Examination

Process Overview

Overseas trained optometrists who want to register and practice optometry in Australia or New Zealand, must sit and pass the Competency in Optometry Examination (written and clinical).

The first step is to apply to sit the Competency in Optometry Examination.

Please refer to our Application Forms - OCANZ.  The application form must be accompanied with payment (see Application and Examination Fees - OCANZ) and emailed directly to exam.manager@ocanz.org

If you are deemed eligible to sit for the Competency in Optometry Examination, you can then undergo the Written Examination. This includes a Multiple-Choice Question Paper and a Short Answer Question Paper. The written examination is held as a remote online proctored examination, which can be completed in your home country. See Competency in Optometry Examination - OCANZ for further information.

Once you have passed the Written Examination, you will undergo Cultural Safety Training which can be completed online from your home country and in your own time. See Cultural Safety Training for Optometrists Online Training Program - OCANZ for further information.

The final step is the Clinical Examination.  The Clinical Examination involves Skills Assessment and Patient Examinations which is held at the Australian College of Optometry in Melbourne, Australia. For further information see - Examination Dates and Venues - OCANZ