Section 7 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act) requires all practising physiotherapists in New Zealand to hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC).

It is a serious offence to practise physiotherapy without a current practising certificate. The HPCA Act provides that no person may claim to be practising as a physiotherapist or state or do anything that is calculated to suggest that the person practises or is willing to practise as a physiotherapist unless the person –

To practise as a physiotherapist in New Zealand you are required to apply annually for an APC. In conjunction with this you must declare your compliance with the Board's Recertification Programme.

The practising year runs from 1 April to 31 March. All APCs expire on 31 March.

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• The current fee for an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) is $250 including GST.
  
• The date of issue is clearly displayed on the APC.
  
• Your employer and/or your patients/clients may wish to view your APC. The original practising certificate (not a copy) should be available to be sighted.

The Annual Practising Certificate is:

• issued in your full name. If you have changed your name you must supply certified evidence. Download the change of name form.
  
• Endorsed with your scope of practice.
  
• Endorsed (if applicable) with any conditions the Board has applied to your scope of practice.

You must hold a current APC if you are practising or you intend to practise as a physiotherapist.
Many physiotherapists are unsure if they need to hold an APC. An APC is required in all situations:

• where you are using your knowledge and skills as a physiotherapist; or
  
• your job description requires you to be a registered physiotherapist; and
  
• if you are calling yourself a physiotherapist (or representing in any manner that you are authorised to practise physiotherapy).

If the position you are employed in requires that you are a health professional then you require a current APC;

If you use your physiotherapy knowledge in your employment then you require a current APC.

Physiotherapists required to hold an APC include those who are:

• Practising clinical physiotherapy in a health care setting
  
• Physiotherapy service managers/advisors
  
• Advisory physiotherapists
  
• Physiotherapy teachers/educators
  
• Physiotherapists working on a voluntary basis
  
• Locum and part-time physiotherapists (even if only working for a short period)
  
• Physiotherapy accreditation surveyors and auditors
  
• Physiotherapists performing assessment and treatment, and/or advising on management of (e.g.) sports teams, clients in rest homes, children in schools, community groups for people with disabilities (whether voluntary or not)
  
• Presenter or educator at a course
  
• Physiotherapists working as sales representatives selling physiotherapy products, i.e. when the job description/person specification requires a physiotherapist.

You require an APC if you are working one day or the whole year.
Furthermore, when you use your physiotherapy knowledge and are presenting physiotherapy information and giving advice in the capacity of a physiotherapist, you must hold a current APC. Click here to view the general scope of practice: Physiotherapist.

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Where possible, please inform the Board before you go overseas. The date you finish practising is key information that we record in case of fraudulent use of your APC; or where ACC seeks verification of your last date of practice.

• Keep your contact/address details up-to-date - use the change of address form in this website to download and fax/mail to us.
  
• Please ensure anyone forwarding Board mail to you does so promptly.
  
• Refer to this website regularly for updates etc while you are away.
  
• If you hold a current New Zealand APC and are selected for audit while you are overseas, current policy states you would still be required to participate. Just ensure your log book is up to date before you go away.
  
• If you are unsure of your status in the register: first check the public register on the website (click here to access the register), or email the Board with any further enquiries regarding your status in the New Zealand register: physio@physioboard.org.nz.

The Board will contact you annually in February to update your status for the next practising year (1 April to 31 March). You will be sent information to the last known address and will give you the choice to:


1. apply for an APC; or
   
2. become or remain non practising; or
   
3. cancel from the Register.

You will be required to update your status by 1 April.
Please contact the Board if you have not received any correspondence regarding your practising status by 1 March. Updating your status in the register can be done (and is done by many) anywhere in the world so there should not be a delay.

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Important factors to consider if you have not practised for three or more years and you are thinking of returning to the Physiotherapy profession

If you are contemplating returning to the workforce you are well advised to:

1. Contact the Board for initial advice.
   
2. Plan your return to the workforce.
   
3. Develop a Professional Development Plan (see note below). Identify those areas that require development or guidance to meet your future goals.
   
4. Record any relevant CPD activities you have completed whilst you were non-practising. A comprehensive log book detailing how you have kept up-to-date with physiotherapy research and modalities will support your return to work application.
   
5. You may be able to build a relationship with a local practice well before your formal return to the physiotherapy workforce. See if you can attend their In-Service programme or any seminars they may organise.

Note: information about the documentation required is set out in the APC application form for those currently non practising. Please ensure you provide comprehensive details, for example, include the month as well as the year in your CV and also account for any breaks in your work dates (such as travel, etc). For guidelines regarding a professional development plan or reflective statement, please refer to accompanying notes in the APC application form for those currently non practising.

The First Steps To Returning to Practice

1. You need to set your own goals and timeframes regarding your return to work. Only return to work when you can commit to a period of supervision or oversight and learning.
   
2. Complete the APC application form for those currently non practising.
   
3. Update your CV. You need to ensure that your CV clearly states the periods you were practising physiotherapy, whether you were employed full-time or part-time and that it adequately describes your area of practice.
   
4. Complete a reflective Statement. Outline the areas you intend to practise if you are granted an APC. Reflect on your CPD activities and include any future courses you may be planning.
   
5. Include your Professional Development Plan with your application.

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Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions about APCs.

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