Return to Practice
Return to Practice
Recertification (Return to Practice) requirements aim to protect the quality and value of the Boards Registration policy, according to the HPCA Act, thereby protecting the health and safety of members of the public, by making sure that Dietitians possess the current knowledge and skills required to practise competently and safely.
It is important you familiarise yourself with the Requirement to hold Annual Practising Certificate.
Recertification requirements will vary according to the time spent away from the dietetic workforce, and the individual needs of the dietitian.
NZ Dietitians returning from practising dietetics overseas
Registered Dietitians who have practised dietetics overseas and who wish to return to work in New Zealand within 3 years of last APC (NZ) should follow the steps outlined below.
If it has been more than 3 years since last APC (NZ), then applicants will need to provide:
- Return to Practice Request form and payment,
- Cover letter,
- Summary of work experience (CV),
- Proof of dietetic competency and practice, e.g. two recent Performance Appraisals,
- Two references,
- Information about Continuing Competence Programmes in which they have participated, and
- Certificate of Good Standing and/or proof of Registration with Health Professions Council/credentialing agency/regulatory authority.
Additional Information
All assessments will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account time spent overseas and career pathway followed overseas. In some cases, the Board may apply a period of supervision or require a candidate to pass the Board examination before an APC is issued.
Returning within three years of practising dietetics in NZ (holding an APC)
In such cases, Registered Dietitians will be required to apply for a New APC through the Practitioner Portal. At the time of applying the applicant must have met any Continuing Competence (MyCCP) requirements including successful completion of the annual prescriber update, if applicable. Failure to complete the current prescriber update will mean that the prescribing endorsement will be removed until such time as the requirement has been successfully fulfilled.
Returning after an absence of more than three years but less than five years
Registered Dietitians who have not held an APC/worked as a Dietitian in NZ for more than 3 years, but less than 5 years and who wish to return to dietetic work, must provide:
- Return to Practice Request form and payment,
- Cover letter,
- Summary of work experience (CV),
- Identify a mentor,
- Develop and submit a professional development learning plan focused on transition back to practice which must be signed by the mentor,
- Criminal Convictions History check is required if you have lived overseas.
Additional Information
All assessments will be made on a case-by-case basis. You may be required to sit and pass the Boards Oral Registration Examination before being permitted to practise dietetics in NZ.
Registered Dietitians who have not worked as a Dietitian for more than 3 years, but less than 5 years may be required to undertake up to 15 months supervision, fortnightly for the first three months and then on a monthly basis.
Any Dietitian who wishes to prescribe must sit and pass the Prescriber Training Course, offered annually by the Board, before your APC can be endorsed.
Please contact the Board for information regarding the next Prescriber Training Course.
Returning after an absence of five years or more
Registered Dietitians who have not held an APC/worked as a Dietitian for 5 years or more, and who wish to be assessed as eligible to return to dietetic work must provide:
- Return to Practice Request form and payment,
- Cover letter,
- Summary of work experience (CV),
- Identify a mentor,
- Develop and submit a professional development learning plan focused on transition back to practice which must be signed by the mentor,
- Criminal Convictions History check is required if you have lived overseas.
Additional Information
All assessments will be made on a case-by-case basis. Registered Dietitians who have not worked as a dietitian for 5 years or more may be required to sit and pass the Board’s Oral and Written Examinations before being permitted to practise dietetics in NZ.
Following that, you should also expect to be required to undertake 15 months supervision, fortnightly for the first three months and then on a monthly basis, and will be called for audit after one year.
Any Dietitian who wishes to prescribe must successfully complete the Prescriber Training Course, offered annually by the Board, before your APC can be endorsed.
Please contact the Board for information regarding the next Prescriber Training Course.