Online Medical Certificates: What Employers Accept

What Employers Accept: Online Medical Certificates and Sick Leave Certificates

When you take time off work due to illness, you may need to provide proof.

But what kind of sick-leave certificate do employers actually accept — and does an online medical certificate count?

What Fair Work Says About Online Medical Certificates

The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) allows employers to ask for reasonable evidence that you were unfit for work.

It doesn't specify one profession — meaning evidence from any AHPRA-registered health practitioner is acceptable. This includes online medical certificates issued by registered practitioners, which are increasingly recognised by Australian employers.

Commonly Accepted Medical Certificates or Sick Leave Certificates

When you need a medical certificate for work, employers typically accept:

• Medical Certificate — Doctor — Usually accepted by employers (most common type of medical certificate)
• Absence from Work Certificate — Pharmacist — Usually accepted (for short-term illness, a type of medical certificate)
• Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Nurse Practitioner — Usually accepted (another form of medical certificate)

Tip: If you're unsure, check your workplace policy — some may require a doctor's medical certificate for absences longer than two days.

Online Medical Certificates: Employer Acceptance

Online medical certificates (also known as med cert online) are increasingly recognised because they follow the same professional and legal standards as in-person ones.

Getting an online medical certificate or med cert online is now a convenient and widely accepted option for Australian workers. These online medical certificates are valid when issued by AHPRA-registered practitioners through legitimate, compliant services.

At First Point Health, we strive to enable experienced and AHPRA-registered practitioners to issue online medical certificates or sick leave certificates quickly and reliably.

All online medical certificates and sick leave certificates are compliant with Fair Work's evidence requirements.

Looking for an online medical certificate? Find out more about how to get your certificate now →

Key Takeaways About Online Medical Certificates

• Employers accept medical certificates (including online medical certificates) from any AHPRA-registered practitioner.

• Online medical certificates are valid for short-term illness when issued by registered practitioners.

• Always check your workplace's specific requirements, but most employers accept online medical certificates (or med cert online) as long as they're from AHPRA-registered practitioners.

Looking for an online medical certificate? Find out more about how to get your certificate now →