Important information for transitional registrants about COVID-19

14 Apr 2020

In response to COVID-19 public health measures, the Board has announced some temporary flexibilities to help provisional psychologists meet the requirements of their transitional program (and internship programs) while maintaining client safety.

Online proctoring of the May 2020 exam

The May 2020 sitting of the national psychology exam has been moved from test centres across Australia to online proctoring. Online proctoring (OLP) is a secure way that exams can be offered remotely via the internet in the registrant’s home or workplace (where available).

We have published information on the website about online proctoring for the May 2020 exam, including FAQs about how to register and prepare for online proctoring, what equipment you will need to sit the exam, and required conduct during the exam.

The change to online proctoring is a temporary change in response to COVID-19 and applies only to the May sitting of the exam. Plans for the July and November 2020 exams will be made as COVID-19 evolves and the situation become clearer.

What do I need to do now?

If you are currently registered for the May exam your registration for your preferred test centre will be cancelled by Kryterion, and a new registration for the OLP exam automatically approved. You will receive information from the national psychology exam coordinator about this.

You must carefully read the FAQs about the requirements for online proctoring in preparation for the exam.

If you do not wish to do the OLP exam, you can cancel your registration via the examination portal, and apply to sit the next available exam in one of the test centres across Australia.

If you wish to sit the OLP exam in May and have not already registered, please go to the exam portal and make a booking before close of business on 17 April 2020.

If you are thinking about sitting the exam later in the year, we recommend that you regularly check the national psychology exam page of the Board’s website for information on the delivery format of the exam.

Additional flexibilities for the transitional program during the COVID-19 pandemic

Continuous practice

While the minimum requirements of the program still need to be met, the 12 weeks for ’continuous’ practice is not required. This means you will have longer to finish your transitional program should you need it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, working less than the minimum hours per week is allowed without prior permission of the Board.

Online upload for documents

We have introduced an online upload service to receive applications, forms and supporting documents. This means applicants and registrants can submit these to Ahpra online instead of sending hard copy documents to Ahpra in the mail.

Certified copies of documents are still required as indicated on forms.

To upload documents go to the online document portal.

Presenting-in-person requirements for internationally qualified practitioners

We have also made changes to the presenting-in-person requirements for internationally qualified practitioners who hold current in-principle approval of registration.

We encourage applicants who are in Australia to present in person at their intended workplace to have their identity verified and their identity documents certified by a registered health practitioner. Applicants must have self-isolated for 14 days after arrival, as directed by the Australian Government, before presenting in person. See changes to presenting-in-person requirements for further information.

Where should I go to find out more?

For questions about the exam please email nationalpsychologyexam@ahpra.gov.au.

For questions about the transition program please email psychology.assessmentunit@ahpra.gov.au.

Ahpra and the National Boards are regularly publishing information on our COVID-19 updates page.

Thank you for your understanding and your patience during these unprecedented times.

Rachel Phillips
Chair, Psychology Board of Australia