. Log in to online services. This will redirect you to the practitioner’s homepage.
  2. Next, click on the “Download Registration Certificate’ link below your registration details.
  3. Your registration certificate will be displayed as a PDF.
  4. Save this PDF.


And voila! It's done. 

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