Occupational Therapist - Assessment Information Sheet
To have your skills and qualifications assessed to Australian standards you will need to go through the following steps:
1. Assessment procedure
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has nominated the Council of Occupational Therapists Registration Boards (Australia and New Zealand) Inc (COTRB), as the assessing authority for the occupation of Occupational Therapist.
There are two stages to the COTRB assessment process.
Stage 1 - Desktop Audit
In conducting an assessment for Stage I - Desktop Audit, the following factors will be considered:
- completion of a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved tertiary level education program leading to an award in occupational therapy - equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree
- recognition as an occupational therapist in your country of origin or education
- English language competency.
Stage 2 – Practice Audit
If found suitable for practice in Australia, following successful completion of the Stage I assessment, you will need to undergo Stage 2 - Practice Audit.
The applicant will be required to have their practice audited for the first 12 months of employment in Australia. The aim of this audit is to enable the applicant to:
- demonstrate their capacity to perform safely and competently
- obtain supervisor reports to demonstrate their competence
- develop their knowledge and skills relevant to practice in Australia
- receive peer review of their practice skills and knowledge.
For further information on the COTBR pre-migration skills assessment requirements including an application form and how to apply, please contact:
Council of Occupational Therapists Registration Boards (Aust and NZ) Inc
PO Box 229, Torrensville Plaza
SA, 5031, AUS
Tel: + 61 8 8443 9375
Fax: + 61 8 8443 9550
Email: admin@cotrb.com.au
Website: www.cotrb.com.au
2. Supporting documents
As part of your COTRB skills assessment you will also be required to provide supporting documentation. The required documents are listed on the assessment application form and include:
- certified copy of qualification papers, for example, degree, diploma or certificate
- official transcripts of educational courses
- current registration or licence to practice
- certified evidence of employment
- certified evidence of English language ability.
All documentation must be certified true copies. Note that the name, status and address of the person certifying the copy must be clearly evident. Wherever possible, an official stamp should accompany their signature.
Make sure you keep a copy of these documents for your personal records as you may need them for employment purposes.
3. Send in your application form
Send your application form to COTRB with the required documentation and assessment fee.
Once your application, supporting documents and assessment fees have been received the assessment process can commence.
COTRB will then send you a written statement indicating that your skills either meet or do not meet the Australian requirements to migrate as an Occupational Therapist.
If your assessment advises that you meet the requirements, you can submit this statement with your DIAC visa application.
4. Checklist
- Visit the DIAC website to obtain comprehensive information about the Australian government requirements for migrating to Australia. Read through DIAC Booklet 6 - General Skilled Migration.
- Check DIAC’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for your occupation and please note the ASCO code and assessing authority.
- Visit the COTRB website and carefully read through the introductory information before completing your application form.
- Get certified copies of your qualifications, examination results, references, First Aid Certificate and any other required documentation listed by COTRB. Make sure each document is certified separately.
- Send in your application form, support documents and assessment fee to COTRB.
- When you apply to DIAC for your Skilled Migrant visa, include your statement from COTRB, along with other required documentation.
Victoria
Migration tools
Last updated: 22 January 2009
State Government of Victoria