Applying for an annual practising certificate (APC)

You can apply for your annual practising certificate once your have had your registration approved via your myODOB portal if you have recently graduated from an Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian programme and the first time applying for an annual practising certificate (APC) within 6 months of registering.

If you have not practised in Aotearoa New Zealand in the past 3 years or more, and want to return to practise, please contact our office for information ( registrations@odob.health.nz) and read the relevant Re-joining the workforce policies that may apply to your circumstances.

Please note, as of 1 April 2023, you must hold a valid CPR/fist aid certificate, which includes NZQA unit standards 6401 and 6402.

On this page: Returning to the workforce | Non practicing practitioners

Returning to the workforce

The ODOB has adopted policies for applications from practitioners re-joining the workforce after 3 years or more.

Policy on dispensing opticians re-joining the workforce

Policy on optometrists re-joining the workforce

Non-practising practitioners

Registered practitioners who are not intending to apply for an APC, for whatever reason, must still opt for one of the following non-practising statuses:

• Maintenance of registration only (and receive regular communication from the ODOB)
• Maintenance of registration and CPD-recording (which will allow you to log CPD credits, but are not require you to meet any of the recertification programme requirements)

To apply for one of the above statuses, use the registration change form:

Registration change form

This form can also be used if you would like to have your name cancelled from the register all together. Please see below for more information on Removal or Restoration from the Register.

If you are unsure whether you need an APC for the type of work you are doing, contact the ODOB’s office on 04 474 0704, or via email: registrations@odob.health.nz.