The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) plays a central role in regulating health professions in the country, with registration serving as one of the core functions of the organisation. Below key aspects of the registration framework and regulatory processes are unpacked to ensure a shared understanding of the Council’s mandate and responsibilities.
Registration as a Legal Requirement
In line with Section 22 of the Constitution, every citizen has the right to choose a trade, occupation, or profession; however, the practice of a profession may be regulated by law. In the health sector, registration with the HPCSA is a legal prerequisite for professional practice, as stipulated in Section 17 of the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974 as amended (the Act).
Registration confers professional status and authorises practitioners to practise only within the scope of the profession and category for which they are registered. Practising without current registration constitutes a criminal offence, underscoring the seriousness of compliance with regulatory requirements.
Core Registration Functions
The Registration Division performs a wide range of functions that support the regulation of health professions. These include:
- First-time registration of practitioners;
- Maintenance of the professional register;
- Annual renewal of registration;
- Processing suspensions and removals arising from financial, legal, health, or disciplinary reasons;
- Restoration of registration;
- Extensions related to government to government agreement, postgraduate studies, or military services and volunteer services;
- Verification of practitioner status; and
- Safe keeping and management of registration records.
- Exemption of practitioners from paying annual fee after reaching desirable age;
- Exemption due to ill health.
These functions collectively ensure the integrity, accuracy, and credibility of the professional register.
Registration of Prescribed Qualifications
In terms of Section 24 of the Act, the Minister of Health, on the recommendation of Council, may prescribe qualifications obtained from accredited institutions that entitle holders to registration. Before a qualification is prescribed, it must be accredited by the Department of Higher Education and recognised through the Education Committee, approved by the relevant Professional Board, ratified by Council, and promulgated through the National Department of Health.
Only qualifications, specialties, and professional categories that are formally prescribed are registrable under this section of the Act.
Registration of Non-Prescribed Qualifications
Where a qualification is not prescribed, Section 25 of the Act empowers the relevant Professional Board to assess the applicant’s education, training and competence. This may include requiring the applicant to undergo an evaluation to determine professional knowledge, skills, competence, and also proficiency in an official language of the Republic. This process ensures that all registered practitioners meet the required standards, regardless of where their qualifications are obtained.
Maintenance and Renewal of Registration
Registration is valid for one year, from 1 April to 31 March, and must be renewed annually. Since 2017, the renewal process has been conducted online, improving efficiency and data collection.
Failure to renew registration results in automatic suspension in terms of Section 19A of the Act. During suspension, a practitioner may not practise, and their registration certificate is withdrawn until the registration is restored.
Renewal of registrations is in terms of section 22(2) of the Act and requires that a practitioner provides information relating to their professional engagement and if they have registration with other statutory bodies. Practitioners must also be compliant with continued professional development as it is a prerequisite for maintenance of registration.
Registration Categories
The HPCSA recognises various registration categories, including:
- Student
- Intern
- Community Service
- Public service
- Supervised Practice
- Independent Practice
- Specialist
- subspecialists
Each category carries specific conditions and scope of practice.
Restoration of Registration
Restoration of registration post suspension is in terms of 19(4) of the Act whilst restoration post removal from the register is in terms of 19(5) of the Act, and the payable fees are prescribed in the rules relating to fees payable to Council. The Boards are empowered to set requirements for restoration that need to be complied with and are mandatory before restoration can be effected.
Protecting the Public and Guiding the Professions
Through its registration and regulatory processes, the HPCSA ensures that only qualified, competent, and ethical practitioners provide healthcare services. This framework not only guides the professions but also safeguards the public, reinforces accountability, and maintains trust in the health system.
Last Updated on 9 February 2026 by HPCSA Corporate Affairs