The HPCSA is responsible for regulating health professionals in South Africa to ensure they meet specific qualifications, abide by ethical practices, and offer safe services to the public. One crucial area is psychological assessments, which must only be conducted by professionals who are registered with the HPCSA.
It is illegal for unregistered individuals to perform psychological tests. Therefore, if you’ve been assessed by a psychologist, psychometrist, or registered counselor, it’s important to verify their registration status to ensure they are qualified.
What is HPCSA iRegister?
The HPCSA iRegister is an online tool available to the public that allows you to search the council’s database to verify if a health practitioner is registered. This system provides easy access to health professionals’ registration status, ensuring transparency and trust between practitioners and the public.
What You Need to Check Registration on HPCSA iRegister
To perform a check, you need some basic details about the person you’re investigating. These details include:
- Their surname
- Their full names (if available)
- Their HPCSA registration number (if known)
- The specific register they should be listed under, such as psychologists, psychometrists, or registered counsellors.
Having this information ensures you can pinpoint the right professional.
How to Use the HPCSA iRegister System
Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking whether a professional is registered with the HPCSA:
- Visit the HPCSA Website
Go to the official website of the Health Professions Council of South Africa at www.hpcsa.co.za. - Access the iRegister Portal
On the homepage, you will find a section labeled “Access to the iRegister.” Click on it to be redirected to the iRegister query interface. - Enter the Required Information
Once you’re in the iRegister section, you will see several options where you can enter the details you have. You can input:- The professional’s surname (with options for “exact” or “wildcard” search)
- Their full name (a “wildcard” search may be helpful as people often use abbreviations or variations of their full name)
- The registration number (if available)
- The specific register (psychologists, psychometrists, or registered counsellors)
- Search
After entering the details, the system will filter through the registered professionals and display a list of matches. - View the Results
Once the search results are shown, you can click on “view” to see more details about the person. This will show you whether their registration is active, erased, or suspended. - Check Registration Status
When viewing the details page, make sure to verify if the person’s registration status is active. If the status is listed as erased or suspended, the individual is not allowed to practice or conduct psychological assessments.
What to Do if the Professional is Not Registered
If you cannot find the person listed on the register or if their registration status is inactive, there are a few next steps you can take:
- Ask the practitioner directly: They may be able to provide additional information or clarify any discrepancies.
- Contact the HPCSA: You can call or email the HPCSA for assistance in verifying a practitioner’s status if you are unable to find them on the iRegister.
Why Regularly Checking Registration Matters
For both public health and legal reasons, it is crucial to ensure that the healthcare professionals you interact with are legally permitted to practice. Whether you are seeking psychological assessments or any other healthcare services, the HPCSA iRegister check provides peace of mind that you’re receiving care from qualified individuals. If a professional’s registration is not active, they are not allowed to perform certain duties, and it could be a red flag that may require further investigation.