ANNUAL PRACTICING CERTIFICATES

 
 

Annual Practicing Certificates are now closed for 2025

Annual Practicing Certificates (APCs)

All allied veterinary professionals who seek to be on the AVPRC voluntary register need to be registered and have a current practising certificate. If you’re not already registered with AVPRC, you can apply for registration, here.

The APC period runs from 1 April to 31 March of the following year, and applications are open from 1 January to 31 March of the current year.

Once you apply, you should receive your APC by email within 4-6 weeks of submitting a complete application and fee, provided there are no issues.

Guidance Notes for Applying for an APC

An Annual Practicing Certificate is a useful tool for professionals who intend to use their professional qualification in their place of work. It assists in demonstrating ongoing fitness to practice. All AVPs who choose to be on the AVPRC register will need to apply for an APC each year.

Definition of Practice

  • 'Practice' in this context is defined as working within the legal scope of your qualification, as a veterinary professional. It covers clinical, regulatory, teaching, consultancy, and health management roles.

  • Ask yourself: Does the position imply I am a veterinary nurse, technician, or allied animal healthcare provider?

Requirements for the APC

The APC includes a declaration from you that you:

  1. Have completed at least 40 hours of RCPD over the last two consecutive calendar years;

  2. Are competent in their chosen area of practice or veterinary related work;

  3. Are mentally and physically fit to practice in their chosen area of practice such than you can sufficiently safeguard animal welfare and public safety;

  4. Are not under investigation for any issue or have not committed any crimes that would affect your fitness to practice in your chosen area.

Important Points

  • It's your responsibility to renew your annual practicing certificate.

  • If your current APC expires on 31 March, you are still legally allowed to work. The APC is not a legal requirement to be registered but it is enforced by AVPRC and your registration status will show as ‘expired’ on the public register until you renew.

  • If you do not intend to practice, or intend to leave the profession, please let us know by emailing us at register@avprc.org.nz. We can update your register status or remove you from the register permanently.