Certifiers in Australia

An authorised certifier can be someone from the following occupations:

• a Justice of the Peace (find a JP on campus)
• an accountant (member of a recognised professional accounting body or a Registered Tax Agent)
• a judge, barrister, solicitor or patent attorney
• a Commissioner for Affidavits, Declarations or Oaths
• a bail justice or sheriff
• a police officer
• a postal manager
• a principal of an Australian secondary college, high school or primary school
• a medical practitioner
• a minister of religion.

Other authorising officers are:

• an officer at a tertiary admissions centre: UAC, VTAC, QTAC, SATAC, TISC;
• staff members of the University of Sydney
• Admissions Officer or Student Services Office at any Australian university or TAFE college
• the official records department of the institution that originally issued the document(s).

Certifiers outside Australia

If you’re outside of Australia, the following the people can certify your documents:

• an authorised officer of an Australia overseas diplomatic mission
• staff members of the University of Sydney
• an authorised officer of an Australian Education Centre
• an authorised agent of the University approved by the University of Sydney International Office (a list is held by the International Office)
• a school headmaster or other recognised examining authority
• a Notary Public
• authorised officer in accordance with local legislation/practice.

The original document must be viewed by the certifier, and they must personally copy the original document and verify it by completing the following:

1. Use a stamp or write by hand on the copy: “This is a true copy of the original document sighted by me” on each page of the document.
2. Sign the statement on each page.
3. Write by hand the following details:
   • name and business address
   • contact telephone number
   • professional or occupational group (as listed above)
   • date verified.
4. Put the official stamp or seal of the verifier's organisation on the copy, if the organisation has such a stamp.
5. If the certifying officer is a Justice of the Peace the certifying officer must list the registration number and Australian state/territory of registration.