Recognition and Registration of Overseas Qualifications
The Council of Occupational Therapists Registration Boards (Australia and New Zealand) Inc (COTRB), is the body responsible for assessing overseas occupational therapy qualifications for recognition in Australia. The COTRB administers both the assessment of qualifications and the practice audit procedures.
At present, occupational therapists must be registered to practise in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. If you hold overseas qualifications, you will need to apply for recognition of your qualifications by the COTRB to enable you to become eligible for limited/conditional registration.
Registration is not required in Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria or the Australian Capital Territory. However, if you want to work as an occupational therapist in a government-funded agency, such as a public hospital or a community health centre, you are usually expected to have qualifications acceptable to OT AUSTRALIA. OT AUSTRALIA is the professional association for occupational therapists in Australia.
Similar to the specific Registration Boards, initial membership of OT AUSTRALIA requires recognition of your qualifications by COTRB (www.cotrb.saboards.com.au).
AEI-NOOSR
Australian Education International (AEI), through the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR), provides official information and advice on the comparability of overseas education qualifications with Australian qualifications. This aims to help overseas qualified people work and study in Australia.