Psychologists Society

New Zealand Psychologists Board

The Psychologists Board was originally established by the Psychologists Act 1981, and was subsequently appointed as an authority in respect of the practice of psychology under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA). The HPCA Act established the Board as a body corporate. This means that the Board can set up its own administrative arrangements (e.g., lease premises and equipment, employ staff, and set up its own finances and bank accounts). The Board established its own, independent Secretariat in July 2006, but continues to work in close collaboration with the other authorities established under the HPCA Act.

The Board's main purpose is to protect the health and safety of members of the public through the registration of psychologists who meet the registration requirements established under the HPCA Act and through the management of competence, conduct, and fitness matters concerning psychologists. The Board also reviews and promotes the competence of psychologists and sets standards of clinical and cultural competence and ethical conduct.  [A more detailed list of the Board’s responsibilities can be seen at the bottom of this page]

The Board is accountable to the New Zealand public through the Minister of Health and must provide an Annual Report, including audited accounts, to the Minister every year.  All psychologists receive a copy by mail, and the report can also be viewed on this website.

The Board has no formal relationship with either the New Zealand Psychological Society or the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists, but does work closely with both organisations on matters of mutual interest. The Society and College are collegial bodies whose primary mandate is to promote the interests of the profession, whereas the Board’s mandate is to protect the interests of the public. Most of the time, the three organisations are able to find pathways that serve the interests of both the public and the profession.

Processing Applications

A checklist of documents required with your Application for Registration is on the application form (see resource list to the right). All required documentation and the correct fee must be received before the application can be processed. The Board is unable to process incomplete applications and cannot accept uncertified copies of any official documents.

The Board will endeavour to acknowledge (by email, if provided) receipt of your application form and documentation within 5 working days of receipt in the Board’s office. You need to allow 3 - 4 weeks for the assessment of your complete application from the date of acknowledgment of receipt. Complete applications are processed on a regular basis. In fairness to all practitioners, no application will be ‘fast-tracked’ ahead of any other. 

Scopes of Practice

Character and Reputation of Applicants (Fitness)

Character References

The HPCA Act requires that a practitioner be a fit and proper person to be registered. References will be required to ensure this is the case. At least one reference must be written by a psychologist registered by the New Zealand Psychologists Board. (For overseas applicants who do not know a New Zealand-registered Psychologist, a reference from a senior psychologist who is registered, chartered, or licensed with a government-mandated registration authority overseas will be an acceptable alternative. A copy of that referee's registration certificate or licence must be included with the reference letter).

All character references must be originals, signed and dated no earlier than 3 months before the date on the application form, and must have been written specifically in support of the registration application.

Record of Criminal Conviction(s) – New Zealand Applicants

The Board requires that every New Zealand applicant obtain a Record of Criminal Convictions from the Ministry of Justice.  This lists only convictions and sentencing from court appearances and does not include Youth Court charges. An application form for your Record of Criminal Convictions can be obtained from your local District Court. 

Record of Criminal Conviction(s) - Overseas Applicants

The Board requires that you provide a record of criminal convictions (e.g., Police Clearance Certificate (South Africa), FBI Criminal Conviction Information/Fingerprint Information (USA), NIS Criminal Record Information Certificate (UK)) or equivalent documentation to inform the Board about any convictions you may have had in your former country or countries of residence. The record must not be more than six months old.

Communication Skills

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Module) is the only English test currently approved by the Board. The minimum pass mark required is 7.5 overall, with no less than 7.0 on each section. If English is not your first language and your qualifications were not completed in the English language, please provide a certified copy, or the original, of your results on the IELTS test.

Practising Certificate

To be able to practise in New Zealand psychologists are required to hold a current practising certificate. If you intend to practise in New Zealand you can apply for a practising certificate after the Board has approved your registration. Your practising certificate must then be renewed at the start of each financial year (1 April).

It is unlawful to practise as a psychologist without a practising certificate.

Certificate of Registration (Optional)

A formal Certificate of Registration can be ordered from the Board. These optional Certificates are produced on A4 card personally signed by the Board Registrar and ready for framing. You can order one by downloading the Certificate of Registration Payment form from our website and submitting it with your payment.

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