You must satisfy the following minimum criteria to be eligible for recognition by COTRB:

(a)     Qualifications

Have completed a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) currently approved (at time of graduation) tertiary level education program leading to an award in occupational therapy, that is comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree (as per the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) Country Education Profiles).

"Currently approved" is taken to mean those countries listed on the WFOT website under "Programs & Schools" which at the time of graduation:

      Prior to 2002:
      Fall within 5 years after the year last reviewed by the National Association

      From 2002:
      Fall within 5 years (for 3 year courses) of the year last reviewed by the National Association
      Fall within 7 years (for 4 year courses) of the year last reviewed by the National Association

The WFOT approval referred to above must be in place at the time of graduation and cannot be considered retrospectively. Therefore, if the institution and program receive WFOT approval after the time of graduation, this will not be considered sufficient to meet the criteria for assessment.


(b)     English

(i)     English Language Proficiency Test

All occupational therapists who are applying for skilled migration or practice in Australia must prove English Language Proficiency by completing either the IELTS or the OET and achieving the results outlined below.

These results must have been obtained within two (2) years prior to applying for assessment.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (Academic Module) and achieve a minimum score of seven (7) in each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)

Occupational English Test (OET) and achieve an overall pass with grades A or B only in each of the four components.
(ii)     Waiver of English Language Proficiency Test

The English Language Proficiency Test is waived where applicants have met the educational requirements for English language.

• Education:
  1. Completed occupational therapy education program in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, New Zealand or Ireland, leading to registration/licensure in those countries (recognition by the Minister for Health & Children); OR
  2. Completed occupational therapy program in Canada and gained registration/licensure in Canada through an examination that was in English; OR
  3. Completed occupational therapy program in South Africa and gained registration/licensure in South Africa through education that was conducted in English; OR
  4. Completed a degree in Australia (on-shore) for at least 4 semesters, 2 years full time study, within the last two years prior to application.
  
  
  

Please note that evidence of English is required for points 2 and 3. This evidence is usually included on the transcript or in a letter from the training institution.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you will need to complete an English Language Proficiency Test (either IELTS or OET only).

Please Note: The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) may require occupational therapists to undertake an English Language Proficiency Test even where COTRB has waived this requirement. Please contact DIAC for further information.


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REVISED March 2008