Overseas Trained Perfusionist Pathway
The ANZBP Overseas Trained Perfusionist (OTP) Pathway provides a structured process for perfusionists who completed their initial perfusion education and training outside Australia or New Zealand to demonstrate that they meet the standards required for ANZCP certification.
Successful applicants are awarded OTP (ANZ) certification.
The pathway consists of three phases:
Before you apply:
Please read the following FAQ and these policies.
Phase 1 - Eligibility and Documentation
Phase 1 determines whether an applicant meets the initial requirements to enter the OTP pathway.
Applicants are assessed on their academic qualifications, overseas certification and professional standing, recent clinical experience, English language proficiency where applicable, professional references and other mandatory documentation.
Applicants who meet the documentary requirements will also complete a mandatory Phase 1 interview with the ANZBP
Applicants should carefully review the current OTP Policy, OTP FAQ Page and ensure they can provide all required documentation before commencing an application.
Applicants who satisfy the initial documentary requirements will be invited to complete a mandatory Phase 1 interview.
The interview provides the ANZBP with an opportunity to further explore the applicant’s professional background and readiness to progress through the pathway.
Areas discussed may include:
- scope of clinical practice;
- case mix and clinical responsibilities;
- previous perfusion training;
- clinical experience;
- professional communication;
- professionalism and ethical practice;
- understanding of the Australian and New Zealand perfusion environment; and
- readiness to undertake the remaining OTP requirements.
The interview is conducted in English and will involve ANZBP representatives.
Following review of the complete application and Phase 1 interview, applicants will be advised whether they are eligible to progress to Phase 2.
The ANZBP will also determine the applicant’s applicable Phase 2 pathway.
Recognised Competent Authority pathway
Applicants holding qualifying certification from a Recognised Competent Authority may be eligible to progress through the corresponding Phase 2 pathway.
Recognised authorities are those formally identified within the current OTP Policy.
Applicants must still satisfy all other eligibility requirements, including applicable academic qualifications, post-certification experience, currency and professional standing.
Other Overseas-Trained Perfusionists
Applicants who do not hold certification from a Recognised Competent Authority may be assessed through the alternative overseas-trained perfusionist pathway.
Additional assessment of the applicant’s original education and training may be required, including consideration of the equivalence of qualifications obtained through non-recognised training programs.
Note: The ANZBP will assess your Phase 1 application and advise you of the pathway and requirements that apply to you.
Before commencing the Overseas Trained Perfusionist pathway, applicants should be aware that the pathway is a structured and time-limited certification process. Progression through each phase is subject to meeting the requirements of the current OTP Policy and any associated ANZCP or ANZBP policies.
Pathway Timeframes
- Applicants are expected to progress through Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 within the timeframe applicable to their allocated pathway.
- Applicants should plan their employment, supervised clinical practice, academic requirements where applicable, and examination preparation early in the process.
- Where an applicant does not progress within the required timeframe, or allows an eligibility or currency requirement to lapse, the ANZBP may require the applicant to reapply to the OTP pathway and satisfy the requirements applicable at the time of reapplication.
- Extensions or deferrals are not automatic and will only be considered in accordance with the current policy and applicable exceptional-circumstances provisions.
Fees and Associated Costs
- The OTP pathway is completed across multiple phases and separate fees may apply to Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3.
- Payment of a fee for one phase does not include fees associated with subsequent phases.
- Applicants are responsible for reviewing the current ANZCP fee schedule and for meeting any additional costs associated with their pathway. These may include:
- qualification equivalence or verification;
- document certification and translation;
- English language testing;
- travel or attendance requirements;
- academic tuition and associated study costs;
- resubmission or reassessment costs; and
- other requirements applicable to the applicant’s individual pathway.
- Payment of an OTP pathway fee does not guarantee successful completion of that phase, progression to the next phase, or OTP (ANZ) certification.
Maintaining Eligibility and Currency
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all relevant requirements remain current throughout the OTP pathway.
- Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, this may include maintaining:
- current overseas perfusion certification;
- professional good standing;
- required recency of clinical practice;
- English language evidence;
- Australian or New Zealand employment;
- approved supervision arrangements; and
- any other documentation or eligibility requirements specified by the ANZBP.
- Applicants must notify the ANZBP of any material change that may affect their eligibility or ability to continue through the pathway.
Category B Applicants
- Applicants allocated to Category B are required to enrol in and successfully complete an ANZBP-recognised formal academic program as part of the OTP pathway.
- The cost of tuition and all associated academic expenses are the responsibility of the applicant and are separate from ANZCP OTP pathway fees.
- Completion of the required academic program is a prerequisite for progression to Phase 3.
Applicants will be required to acknowledge these requirements as part of their Phase 1 application.
Phase 2 - Clinical Skills Assessment
Phase 2 assesses your ability to practise safely and effectively within the Australian or New Zealand perfusion environment. Applicants undertake local clinical practice and workplace-based assessment under ANZBP-approved supervision, allowing competency to be demonstrated in the context in which the applicant intends to practise.
Your exact Phase 2 requirements will be confirmed following Phase 1 and will depend on the pathway allocated to you by the ANZBP.
Before commencing the clinical components of Phase 2, the applicant must satisfy the employment and supervision requirements specified by the OTP Policy.
This includes obtaining an appropriate Clinical Perfusionist position within Australia or New Zealand and ensuring suitable supervision arrangements are in place.
Applicants should not assume that obtaining employment alone constitutes completion of, or eligibility for, Phase 2. The ANZBP must approve the applicable supervision and assessment arrangements.
Applicants are required to complete the minimum number of local supervised clinical cases specified within the OTP Policy.
Cases should provide sufficient opportunity to demonstrate safe and effective perfusion practice within the Australian or New Zealand clinical environment.
Clinical activity must be documented using the applicable ANZBP OTP documentation.
Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that their logbook and supporting evidence are complete and maintained throughout Phase 2.
You will be provided with the documentation when passed Phase 1 approval.
Competency Assessments
Formal workplace-based competency assessments are required during Phase 2.
These assessments allow the applicant to demonstrate that they can consistently integrate:
- technical perfusion skills;
- clinical reasoning;
- patient assessment;
- preparation and planning;
- conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass;
- recognition and management of clinical risk;
- communication;
- teamwork;
- professionalism
The required assessments must be completed using the current ANZBP documentation and by appropriately approved assessors.
Phase 2 includes direct clinical assessment by an ANZBP-nominated representative.
The applicant will be observed undertaking clinical perfusion practice so that performance can be assessed against the ANZCP competency standards.
The current policy requires direct observation of the required number of clinical cases before completion of Phase 2.
The observer’s assessment is independent of the applicant’s routine workplace supervision and forms part of the evidence considered by the ANZBP when determining readiness to progress.
Structured clinical interview
Following the independent clinical observations, the applicant will participate in a structured interview.
The interview allows the applicant to explain and defend their clinical decision-making and may explore areas including:
- scientific principles underlying perfusion practice;
- clinical reasoning;
- decision-making;
- recognition of risk;
- management of complications;
- escalation;
- communication;
- teamwork;
- professional judgement; and
- reflection on clinical performance.
The academic requirements differ according to the pathway allocated following Phase 1.
Recognised Competent Authority pathway
Applicants progressing through the Recognised Competent Authority pathway complete the clinical assessment requirements specified by the ANZBP.
Participation in additional recognised Australian or New Zealand perfusion education may be available or recommended depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Other Overseas-Trained Perfusionist pathway
Applicants allocated to the alternative overseas-trained pathway may be required to undertake formal academic study as part of Phase 2.
Where applicable, this includes successful completion of the ANZBP-recognised academic program specified within the current OTP Policy.
Applicants must remain in satisfactory academic standing and complete the required academic components before progression to Phase 3.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that relevant requirements remain current throughout the OTP process.
This may include:
- overseas certification;
- professional standing;
- English language evidence where required;
- employment;
- supervision arrangements; and
- other time-limited documentation.
Where a requirement expires or an applicant is unable to complete the pathway within the specified period, the applicant may be required to provide updated evidence or reapply.
Extensions are considered only in accordance with the circumstances permitted under the current OTP Policy.
Applicants should therefore plan their employment, clinical assessment, academic requirements and examination timing early in the pathway.
Employment within an appropriate Australian or New Zealand clinical perfusion service is integral to completion of Phase 2.
Applicants must notify the ANZBP of any significant change to their employment or supervision arrangements.
Where employment ceases and the requirements for progression can no longer be maintained, the applicant may need to re-enter the pathway once suitable employment is regained in accordance with the current OTP Policy.
Applicants should contact the ANZBP before assuming that Phase 2 activity can simply be transferred between institutions.
Once all applicable requirements have been completed, the applicant submits their Phase 2 documentation to the ANZBP for review.
This includes the required evidence of:
✓ Clinical practice
✓ Competency assessments
✓ Approved supervision
✓ Professional references
✓ Independent ANZBP clinical observations
✓ Structured interview
✓ Academic requirements, where applicable
✓ Any additional requirements specified by the ANZBP
The ANZBP will review the complete portfolio of evidence and determine whether the applicant has demonstrated the required standard to progress to Phase 3.
Where further development is required, additional supervised practice or assessment may be requested.
Phase 3 - OTP Board Examinations
Phase 3 is the final assessment stage of the Overseas Trained Perfusionist pathway. It provides a standardised assessment of the knowledge, clinical reasoning and professional judgement expected of perfusionists seeking ANZCP certification.
Applicants may progress to Phase 3 once the ANZBP has confirmed that all applicable Phase 1 and Phase 2 requirements have been satisfactorily completed.
Applicants must receive confirmation from the ANZBP that they are eligible to present for the OTP Board Examinations.
Eligibility requires satisfactory completion of:
- Phase 1 — Eligibility & Documentation;
- all applicable Phase 2 — Clinical Skills Assessment requirements;
- required academic components, where applicable;
- required clinical assessments and observations;
- applicable certification requirements; and
- payment of the relevant examination fee.
Applicants should not register for an examination sitting until their eligibility has been confirmed by the ANZBP.
Once the ANZBP has confirmed that all applicable Phase 2 requirements have been successfully completed, the applicant becomes eligible to progress to Phase 3 — OTP Board Examinations.
Applicants are expected to present for the next available ANZBP examination sitting for which they are eligible. Applicants should therefore begin preparing for the examinations from the commencement of the OTP pathway, rather than waiting until Phase 2 has been completed.
The examination assesses knowledge and clinical reasoning across the scope expected of a practising Clinical Perfusionist within Australia and New Zealand.
Applicants should familiarise themselves with:
the current ANZCP Competency Standards;
Examination Policy
Successful Attempt:
Following successful completion of:
✓ Phase 1 — Eligibility & Documentation
✓ Phase 2 — Clinical Skills Assessment
✓ Phase 3 — OTP Board Examinations
✓ All applicable certification requirements
The applicant will be eligible for initial certification as: OTP (ANZ)
OTP (ANZ) certification recognises successful completion of the ANZBP pathway for an overseas-trained perfusionist seeking certification within Australia and New Zealand.
It does not confer CCP (ANZ) status or retrospectively accredit the applicant’s original overseas perfusion training program.
Unsuccessful attempts and pathway currency
Applicants who do not successfully complete the examination requirements must follow the provisions of the current Examination Policy and OTP Policy.
Applicants must also remain mindful of the overall currency requirements of the OTP pathway.
Where the permitted timeframe expires, or where required evidence is no longer current, the applicant may be required to provide updated documentation or submit a new application.
Extensions are considered only in exceptional circumstances and in accordance with the current policy.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to plan examination preparation and sitting dates early.
Ready to begin your OTP Pathway with Phase 1:
Before starting your Phase 1 application, please read the current Overseas Trained Perfusionist Policy and ensure that you have the required documentation available.
Incomplete, incorrectly certified or non-compliant documentation may delay assessment and may require resubmission. A resubmission fee of $250 may apply where documents do not meet the requirements of the policy.
Information about how documents must be certified is available in the ANZCP Certification Policy.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
You will need to upload supporting evidence as part of your Phase 1 application. Where a document is required to be a Certified Copy, please ensure that it meets the ANZCP Certification Policy requirements before uploading it.
If a document is not in English, both the original-language document and an English translation must be supplied in accordance with the Translated Documents Policy
Required Documents
- Certified copy of all relevant tertiary qualification(s)
- First certified before 30 June 2024: a perfusion-related qualification at AQF Level 7 (Bachelor degree) or above
- First certified on or after 1 July 2024: a perfusion-related qualification at AQF Level 9 (Master degree) or above, together with your Bachelor degree and associated transcript
- Certified copy of the associated academic transcript(s)
- The ANZBP may require formal confirmation of AQF or educational equivalence. Any associated assessment costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
- Certified copy of your current overseas perfusion certification
- An official letter from your Overseas Certifying Body or Recognised Competent Authority, dated within 6 months of your application, confirming that you:
- have held certification for at least 36 months
- are currently certified and in good standing
- meet applicable competency, continuing professional development and recency-of-practice requirements
- are not subject to known conduct, ethical or legal matters relevant to certification.
- Where there is no formal Overseas Certifying Body in your country, the ANZBP may assess appropriate official evidence from the relevant Ministry of Health.
- A logbook or deidentified case record demonstrating at least 150 cardiopulmonary bypass cases as the primary perfusionist during the 36 months immediately preceding your application
- A minimum of 50 qualifying CPB cases in each of those three years
- The case log must:
- be on official hospital documentation and signed by the Head of the Department of Perfusion, or be provided on Overseas Certifying Body documentation and verified by that body
- clearly identify the date, case type and your role as primary perfusionist
- exclude cases completed while you were a trainee or otherwise not yet certified.
Evidence that you meet the current English Language Skills Standard, unless an exemption under the OTP Policy applies.
- Certified letters of attestation, dated within 6 months of your application, from:
- a senior surgeon at your overseas cardiac surgery unit; and
- the Head of Department of Perfusion at your overseas unit.
- The letters must be on official letterhead, include the referee’s position and contact details, and address your competency, fitness to practise and professional standing.
- Applicants who have already been working in Australia or New Zealand for at least 12 months may be able to provide Australian or New Zealand professional referees in accordance with the policy.
- Certified copy of proof of identity in the form required by the ANZCP application process
- Certified copy of change-of-name documentation, where applicable
- Signed ANZCP Mandatory Declarations
- Signed acknowledgement that you have read and understood the current OTP Policy
- Any translated documentation required under the ANZCP Translated Documents Policy.
Step 2: Pay the Phase 1 Application Fee
Pay the current Phase 1 application assessment fee before submitting your application.
The Phase 1 fee is currently $1,500 AUD. Fees are set by the ANZCP and applicants should check the current published fee at the time of application.
Keep your Order ID/receipt as proof of payment for your application.
Step 3: Submit Your Phase 1 Application
Once you have prepared your documentation and completed payment, you can submit your Phase 1 application through the online portal.
Please ensure that your application is complete before submission. Missing, incorrectly certified or non-compliant documents may delay assessment and may require resubmission.
The ANZBP will process the application within 20 business days once all Phase 1 requirements have been received and completed.
Step 4: Complete the Phase 1 Interview
Where your documentation demonstrates that the minimum eligibility requirements have been met, you will be invited to a mandatory Phase 1 interview with the ANZBP.
The interview is conducted in English and typically takes place online with at least two ANZBP representatives. It considers your:
- scope and nature of clinical practice
- typical case mix and responsibilities
- professionalism and ethical awareness
- clinical communication and English language competence
- suitability to progress within the Australian and New Zealand perfusion context.
Following the interview, the ANZBP may approve progression, request further information, require an entrance examination or other remedial requirements, or determine that the applicant is not currently eligible to progress.
Step 5: Progression to Phase 2
If you successfully complete Phase 1, the ANZBP will confirm your eligibility to progress to Phase 2 — Clinical Skills Assessment and advise whether you have been allocated to:
Category A — Recognised Competent Authority, or
Category B — Other Overseas-Trained Perfusionist pathway.
For Category B applicants, successful completion of the ANZBP-recognised formal academic program is mandatory. Applicants must have completed the required academic components and be able to provide evidence of successful completion before eligibility for the Phase 3 examinations can be confirmed.
Step 6: Progression to Phase 3 Exams
Once all applicable Phase 2 clinical assessment requirements have been completed, the ANZBP will review the applicant’s evidence and determine whether they are eligible to progress to Phase 3 — OTP Board Examinations