Notes from my experience using AHPRA’s online portal to apply for registration as a medical practitioner for the first time
I recently sat with a client to submit their application for registration via the Ahpra practitioner portal. We did it together from start to finish. It took a whole day. This was not what I expected. As someone who has been supporting IMGs for almost 10 years, usually it took under an hour to guide a client through the PDF registration form. So why did the online application take so long? The main difficulty with the online application is that each question needs to be completed in order before you can move forward. You can’t even look ahead. Hopefully by the time I share this post, the online application process has been improved, but in case it has not, you can find my guide and tips below.
· Ahpra strongly encourages you to apply for or renew your registration online in the Ahpra practitioner portal; stating that this is the fastest, easiest and most secure way to apply.
· The Ahpra portal is optimised for use with a desktop or laptop computer – don’t attempt it from your phone or tablet.
· Instructions for setting up your Ahpra portal can be found here: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Support/Ahpra-portal-help-centre/Create-portal-account.aspx
o Go to Login page: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Login.aspx
o Click Create account button
o Enter your personal details (first name, last name, email address, mobile including country code, and date of birth).
o Click Sign Up.
o Check your email inbox for a verification email. If you don’t receive it, check your junk or spam folder.
o Click the link in the verification email.
o Once you verify your email, you will be prompted to set up your password and multifactor authentication.
o The email address you use to verify your account will become your new username.
o Click Apply for registration.
· Some forms are still pdf, for example, the supervised practice plan (SPPA-30).
· Pdf forms and supporting documents can be uploaded via your portal.
· After completing your application, which includes uploading your certified documents, completing a proof of identity check and paying the required fees, you can track its assessment in your portal.
· The initial review will happen within 30 days. Ahpra will contact you if anything is missing.
· The full assessment can take up to 6 weeks. Most are done in 4-5 weeks.
· Peak busy period is October–February. Applications can take longer to be assessed during peak period.
· Applications can be accepted as early as six months before your intended start date.
Pros of online applications:
· Everything is online.
Cons of online applications:
· Each question needs to be completed in order before you can move forward in the application.
My tips:
· Download the relevant legacy pdf form before starting your online application and read through it so that you know what to expect.
o Retired pdf forms can be downloaded here: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Hardcopy-forms.aspx?_gl=1*1bz2mw6*_ga*MTcxODIzNTEzNC4xNzUzNzgxNTE0*_ga_F1G6LRCHZB*czE3NzM3OTI2OTckbzU2JGcxJHQxNzczNzkzMzE3JGo1MiRsMCRoMA..
· There are some things you can do ahead of time to be prepared:
o Gather supporting documents.
§ MBBS/MD certificate
§ Internship certificate or academic transcript
§ Identity documents: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Applying-for-registration/Proof-of-Identity.aspx
o Translate any documents that aren’t in English.
§ Follow Ahpra’s guidelines for translating documents: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Applying-for-registration/Translating-Documents.aspx
o Certify original documents.
§ Follow Ahpra’s guidelines for certifying documents: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Applying-for-registration/Certifying-Documents.aspx
o International criminal history check (ICHC): https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Applying-for-registration/Criminal-history-checks/International-Criminal-History.aspx
§ Required for each country you have lived in for six months or longer from the age of 18 years.
§ Need to apply for ICHC before submitting your application for registration.
§ The ICHC is only valid for three months, therefore only apply for ICHC once you have a job offer.
· Submit an Ahpra-formatted CV with your application, even though you won’t be specifically instructed to.
If all or any of this is daunting, or if you need help with securing a job offer, get in touch with me. I offer consulting in Preston, Melbourne or online.