All optometrists trained outside Australia and New Zealand must complete the OCANZ Competency in Optometry Examination (COE) before they can apply for general registration with the Optometry Board of Australia (via AHPRA) or with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of New Zealand. The pathway has four stages.
Preliminary Assessment (Eligibility)
- Submit Form 1 (preliminary review of qualifications)
- On approval, submit Form 2 (Australia) or Form 3 (New Zealand) — application form is submitted once and does not need to be resubmitted for resits
- OCANZ verifies your overseas qualifications and supporting documents
- No mandated English test, but registration boards expect strong English proficiency
Written Examination (Remote-Proctored)
- Part 1 — Clinical Science: 144 MCQs (120 scored + 24 non-scored pilot), 3 hours, single best answer from 4 options, no deductions for incorrect answers
- Part 2 — Clinical Reasoning: 18 short answer questions (SAQs), 3 hours, case-based with clinical photographs
- Must pass both papers to progress
- On first attempt, if one paper is failed, you may retake that paper alone; further failures require both papers
- Results delivered by email within 6–8 weeks
Cultural Safety Training (Mandatory since 1 January 2023)
- Online, self-paced program — 6 tutorials, 28 short lessons, ~5 hours of content
- Must score ≥80% on each of the 6 post-tutorial assessments AND the final multiple-choice exam
- Prerequisite for the clinical examination — clinical applications cannot be processed without it
- Fee: AUD $291 (non-refundable)
Clinical Examination (Melbourne, in-person)
- Held at the Australian College of Optometry (ACO), 374 Cardigan Street, Carlton VIC 3053
- Part 1 — Skills Stations: 12 skills demonstrated across 6 stations (2 skills per station, 30 minutes per station). Must pass all 12
- Part 2 — Patient Examinations: 4 full patient examinations, 70 minutes each (history, tests, paperwork). Must pass at least 3 of 4
- Marking: 6-section rubric per patient; failing any essential criterion fails that skill
- Up to 3 failed skills may be re-sat the next day in a supplementary
- Results delivered by email within ~5 weeks
3-year validity rule
The clinical examination must be passed within three (3) years of passing the written examination. After three years, the written must be re-sat to remain eligible for the clinical. There is no limit on the number of clinical attempts within the validity window.
After you pass
- OCANZ issues a Certificate of Competence recognised by registration boards in Australia and New Zealand.
- You apply to AHPRA for general registration with the Optometry Board of Australia (or to the relevant NZ Board).
- The COE confirms entry-level competence excluding ocular therapeutics (Schedule 4 medications). Therapeutic endorsement is a separate pathway via an accredited postgraduate program plus the Assessment of Competence in Ocular Therapeutics (ACOT).
Ready to start?
Read the detailed written and clinical guides, then begin practising.
Source: OCANZ Examination Guide (2025) and Assessment of Optometrists with Overseas Qualifications (updated November 2025). Verified against ocanz.org. This page is an educational summary; always confirm current requirements with OCANZ before applying.