ALREADY REGISTERED

To lawfully practise as a psychologist in New Zealand, a practitioner must first be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.

In addition all psychologists on the Register must hold a current practising certificate whenever they are practising within the scope of Psychology, even if they are practising under some other title.

What do we mean by Practising? Who needs to hold a Practising Certificate?

If you are registered as a psychologist and are providing any services that “fall within the description of” the profession of psychology, you must hold a practising certificate, even if you aren’t meeting with clients or providing psychology services in person. These services are outlined in the scopes of practice, with more detail in the Core Competencies. For example, even if all you are doing is providing supervision, you will need to hold a PC. The title you are employed under isn’t relevant – for example, if you are employed as a programme coordinator, a health improvement practitioner or a group therapist you will need to hold a PC as these roles use your psychology skills and knowledge and fall within psychology scopes of practice.

Any work that uses your psychology knowledge in a direct relationship with clients, supervisees or other colleagues, including providing professional advice, providing education or training, requires a practising certificate if you are registered. Working on policy development where the policies have an impact on people and draw on your psychology knowledge, requires a practising certificate. If you are registered as a psychologist and you are working only in management or administration, you will need to hold a practising certificate if you wish to use the title “Psychologist” in any way. If you are registered and your sole work is research, check with the Psychology Advisors as you may need to hold a practising certificate.

If you are taking extended leave and do not intend to practice, you can select ‘not practising” – but if your plans change and you want to return to work, you must then apply for a practising certificate. While you are in “registered, but not practising” status, you do not need to participate in the Continuing Competence Programme, but we suggest that you check out the “Return to Practice” guideline to plan properly for your return to work.

Applying for a Practising Certificate

To apply for a practising certificate, please login to the Psychologists portal.

After logging in, please take a few moments to ensure that the information on the Register is correct. You can then click on the tab labelled “Practising Certificates” to apply for a current practising certificate, or complete a non-practising declaration.

Please note: a brief workforce survey is now part of the application process.

Please be sure to update your details on the Register

All Psychologists are required by law to ensure that the Board’s Registrar has their current contact details including phone number, email, postal, residential, and (if applicable) work addresses.

If the Board loses contact with you (for instance, has mail returned or unanswered), a process is triggered that may result in your name being removed from the Register.

If you wish to update your qualification details please contact us directly.

Not practising this year or you want to change your practising status?

If you do not intend to practise in the current or coming PC year, you can login to complete the necessary declaration and (if you choose to stay on the Register) pay the Register Maintenance fee.

If you already hold a practising certificate, and decide to take a break from practising, you can apply to change your status to “non-practising” by making a declaration that you will not be practising while your status is inactive.

You can opt to maintain your registration for a fee, or you can ask for your registration to be cancelled.

To change your practising status, login to the Psychologists portal.

Letter of Good Standing

You can request a Letter of Good Standing from the Board. This letter records your registration details, whether you hold a current Practicing Certificate, and notes that no outstanding complaints or competence issues are recorded for you (if applicable). It will be signed and dated by the Registrar or Deputy Registrar. This document provides evidence for authorities and prospective employers as to your fitness and competence as a psychologist.

Please email our registration team to request a certificate.

Certificate of Registration

Psychologists can purchase a formal Certificate of Registration from the Psychologists Board. The Certificate is A4 format and suitable for framing.

While not mandatory, the Board encourages psychologists to purchase a Certificate and display it at their place of work along with their current PC.

You can download and complete our Certificate of Registration payment form, and then email it to the Board.

Please note that qualifications and titles are not shown on the certificate.