OTC-FAQ

Updated on 4 Nov 2019

What is the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia & New Zealand) Ltd (OTC)?
The OTC, a not-for-profit organisation, has a three-fold function: the assessment of qualifications and skills of overseas-trained occupational therapists for the purpose of migration to Australia under the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) skilled migration program for the occupation of occupational therapist ANZSCO Code 252511; the assessment of qualifications and skills of overseas-trained occupational therapists for the purpose of registration to practise in Australia; the accreditation of occupational therapy programs in Australia.

How do I commence the process for registration in or migration to Australia?
You need to complete the Stage 1 desktop assessment (for registration) and the Desktop Assessment (for migration), and forward the form and required documentation in the mail to the OTC.

Can I submit these documents via email?
As there is a requirement to provide certified copies of documents to accompany your application, you will need to forward these in the mail to:
PO Box 959
South Perth
Western Australia 6951
Supplying all the necessary documents, with all copies certified appropriately with the correct fee in Australian dollars and drawn on an Australian bank will assist with reducing the assessment time. There is also a credit card  payment form.

What if my qualification is not equivalent to an Australia bachelor degree?
It may be that you would need to do an approved conversion program in Australia to meet the equivalent of a Bachelor degree. These courses are provided at various universities around Australia. You would need to contact individual universities in Australia to source the most suitable.

What if my qualification was not accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) at the time of graduation?
This would need to be assessed independently, and it may be a requirement that you undertake an approved conversion program in Australia to complement the program undertaken. You would need to check with relevant universities in Australia to suit your location and requirements. 

What are the English language requirements?
If you have not undertaken your secondary AND tertiary education in English as the primary language in one of the following countries: Australia, United Kingdom Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, United States of America, Canada you will be required to complete successfully one of the following English language tests: Academic module of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Occupational English Test (OET) Applicants are tested in four core competencies (listening, reading, writing and speaking). For the IELTS, applicants need to achieve a minimum score of 7 in each of the four competencies, and for the OET an A or B in each of the four competencies. Results must be achieved in one sitting, and results cannot be more than two years old.

What happens if I achieve a 6.5 or C in one of the competencies?
Results below the required standard will not be accepted. 

How do I get my documents certified?
All copied documentation must be certified appropriately as true copies of the original by an appropriate person. In Australia, people who are authorised to certify copies are: Justices of the Peace (JP). Legal practitioners. Persons eligible to sign statutory declarations. Employees authorised by the OTC. In countries outside Australia: Notary public. Registered legal practitioners. Australian Embassy or Australian High Commission personnel. To have copies certified, the practitioner must present both the original and the copy to the person carrying out the certification. Each copy of the document must be certified separately and must show clearly: the words “certified true copy of the original” the signature of the certifying officer; and the name, address, position and phone number (with international dialling codes) of the certifying officer legibly printed below the signature. It must be possible, from the details provided, for the OTC to contact the certifying officer if necessary. 

If necessary, how do I get my documents translated?
If your qualification has been undertaken in a language other than English, please provide translation documentation to accompany that in the original language. Translation should be undertaken by an accredited NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translations and Interpreters Ltd) translator. Further information can be found on its website at www.naati.com.au.

What if I my application for the Stage 1 assessment is not approved?
There is an appeal process you can follow. 

What is a supervised practice audit?
A supervised practice audit is a period of supervision which can be undertaken in a paid or voluntary capacity. It is for a minimum of six months’ full-time equivalent. 

Who can be a supervisor?
The supervisor needs to be an occupational therapist with general unconditional registration with AHPRA (no conditions or notations on their registration). In addition: the supervisor needs to have at least five years’ occupational therapy experience and practice in Australia; previous supervision experience of either students or other occupational therapists; have the same principal place of employment as the applicant to allow supervision and support as required.

What happens if I am offered a position to do my practice audit in a remote rural area where I am the only occupational therapist?
Prior to accepting the position, you would need to advise the OTC of the details of employment and provide evidence of how you would meet the supervision requirements, in particular the weekly face-to-face requirement for the first six weeks. One of the ways to achieve this would be via video conferencing, and details of this would need to be provided and approved prior to commencement. 

What constitutes full-time equivalent?
Full-time equivalent is based on 30 hours per week. 

What do I do if my supervisor changes?
You need to advise us of the change within 24 hours, and provide us with the details of your new supervisor (registration number and curriculum vitae). You will need to complete the Stage 2 process for this supervisor. 

What do I do if my employment changes prior to completion of the practice audit?
Firstly, you will need to advise the OTC of this situation within 24 hours. You will then need to ask your current supervisor to complete the practice audit documentation relating to your audit to when you change positions. You will also need to complete a statement of experience relating to the audit. Prior to commencing your new position, you will need to complete the Stage 2 process. Within two weeks of commencing your new position, you will need to submit a new supervised practice plan applicable to your new role. 

What happens if I have nearly completed my practice audit and I change positions?
You will need to inform the OTC of your situation, and it will be assessed independently.

What happens if I do not get a favourable assessment from my supervisor at the conclusion of the practice audit period?
There is an appeals process you can commence. 

Whilst doing the practice audit, am I able to supervise other occupational therapists? During the period of supervision, it is not appropriate you to have supervisory responsibilities of other occupational therapy staff or students for the first two (2) weeks of the supervised practice. Following this period and depending on the: competence of the practitioner; prior supervisory experience of the practitioner; prior knowledge and experience in the field of practice. supervision of occupational therapy staff and students may be approved and must be identified in the Supervised Practice Plan (prepared and signed by the practitioner and supervisor) for approval by OQAC.

Am I able to accept a non-clinical role to do my practice audit?
Yes, you are able to do this.