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Updated: 09/04/2026
Medical certificates play an essential role in managing health-related absences from work, university, and other responsibilities in Australia. Understanding how medical certificates work can help you meet legal obligations and avoid unnecessary issues with employers or educational institutions.
A medical certificate is an official document issued by a registered medical practitioner that certifies a person is medically unfit for work or study due to illness, injury, or another health condition.
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, employers can ask employees to provide evidence that would satisfy a “reasonable person” that they are entitled to take leave. This may include a certificate issued by a healthcare professional or a statutory declaration.
In Australia, certificates issued by registered health professionals such as pharmacists and nurse practitioners are also commonly used and can be accepted as a form of reasonable evidence to support a sick leave or carer’s leave claim.
Often referred to as a “medical certificate”, “sick note” or “doctor’s certificate,” this document carries legal weight. Most employers and universities rely on the information it provides, as long as the certificate is issued by a recognised health professional and includes the necessary details.
Since 2024, employees can also provide a digital statutory declaration as reasonable evidence for sick or carer’s leave. These can be submitted via MyGov and must satisfy the “reasonable person” standard under the Fair Work Act 2009.
You may be required to provide a medical certificate in several common scenarios:
While workplace policies vary, most employers require notice as soon as possible and may request “reasonable evidence” for your absence. A valid medical certificate typically satisfies this requirement.
Many registered healthcare professionals in Australia are allowed to issue certificates confirming that a person is unfit for work or study, provided this is within their scope of practice.
Doctors (Medical Practitioners)
General Practitioners (GPs) and other registered medical doctors are the most common source of medical certificates in Australia. They can assess complex conditions, prescribe medication, and issue certificates for extended absences.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists are registered health professionals who can assess minor ailments and provide certificates such as Sick Leave Certificates, Sick Notes, or Absence from Work Certificates. It’s always best to check your employer’s or university’s policy before using a pharmacist-issued certificate.
Other Registered Health Professionals
In some circumstances, other registered practitioners, such as dentists, physiotherapists, or psychologists, may provide certificates if the condition relates directly to their field of practice. While these are also not medical certificates, they can serve as formal documentation for work or study absences when relevant. It’s always best to confirm with your employer or educational institution whether these certificates are accepted.
OnCare Health’s digital, streamlined solution offers assessments for medical certificates without needing to visit a clinic.
Patients may complete assessments via telehealth, involving a real-time consultation (video or phone) with a registered health practitioner. The practitioner must use clinical judgment and ensure the consultation meets the same standard of care as an in-person assessment.
If the doctor determines that issuing a certificate is clinically appropriate, a medical certificate may be issued. Patients may also contact us directly to request a medical certificate.
To learn more about how our online process works, please visit our Online Medical Certificates page.
For the majority of short-term absences due to common illnesses, a certificate issued by a pharmacist is considered reasonable evidence and is widely accepted by employers under the Fair Work Act.
In some situations, an employer or educational institution may specifically require a certificate to be issued by a particular type of health practitioner. OnCare Health offers access to multiple pathways to accommodate these requirements. While our standard service utilises pharmacist assessments for speed and convenience, we also offer a doctor’s certificate option if needed. If you require a medical certificate issued by a specific type of health practitioner, please contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
There are also circumstances where a medical certificate must be issued by a doctor following a physical, in-person examination. This commonly applies to longer periods of sick leave, complex medical conditions, or clearance to return to work after a significant injury. For these situations, please continue reading below.
OnCare Health prioritises the safety and well-being of everyone who uses our services. We follow guidelines on when not to issue a certificate digitally.
You should seek in-person medical attention in cases of:
It is important to understand that the online certificate service is not a substitute for primary care, as the practitioner is unable to physically examine you and must rely on the information you provide. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 000 immediately.
OnCare Health operates in strict compliance with Australian privacy laws. All certificates are issued by registered health professionals who are bound by professional codes of conduct. Your medical information is stored securely and is never shared with anyone.
For more details on how we handle your data, please view our Privacy Policy.
Typically, your employer or university sets the policy on the nature of the evidence required. This is often outlined in your employment contract, employer’s policies, or student handbook.
If the medical certificate is issued by a registered health professional and meets the requirements of the Fair Work Act (evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person), an employer cannot unreasonably reject it. Sometimes an award or enterprise agreement may set out what evidence is required. You should check with your employer about what evidence is needed.
Many employers allow for a certain number of “single days” off without evidence. However, they are legally entitled to ask for one for any absence, even for just one day absences.
If our health professionals determine that your condition requires physical attention or is not suitable for telehealth, we will decline the request and advise you to see a doctor in person.
You don’t need any specific documentation. With OnCare Health, just fill out a quick online questionnaire, and one of our health professionals will review your request. You can read more about this here.
Some workplaces or universities may have specific rules about certificate requirements. To avoid delays or rejection, it’s best to check their policy before applying through us.
An online medical certificate from OnCare Health has all the necessary information to be accepted by employers and educational institutions for most situations.
This page explains what medical certificates are, who can issue them, and when they’re required. If you’re looking to apply for an online medical certificate, you can read about our process here.
