Are you aspiring to become an Occupational Therapist (OT) in British Columbia? If so, you'll need to register with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC). This blog will walk you through the key steps to help you understand the process and ensure you meet all the requirements.
Why Registration is Important
Registering with CHCPBC demonstrates your commitment to providing safe, ethical, and effective care. It also shows your respect for the public's right to quality healthcare and acknowledges the College's role in supporting and monitoring practice.
Types of Registration
Depending on your circumstances, you can apply for one of the following registration categories:
- Full Registration: Apply as a Full practicing registrant with no restrictions.
- Provisional Registration: Apply as a Provisional registrant practicing under the supervision of a full registrant until you meet the national exam requirement.
- Temporary Registration: Temporary registration is valid for a maximum of 90 days in a calendar year.
Initial Application Requirements
To get started, you'll need to meet several documentation requirements:
- Notarized Identification: Provide two pieces of notarized ID.
- Official Transcript or Interim Letter: Request an official transcript or an interim letter from your university.
- Criminal Record Check: Complete a new criminal record check.
- Professional Liability Insurance: Upload your current liability insurance.
- Eligibility to Work in Canada: Upload proof of your eligibility to work in Canada.
- NOTCE Certificate or Confirmation: Upload your NOTCE certificate or confirmation of registration for the next available exam.
- Employer Acknowledgment: If applying for provisional registration, complete this form once you secure employment.
- Regulatory History Form: Complete this form if you have been registered in another province, state, or country.
Application Process
Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Gather all required documentation, including notarized ID and official transcripts.
- Complete the online application form on the CHCPBC website.
- Upload all necessary documents and pay the application fee of $325 and the Criminal Record Check fee of $28.
- Submit your application and await confirmation.
For Internationally Educated Applicants
If you were educated outside of Canada, you must apply through the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO) and complete the Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS). Only after completing this process can you apply to CHCPBC.
Support for International Applicants
The Province of British Columbia offers a bursary to support internationally educated allied health professionals, including OTs, who wish to work in BC’s healthcare system. This bursary can help cover eligible expenses retroactively to July 19, 2022.
Submit Your Online Application
Click on the online application link on the CHCPBC website to start the process. Make sure you have your notarized ID ready before creating your online account. Once you have completed the form, click the Submit button. On submission, you will be required to pay the application fee of $325 and Criminal Record Check fee of $28.
For more information, please follow this link.
