Getting Started with the Registrar Program

A big thank you to Danielle Moore, who is currently in the registrar program, for her detailed responses to the following questions.


1) What forms need to be filled out?

Applicants will need to complete the following form, have it signed by their supervisor, and submit it to AHPRA [Application for approval of registrar program in an endorsed area of practice as a Psychology Registrar - AEAP-76]. The form is fairly straightforward. The applicant will also need to arrange for their academic transcripts to be sent by their uni directly to AHPRA. Importantly,the supervisor must be board endorsed (or eligible to be) and this is something important to check with AHPRA before submitting the form.


2) What process is involved with finding a supervisor?

In my own and others experience finding a supervisor is largely the responsibility of the registrar, although some employers have assisted with this process. Also, I believe that the PBA are setting up a list of board approved supervisors, which is another way to find asupervisor in your area: http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration/Supervision/Search.aspx

3) What paid jobs can a registrar undertake while in the program?

The guidelines on area of practice endorsements (page 7) states:

To be approved by the Board for the purpose of the registrar program, the psychological practice must:

• be within an area of practice approved for endorsement

• consist of a minimum of 176 hours per annum of direct client contact (client contact means direct client contact performing specific tasks of psychological assessment, intervention, prevention, consultation and management planning)

They define psychological practice as: 

Practice means any role, whether remunerated or not, in which the individual uses their skills and knowledge as a psychologist in their profession. In accordance with the Board’s recency of practice registration standard, practice is not restricted to the provision of direct clinical care. It also includes using professional knowledge in a direct non-clinical relationship with clients,working in management, administration, education, research, advisory, regulatory or policy development roles, and any other roles that impact on safe, effective delivery of services in the profession.

Of the registrars I know (including myself), most are employed in hospital-based positions as neuropsychologists, which of course meets the boards requirements as being within the area of practice. A few are also employed as clinical psychologists, although the bulk of their work is to conduct neuropsychological assessments. As far as I am aware, this is also acceptable. The above suggests that research and other non-clinical hours would also count towards the program, although I am unsure about how AHPRA assesses this. I would advise contacting AHPRA about this issue as the guidelines seem a little vague.

Importantly, being in the registrar program does not affect pay scale - it is the same as before the program was introduced. I have heard a few rumors that pay is reduced, so thought it best to clear this up.

As a general suggestion, the Guidelines on area of practice endorsements -August 2011 is a good place to start when getting ready to apply to the program. It outlines all of the registrar program requirements including the responsibilities of the registrar and their supervisors, required hours of supervision and details the CPD requirements.