Requirements to Practice Psychology
Typical requirements to become a licenced psychologist in U.S. & Canada

To practice psychology in a state, province or territory of the U.S. or Canada, an individual must be licensed as a psychologist according to the laws and regulations in effect in that particular state, province or territory. The legal basis for licensure lies in the right of a state, province or territory to enact legislation to protect its citizens - in this case to identify qualified practitioners and to discipline or remove from practice incompetent or unethical practitioners. Psychology licensure generally involves meeting requirements in three areas: education, examination(s), and supervised experience. Individuals may archive documentation for meeting licensure requirements with the ASPPB Credentials Verification Program .

Education

Licensure for the independent practice of psychology requires a doctoral degree in psychology in most states, provinces, and territories of the U.S. and Canada. About half the states, provinces and territories also have a category of licensure for the supervised practice of psychology, often called Psychological Associate, which usually requires at least a master's degree in psychology. Degrees must be obtained from programs that meet specific criteria, such as regional accreditation and certain course work requirements, set out in laws and regulations.

Examinations

Sixty two states, provinces and territories in the U.S. and Canada require licensure applicants to pass the  multiple-choice examination known as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, or EPPP. An individual must be an applicant for licensure to take the EPPP. The content of the examination is based on results of a survey of the practice of psychology in the U.S. and Canada that was done in 1995. For the content outline of the EPPP, click here.

For detailed information on the EPPP, click here.

Many states and provinces require a jurisprudence (ie. mental health law) examination and/or an oral examination in addition to the EPPP. Information on which jurisdictions require supplemental examinations, as well as other licensure-related information, is available in the Handbook of Licensing and Certification Requirements for Psychologists in the U.S. and Canada.

Supervised Experience

Psychology licensure requires supervised experience, usually one year during the doctoral program (internship in most cases) and another year after receipt of the doctoral degree ("postdoc"). Most states, provinces and territories have specific criteria that must be met for supervised experience to qualify. Basic information is available in the Handbook of Licensing and Certification Requirements for Psychologists in the U.S. and Canada, which is available from ASPPB, or an individual should contact the psychology board where he or she desires to practice.

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