Medical license In South Africa

Qualifying in any of the health care professions is an important personal responsibility and, as a practitioner, there are several legal obligations.

Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a pre-requisite for professional practice, and it is also a legal requirement to keep all personal details up to date at all times. 

An annual fee is payable for this registration and failure to pay this fee could result in suspension from the register. If, for some reason a practitioner is suspended from the register, they can redeem themselves by applying for restoration and paying the restoration fee. 

Voluntary erasure from the register is possible if the practitioner does not intend to practice his/her profession in South Africa for a given period of time. A request has to be submitted in writing before 31 March of the year voluntary erasure is requested. 

There are nine main registration categories (not all categories apply to all professions), namely:

  • Student
  • Internship
  • Student Intern
  • Public Service – Community Service
  • Supervised Practice
  • Independent Practice
  • Private Practice
  • Specialised Practice
  • Sub-Specialised Practice

Other categories for temporary or restricted registration include:

  • Education
  • Post Graduate
  • Volunteer

After completing the requirements of each of the registration categories, the onus is on the individual to formally apply for registration in the next category. Penalty fees are charged upon application for a new registration category if the individual has not been registered as student in the required category.

Registration Requirements

Dietetics and Nutrition

Registration Download document

Department of Health online application system for Community Service

http://health.icsponline.dhis.dhmis.org

Emergency Care

New entry and registration requirements for Basic Ambulance Assistants (BAAs)

Since 1 January 2012 the minimum entry requirement for the BAA course is matric (grade 12). ABET level 4 is not recognized as equivalent to matric, as this qualification is on NQF level 1 – equivalent to grade 9. Furthermore, the Board recently resolved that a Notary Public must certify copies of matric (Grade 12) certificates and that the statement of results, which indicates that the candidate has successfully completed matric, may be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.

Download document

Environmental Health

Registration

Registration of Student Environmental Health Practitioners

  • Form 53
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration as Environmental Health Practitioners

a) SA Qualification (HI) (Community Service)

  • Original form 23 Community Service, duly completed by applicant and University
  • A copy of ID document
  • Applicable registration feeplus pro rata annual fee
  • A copy of registration certificate with the Health Professions Council of South Africa

b) Independent Practice

  • Form 27 Comm Serv Completed

c) Foreign Qualified Practitioners

  •  Form 176 DOH FWMP
  • Form 176
  • SOP Foreign Qualified Practitioners click here

Registration of Additional Qualifications

  • Form 19 and original certificate or a copy certified by a Notary Public
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration as Environmental Assistant

  • Form 176 for EHP Assistants

Medical and Dental and Medical Science

Medical Technology

Registration

Registration of Student Medical Technology

  • Form 53
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration as Medical Technologists

a) Independent Practice

  • Form 24 MT Independent Practice, duly completed

Registration of Foreign Qualified Medical Technologists

Form 176 for registration of foreign qualifieds

Registration of Additional Qualifications

  • Form 19 and original certificate or a copy certified by a Notary Public
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Requirements for approval to conduct Private Practice

  • Procedures for approval to conduct private practice Form 133
  • All applications for approval to conduct a private practice have to be considered by the Professional Board.
  • In order to comply with the requirements, an applicant has to provide proof of at least two (2) years post registration experience in the particular category of registration.
  • The following documentation must be submitted in support of an application for approval to conduct a private practice:
  • An original letter from the employer confirming that the person have at least two (2) years post registration experience in medical technology in the particular category.
  • An amount of R314.00 for a Certified Extract certificate from the register for purposes of registration of a practice number at the Board of Healthcare Funders of South Africa.
  • Proof of payment of annual fee
  • Proof of compliance to CPD requirements (60 CEU’s)

Occupational Therapy, Medical Orthotics, Prosthetics & Arts Therapy

Registration

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Registration as STUDENT a. First registration as a Student

  • Form 53 duly completed by applicant and university.
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee as reflected in the form

b. Re-registration after interruption of studies for one year or more

  • Form 53 duly completed, with an indication that the applicant applies for re-registration.
  • Certificate of resumption of study issued by University
  • Registration fee as reflected in the form

Registration of Occupational Therapist (OT) 

a. SA Qualifications (Community Service) (South African citizens only)

  • Registration as a student with the HPCSA
  • Form 23 Comm Service.
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph.
  • Registration fee as indicated together with pro rata annual fee.
  • Applicants are registered in the category: Public Service: Community Service.

b. Independent Practice (South African citizens only)

  • Registration in the category: Public service: Community service.
  • Form 23
  • Form 27 Comm Serv completed.

c. Foreign Qualified Practitioners

  • Form 176 (documentation to be submitted including certificate of status clearly outlined).
  • Form 176 Application ( Guidelines: DoH Foreign Workforce Management Programme)

d. Independant Practice (Foreign qualified non-South African citizens)

  • Registration as an occupational therapist in public service as outlined above.
  • Submission of proof of permanent residence status or citizenship in South Africa issued in terms of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No.13 of 2002).
  • Letter of endorsement by the Foreign Workforce Management Programme of the National Department of Health pertaining to employment (as part of the updating of register of foreign citizens maintained by the Departments of Health and Home Affairs). iv. Completion of a recognised South African qualification by a foreign citizen does not entitle such person to register in independent practice. Such applicants are required to first apply as per the procedure outlined above for registration in public service.

Registration of Occupational Therapist-Assistant (OTB)

  • Form 23, duly completed, together with a certificate reflecting full details regarding the education and training, issued and signed by the Head of the educational or training institution and his or her deputy; OR
  • Form 24, duly completed, together with a certificate reflecting full details regarding the education and training, issued and signed by the Head of the educational or training institution and his or her deputy.
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph.
  • Registration fee as indicated together with pro rata annual fee.
  • Applicants are registered in the category Public Service: Supervised Practice.

Registration of Occupational Therapist Technician (OTT)

  • Form 23, duly completed, together with a certificate reflecting one year practical experience and 50 hours training provided by training institution, issued and signed by the Head of the educational or training institution and his or her deputy; OR
  • Form 24, duly completed, together with a certificate reflecting one year practical experience and 50 hours training provided by training institution, issued and signed by the Head of the educational or training institution and his or her deputy.
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph.
  • Registration fee as indicated together with pro rata annual fee.
  • Applicants are registered in the category Public Service: Supervised Practice.

Arts Therapy

Registration for Arts Therapist 

a. SA Qualification (South African citizens only)

  • Registration as a student with the HPCSA.
  • Form 23, duly completed; OR
  • Form 24, duly completed, together with a copy of the original Masters degree, certified by an attorney in his or her capacity as notary public and bearing the official stamp.
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph.
  • Registration fee as indicated together with pro rata annual fee.
  • Applicants are registered in the category: Independent Practice

b. Foreign Qualified Practitioners

  • Form 176  (Documentation to be submitted including certificate of status outlined
  • Registration as an arts therapist in public service as outlined above
  • Submission of proof of permanent residence status or citizenship in South Africa issued in terms of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No.13 of 2002)
  • Letter of endorsement by the Foreign Workforce Management Programme of the National Department of Health pertaining to employment (As part of updating of register of foreign citizens maintained by the Departments of Health and Home Affairs).
  • Completion of a recognised South African qualification by a foreign citizen does not entitle such person to register in independent practice. Such applicants are required to first apply as per the procedure outlined above for registration in public service.

MEDICAL ORTHOTISTS AND PROSTHETICS

Registration of Student-Medical Orthotists and Prosthetists (OS-S) 

a. First registration as a Student

  • Form 53 duly completed by applicant and university.
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

b. Re-registration after interruption of studies for one year or more

  • Form 53 duly completed, with an indication that the applicant applies for re-registration.
  • Certificate of reumption of study

c. Registration as an Intern Medical Orthotist and Prosthetist (with effect from 1 January 2010)

  • Registration as a student with the HPCSA.
  • Form 26 OSIN, duly completed together with documentation as outlined.
  • Form 26 A OS, duly completed
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph.
  • Registration fee as indicated.
  • Applicants are registered in the category: Intern Medical Orthotist and Prosthetist.
  • Form 160 OS – Guidelines for Internships in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics issued by University.
  • Registration fee as reflected in the form
  • List of accredited centres to train MOP click here

Registration as Medical Orthotist/Prosthetist (OS)

a. SA Qualification (South Arican citizens only)

  • Registration as a student with the HPCSA.
  • Form 23, duly completed; ORForm 24, duly completed, together with a copy of the Honours Degree certificate, certified by an attorney in his or her capacity as notary public and bearing the official stamp;
  • Form 27 OS, duly completed.
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph.
  • Registration fee as indicated together with pro rata annual fee.
  • Applicants are registered in the category: Independent Practice.

b. Foreign Qualified Practitioner

  • Form 176 (Documentation to be submitted including certificate of status clearly outlined).

c. Independent Practice (Foreign Qualified non-South African citizens)

  • Registration as a medical orthotist and prosthetist in public service as outlined above.
  • Submission of proof of permanent residence status or citizenship in South Africa issued in terms of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No.13 of 2002).
  • Letter of endorsement by the Foreign Workforce Management Programme of the National Department of Health pertaining to employment (As part of updating of register of foreign citizens maintained by the Departments of Health and Home Affairs).
  • Completion of a recognised South African qualification by a foreign citizen does not entitle such person to register in independent practice. Such applicants are required to first apply as per the procedure outlined above for registration in public service.

Registration of Orthopaedic Footwear Technicians (OB) No student registration required.

  • 24, duly completed, together with a certificate confirming completion of three years’ practical training, issued and signed by the Head of the educational or training institution and his or her deputy.
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph.
  • Registration fee as indicated together with pro rata annual fee.
  • Applicants are registered in the category Public Service: Supervised Practice

Registration of Orthopaedic TechnicianAssistant (OSA)

  • Form 23, duly completed, together with a certificate confirming completion of three years’ practical training, issued and signed by the Head of the educational or training institution and his or her deputy; OR
  • Form 24, duly completed, together with a certificate confirming completion of three years’ practical training, issued and signed by the Head of the educational or training institution and his or her deputy.
  • Form 27 OB/OSA, duly completed.
  • Formal report from Supervisor highlighting the practical skills obtained.
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph.
  • Registration fee as indicated together with pro rata annual fee.
  • Applicants are registered in the category Public Service: Supervised Practice.

Optometry & Dispensing Opticians

Registration

Registration Of Student Optical Dispenser

  • Form 53
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration Of Optical Dispenser

  • Form 23
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Registration in the category: Independent Practice

Optometrists Registration of Student Optometrist

  • First registration as Student Optometrist (OP-S)
  • Form 53
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Re-registration after interruption of studies for one year or more
  • Original certificate of registration as student
  • Certificate of resumption of study issued by University
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration of Optometrists (OP) 
SA Qualification

  •  Form 23 or Form 24 and original Degree Certificate or a copy certified by a Notary Public
  • Certified copy of ID document with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Register in the category: Independent Practice

Foreign Qualifications

Form 176 (refer to Board Manager for submission of the application to the Professional Board)

Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics

Physiotherapy

Registration of Student–Physiotherapists (PT-S)

  • First registration as a Student
  • Form 53 duly completed
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Re-registration after interruption of studies for one year or more
  • Original certificate of registration as student
  • Certificate of resumption of study issued by University
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Re-registration after interruption of studies for less than one year
  • Form 41
  • Certificate of resumption of study issued by University.

Registration of Physiotherapists (PT)

  • SA Qualifications (Community Service)
  • Form 23 (Community Service)
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • A copy of your registration certificate with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
  • Register in the category: Public Service : Community Service.

Independent Practice

  • Form 23
  • Copy of letter from institution confirming completion of 12 months Community Service.

Foreign Qualifications

  • All foreign qualified Physiotherapists are required to sit for an examination conducted by the Board, twice per year
  • Form 49 PT
  • Form 176 DOH
  • Certificate of Status, issued by foreign registration authority
  • Original certificate of Qualifications or copy thereof certified by Notary Public
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph

Physiotherapy – Assistants (PTA) – Register closed

  • Forms 23 / 24
  • Certificate from educational institution (approved by Board Manager)
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Register in the category: Supervised Practice

Physiotherapy Assistant Students (PTA-S) – Register closed

  • Form 53
  • Certified copy of ID document
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Podiatrists

Registration of Student–Podiatrists (CH-S)

  • First Registration as Student
  • Form 53 duly completed
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Re-registration after interruption of studies for one year or more
  • Original certificate of registration as student.
  • Certificate issued by Technikon indicating date of enrolment and year of study
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Re-registration after interruption of studies for less than one year
    Certificate issued by Technikon indicating date of enrolment and year of study.

Registration of Podiatrists (CH)

  • SA Qualification
  • Form 23 or 24 and original National Diploma or a copy certified by a Notary Public
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • A copy of your registration certificate with the Health Professions Council of South Africa
  • Register in the category: Independent Practice
  • Foreign Qualifications
  • Form 176 (refer to Board Manager for submission of the application to the Professional Board)
  • Form 24
  • Original qualification or a copy certified by a Notary Public
  • Detailed information on the nature and content of the education and training, issued by the institution
  • Certificate of Status, issued by foreign registration authority

Registration as Student Biokineticist (BK-S)

  • Form 87
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration as Biokineticist (BK)

  • Form 23 or 24 and original Honors Degree certificate or a copy certifiedby a Notary Public
  • Internship recommendation completed by SA Association for Biokinetics
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Register in the category: Independent Practice
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration as an Intern Biokineticist

  • Form 87 BKS
  • Certified copy of ID document
  • Letter from the training institution (Biokinetic Practice) confirming training of a minimum period of one year.
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Foreign Registration

  • All foreign qualified Biokinetics are required to sit an entry examination presented by the SA Association for Biokinetics.
  • Refer to Board Manager for submission of the application to the Professional Board

Registration of Biokineticist Student Interns (BK-S Intern)

  • These applicants are only registering in their fourth year of internship with Council and the Association.
  • The application form must be duly completed and returned to Council with the registration fee, as indicated in the form (no penalties) and returned to Council with a certified coy of ID, Notarised copy of Honours degree and form 170 duly completed for the Internship.

Psychology

Radiography & Clinical Technology

Registration

Registration of Student Radiographers (DR-S)

  • Form 53 duly completed
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Re-registration after interruption of studies for one year or more
  • Certificate issued by University confirming resumption of study
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration of Radiographers (DR)

a. SA Qualification

  • Form 23
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Upon completion of the educational and training requirements, practitioners are registered in the category: Public Service: Community Service-Diagnosis, Therapy etc.
  • In order to enter into Private Practice, practitioners apply for form 165 directly to Board Manager after two years of practice.
  • A copy of your registration certificate with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

b. Foreign Qualification

  • Form 177
  • Refer applicant to Board Manager for submission of the application to the Professional Board

c. Additional Qualifications/Categories

Radiographers normally qualify in the category “diagnosis”. If another qualification (eg) BTech or Honours Degree in “diagnosis” is obtained in addition to the initial qualification in “diagnosis”, the BTech or Honours Degree or other qualification is registered as an additional qualification (form 19) or Notarised copy of degree. The same rule would apply for any other discipline, category or field namely that the qualification is registered as an additional qualification, if the initial Degree or Diploma was obtained in that discipline (form 19). If another qualification (eg) BTech or Honours Degree in another field, discipline or category “nuclear medicine, therapy or ultrasound” is obtained in addition to the initial basic qualification in “Diagnosis” this qualification is reflected as an additional category only. If a further qualification in another discipline is obtained in addition to the initial basic qualification as well as a registered additional qualification as outlined above, such qualification is registered as an additional qualification.

Registration of Studentndash Supplementary Diagnostic Radiographers (SDR-S)

  • Form 53 duly completed
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration of Supplementary Diagnostic Radiographers (SDR)

NOTE: The register for Supplementary Diagnostic Radiographers (SDR) had been closed for new registrations – December 2006.

Registration of Student-Clinical Technologists (KT-S)

  • Form 53 duly completed
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration of Clinical Technologists (KT)

  • Form 23 or 24 KT and original National Diploma in Clinical Technology or a copy thereof certified by a Notary Public
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Category of registration: Independent Practice: Critical Care, Pulmonology etc.
  • A copy of your registration certificate with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
  • Clinical Technologist can only registered in private practice after obtaining a B-Tech degree and registering it against his/her name as an additional qualification

Registration of Graduate Clinical Technologists (KT-G)

  • Form 23
  • Original BTech Degree in Clinical Technology or a copy thereof certified by a Notary Public
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Category of registration: Private Practice: Critical Care, Pulmonology etc.

Registration of Student–Electro-Encephalographic Technicians (EE-S)

  • Form 53
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration of Electro-Encephalographic Technicians (EE)

  • Form 24
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Documentary evidence issued by the Board Manager, that the applicant was successful in the examination
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Category of registration: Supervised Practice: Critical Care Pulmonology etc.

Foreign Qualifications

Form 177

Refer to Board Manager for submission of the application to the Professional Board

Speech Language and Hearing Professions

Original duly completed application Form 23 / 24

Registration

Requirements for Registration of Student – Speech Therapist and Audilogists

  • First registration as Student
  • Must register with four months of registering with an accredited university in South Africa;
  • Original duly completed form 53
  • Clear copy of ID document
  • Registration fee: R186.00 (penalty fee of R85.00 per month in respect of each month or part of month which application is submitted later than four months after date of registration at University).
  • Re-registration after interruption of studies for year or more
  • Original certificate of registration as student
  • Certificate of resumption of study issued by University
  • Registration fee: R101
  • Re-registration after interruption of studies for less than one year

Registration of Speech Therapists and Audiologists

  • First registration as Student
  • Form 53 duly completed
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Re-registration after interruption of studies for year or more
  • Original certificate of registration as student
  • Certificate of resumption of study issued by University
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Re-registration after interruption of studies for less than one year
  • Certificate of resumption of studies, issued by the University

Registration of Speech Therapists and Audiologists

  • SA Qualifications
  • Original Form 23 Community Service duly completed
  • Copy of ID document or passport
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • Registration fee: R560.00 plus pro rata annual fee
  • A copy of your registration certificate with the Health Professions Council of South Africa
  • Foreign Qualifications
  • All foreign qualified Speech Therapist are required to sit for an entry
  • Refer to Board Manager of the Professional Board
  • Original qualification or a copy certified by a Notary Public
  • Copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • SAQA evaluation
  • Registration fee: R560.00 plus pro rata annual fee
  • Recent original Certificate of Good Status issued by regulatory authority
  • Foreign Registration
  • Guidelines for registration (Form 176 SLH) 
  • Application Form (Form 176 DoH)
  • Compliance checklist click here

Requirements for registration of Speech and Hearing Community Workers

  • Original Diploma in Speech and Hearing Therapy (Community work), University of the Witwatersrand or a copy certified by a Notary Public Attorney
  • Copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • A copy of your registration certificate with the Health Professions Council of South Africa

Registration of Audiometritians (AU)

  •  Form 23 / 24
  • Original qualification or a copy thereof certified by a Notary Public
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: R560.00 plus pro rata annual fee
  • A copy of your registration certificate with the Health Professions Council of South Africa

Registration of Speech and Hearing Correctionists

  •  Form 23 / 24
  • Original Diploma in Remedial Education (Speech and Hearing impaired), University of Cape Town or a copy certified by a Notary Public
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form
  • A copy of your registration certificate with the Health Professions Council of South Africa

Registration of Hearing Aid Acousticians (GAK)

  •  Form 23 / 24
  • Original Diploma in Hearing Aid Acousticians – from University of Pretoria or a copy certified by a Notary public
  • Certified copy of ID document or passport with a clear photograph
  • Registration fee: as indicated in the form

Registration of Speech Therapists and Audiologists

The Professional Board for Speech Therapy and Audiology resolved that professionals who are already registered as a Speech Therapists and Audiologist may apply to be registered as either a Speech Therapist OR Audiologist. The application form must be duly completed (form23 / 24) and be submitted with the registration fee, as indicated in the form, to the Board Manager for Speech Therapy and Audiology for recommendation and approval

The application will then be referred to Registrations to be captured. The annual fee payment of the applicant must be in order as a Speech Therapist and Audiologist before he/she can be registered in the new register (ST or AU).

Dental Assisting, Dental therapy & oral hygiene

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