Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) requirements
On this page: Maintaining registration | Renewing an existing practicing certificate | CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is the second recertification requirement for optometrists and dispensing opticians. Continuing professional development and self-audits are the other two.
In 2020, the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) amended the recertification programmes for optometrists and dispensing opticians by adding a requirement for CPR certification by 1 April 2022. In 2021, this was extended to 1 April 2023. You must maintain CPR certification each year when applying for or renewing your APC, in addition to CPD and self-audit requirements.
The inclusion of CPR certification for practitioners is consistent with our role to ensure public safety. New graduates must also be able to administer CPR, and this competence should be maintained.
The need for CPR certification will begin from the renewal of annual practising certificates for 2023. We recognise any first aid/CPR course that meets the minimum requirements for NZQA unit standards 6401 and NZQA 6402. Please check before commencing a course that it meets this standard for CPR certification. Please see the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Guidelines for more information on requirements.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Guidelines
You’ll need to submit evidence of current CPR certification at the annual renewal for the practising year commencing 1 April 2023. Examples of CPR providers that offer courses that met the NZQA requirements include:
The ODOB has identified the following Australian CPR/first aid unit standards to be reasonably comparable to the NZQA unit standards required. A certificate noting all three of these unit standards have been completed can be accepted.
- HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- HLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life support
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
Refresher courses
Once a practitioner has obtained NZQA unit standards 6401 and 6402, they are required to complete a ‘refresher’ course every 2 years. If you are supplying evidence of having completed a refresher course, you must ensure that the certificate from your initial course (evidence of completing NZQA unit standards 6401 and 6402) exists on file.
If a practitioner has not completed the refresher within 2 years and 3 months from their initial first aid course, they will be required to complete the full programme of NZQA unit standards 6401 and 6402 again. Please read the CPR guidelines (see below) for information on refresher course requirements.
You can update and upload CPR certificates through your myODOB portal.
Alternative CPR course recognition
If you think you have done a course that is the equivalent of, or higher than, the requirements for the NZQA unit standards 6401 and 6402, please apply using the Application for an Alternative CPR Course Recognition form. Ensure to read the CPR guidelines for full information on the CPR requirements and alternative recognition requirements.
Application for an Alternative CPR Course Recognition (REC1)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Guidelines