Getting a Psychology License

Psychology licensure in the U.S. is required for the legal right to practice clinical psychology. Individuals with the right qualifications must apply for authorization from a regulatory body. Every state requires this, although there may be slight variations between how this happens, and the circumstances required for licensure. Read on to learn more about psychology licensure and how to become licensed in your state.

How Do I Become Certified and Licensed as a Psychologist?
Guide to Psychology Exams
State-by-State Psychology Licensure

Joel Gill | Updated/Verified: Nov 17, 2023

How Do I Become Certified and Licensed as a Psychologist?

You will find that psychology licensure comes with a list of prerequisites which typically include:

Completion of a doctorate psychology degree (often required for clinical roles) such as a Ph.D. or PsyD

However, in some cases, you may practice in some areas of psychology with a master's degree, or operate as a Psychology Practitioner

It is preferred that your degree(s) are in the subject where you intend to practice (Clinical, Counseling, Forensic, Industrial-Organizational, School or Education Specialist, etc.)

A stated minimum number of internship hours and a further period of supervised fieldwork are required for all licensure candidates

Take and pass the national licensing Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). School psychologists take the Praxis School Psychologist Exam instead

Some states may also require an ethics or jurisprudence exam

What Psychology Specialty Certifications Might Be Required?

In most cases, you will be eligible to practice upon licensure. However, certification in niche areas may either be required or simply preferred to improve employability prospects.

Currently, the American Board of Professional Psychology offers fifteen different types of psychology certifications for specialization in your career. These include:

Behavioral & Cognitive
Clinical Child & Adolescent
Clinical Health
Clinical Neuropsychology
Counseling Psychology
Couple & Family
Forensic Psychology
Geropsychology
Group
Organizational & Business Consulting
Police and Public Safety
Psychoanalysis
Rehabilitation
School Psychology

Guide to Psychology Exams

Psychology licensing exams test a range of topics covering knowledge, ethics, and sometimes legal issues. Only when you have passed with the minimum score will you be able to practice.

The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)

The EPPP is a two-part exam broken down into sections on knowledge and skills. The skills section of the exam is relatively recent, having been introduced on a voluntary basis in 2020. It is expected that in time, this second part of the exam will become mandatory.

For licensure, candidates must pass both exams (in states where the second part has been adopted as mandatory). The EPPP is also accepted in some Canadian provinces. The exam is structured through multiple choice questions, scenario questions, and digital "drag and drop." Part 1 is domain-based with eight domains, including biological bases, social and multicultural bases, assessment and diagnosis, and several others.

Praxis School Psychologist Exam

The Praxis School Psychology Exam is a separate examination to qualify for the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) certification. This is geared toward those with teaching or school psychology degrees who wish to work as a school or educational psychologist in the US. There are 140 questions in the test, covering issues such as methods, measures, and assessments. It also covers practice and theory, the history of school psychology, and some questions on psychopharmacology. You will also be expected to have an understanding of the law. Practical skills you are expected to demonstrate include problem identification and solving, consultation, and advocacy.

Each question is worth a different value towards the overall score, often depending on the question length and time taken.

Continuing Education and Recertification

Psychology certification and licensure are typically up for renewal every two years, although this time frame can vary. When you need to renew may also vary – in some cases, it is a standard 1^st of January regardless of what time of year you originally applied; in other cases, it is the anniversary of when you were initially licensed.

Such renewals are subject to continuing education. This varies with each state, with some requiring 12 hours annually, and others requiring 20 hours annually. Psychologists must continue to meet minimum standards as set by the state.

State-by-State Psychology Licensure

Each state has varying requirements for psychology licensure, which are listed below. Links to state authorities are included in each case:

Alabama Psychology Licensing Requirements

A doctorate accredited by the APA
Pass both a board exam and a jurisprudence exam
An internship is required for specialization – 11 months for clinical and counseling psychology, 10 months for school psychology
Application fees and forms including four professional references
Licensure by endorsement accepted so long as the state from which you are entering Alabama matches or exceeds the state's standards

Link: Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology

Alaska Psychology Licensing Requirements

An APA-accredited doctorate
Pass the board exam (EPPP) and a state laws exam
Application fees and forms along with five references
Courtesy licenses are granted to those operating from out of state on a temporary basis. However, any future period of practice must follow full license application requirements
Those with master's degrees may apply for a license as a psychology associate

Link: Alaska Division of Corporation, Business, and Professional Licensing

Arizona Psychology Licensing Requirements

A fully accredited doctorate as authorized by APA
3,000 supervised experience hours – 1,500 must be post-doc with no less than 600 hours with client contact
Pass the EPPP
Application fees and forms, plus references
License by credential is permitted for those with five years of experience (which can include work in Canada). Verification is required for all other applicants from other states

Link: Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners

Arkansas Psychology Licensing Requirements

An APA-accredited doctorate. Non-APA accredited program graduates must show competency through 80 semester hours of coursework through an accredited department
2,000 of supervised experience is required as part of your post-doctoral progress
Pass the EPPP, after which you must attend for oral exam and interview
License by credential is permitted in Arkansas for any US or Canadian citizen with five years of psychology experience. Reciprocity is permissible and considered on an individual basis where their standards match or exceed those of Arkansas

Link: Arkansas Psychology Board

California Psychology Licensing Requirements

APA-accredited doctorate
3,000 hours of supervised psychology experience hours; up to 1,500 may be pre-doc, while the remainder must be post-doc
You must pass the EPPP. If you passed the exam in another state, you may forward your results to the California Board of Psychology
Once you have passed the EPPP, you must pass the CPLEE
Submit your application and fill out details for a background check (including fingerprints)
License by credential is permitted for out-of-state applicants for up to 30 days. New residents to California may practice for up to 180 days without applying for licensure

Link: California Board of Psychology

Colorado Psychology Licensing Requirements

An APA-accredited doctorate program
3,000 hours of supervised experience in practice. 1,500 hours need to be taken as an internship while studying for your doctorate, while the remainder must be post-doctoral
Pass the EPPP and the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Exam
Submit the application and fees, including details for your background check
License by endorsement is permissible via multiple routes. This may be proof of one-year post-doc supervised experience or two of active practice psychology. Alternatively, Certificate of Professional Qualifications is accepted

Link: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

Connecticut Psychology Licensing Requirements

An APA-accredited doctorate program is mandatory
One year of supervised experience. Unlike most other states, Connecticut doesn't permit internship hours to apply against work experience
Pass the EPPP and the Connecticut Jurisprudence Exam
Submit the application form along with all relevant fees
License by endorsement is permissible subject to verification in the state. A CPQ (Certificate of Professional Qualification) is a pass to everything except the Jurisprudence Exam

Link: Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Delaware Psychology Licensing Requirements

You must have an APA-accredited doctorate to practice psychology
3,000 hours of supervised experience in practice; 1,500 taken as an internship while studying for your doctorate, while the remainder must be post-doctoral
Pass the EPPP
For reciprocity, Delaware Board requires license verification from all states where you have or previously held a license. You must also submit details of your Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology
Out-of-state licensees without the above are required to take the exam

Link: Delaware Division of Professional Regulation

Florida Psychology Licensing Requirements

You must have an APA-accredited doctorate – PsyD, Ph.D. and EdD are all eligible
4,000 hours of supervised experience are required. Pre-doc internship can account for up to 2,000 hours while the remainder is taken post-doctoral
Pass the EPPP and the Florida state Jurisprudence Exam
License by endorsement is permitted in Florida so long as the previous state matches or exceeds Florida's. Non-residents may practice up to five days per month, no more than fifteen in any given year

Link: Florida Board of Psychology

Georgia Psychology Licensing Requirements

Complete an APA-accredited doctoral program in any psychology subdiscipline
1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience is required
Pass the EPPP including an oral test
In Georgia, if you pass the examinations before completing your supervised experience, you will be granted a provisional license
License by endorsement is permitted. Send authorizing documentation to the board. This with five years or more practice experience will not need to list postdoc practice while those with ten years or more experience do not need to verify their internship or supervised practice

Link: Georgia Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Hawaii Psychology Licensing Requirements

Complete an APA-accredited doctoral program
1,900 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience. If you graduated before 1970, you do not need to provide evidence of this
Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
License by endorsement is permitted through either CPQ, ASPPB, or by credential through the National Register of Health Service Providers
Canadian psychologists are also permitted to apply regardless of whether they passed the EPPP

Link: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing

Idaho Psychology Licensing Requirements

Graduate from an APA-accredited doctoral program
2,000 hours of supervised experience taken over anything between 12 and 36 months
Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
License by credential is permissible in Idaho through NRHSPP, ABPP, or CPQ
Those with 20+ years of experience may receive exemptions on any or all of the above requirements

Link: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses

Illinois Psychology Licensing Requirements

Graduate from an APA or NRHSPP-accredited doctoral program
1,750 hours of internship and a further 1,750 hours of post-doctoral supervised experience
Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
License by credential is permissible in Idaho through CPQ or NRHSPP, or otherwise demonstrate that their qualifications match or exceed Idaho standards
Those with 20+ years of experience may be exempt from any or all stated requirements

Link: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Indiana Psychology Licensing Requirements

Graduate from an APA or CPA (Canadian Psychological Association) accredited doctoral program
1,500 hours of internship and a further 1,600 hours of post-doctoral supervised work
Pass the state jurisprudence exam before the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
Submit to criminal background checks. This includes fingerprints
License by transfer is permitted in Indiana. Send your past EPPP scores to the state board. All applicants must pass the state jurisprudence exam; those from other states will be provided with temporary licenses

Link: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency Behavioral Health and Human Services

Iowa Psychology Licensing Requirements

Graduate from an APA or CPA (Canadian Psychological Association) accredited doctoral program
1,500 hours of internship and a further 1,600 hours of post-doctoral supervised work
Pass the state jurisprudence exam before the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
Submit to criminal background checks. This includes fingerprints
License by transfer is permitted in Iowa. Send your past EPPP scores to the state board or evidence that you possess a CPQ

Link: Iowa Board of Behavioral Science

Kansas Psychology Licensing Requirements

APA-accredited doctorate in psychology. Non-APA are accepted in Kansas so long as the graduate is willing to fulfill 24 semester hours at an accredited university
1,800 hours of internship experience and a further 1,800 as part of your post-doctoral work under supervision. Half of the latter must be with direct patient contact
Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). This can be entered after your internship hours (i.e., prior to your supervised experience)
License by transfer is permitted in Kansas. The first instance is demonstrating that the state from which you are arriving match or exceed those required in Kansas. The second is with a minimum five years of practice

Link: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board

Kentucky Psychology Licensing Requirements

Only APA-accredited doctorate grads are eligible for a psychology license in Kentucky
1,800 hours of internship experience and 1,800 supervised work post-doc are required
Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and then a separate oral exam, followed by a jurisprudence examination
Reciprocal agreement is permitted in Kentucky on condition that the candidate has five years of experience in the U.S. or Canada. The Kentucky mental health law exam is in addition to other exams
Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ), American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) board certification, and National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology certificates are all permitted forms of evidence
Nonresident psychologists may practice up to a maximum of 30 days in any two-year period

Link: Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology

Louisiana Psychology Licensing Requirements

APA-accredited doctorates are permitted. If your doctorate is not APA-approved, you will need to supply evidence that it meets Louisiana state requirements
4,000 hours of practical work experience. This may be taken both before and after you complete your doctorate
Criminal background checks, including fingerprints
Pass the EPPP, an oral exam, and then the jurisprudence exam
Louisiana has a reciprocal agreement with Texas. Psychologists with CPQ or ABPP are also eligible for reciprocity. State exams are required, however
Nonresident psychologists may practice for no more than 30 days per year. Beyond that, you must take the jurisprudence exam

Link: Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Maine Psychology Licensing Requirements

APA or CPA (Canada) accredited doctorates are permitted
1,500 hours of internship and another 1,500 of post-doctoral work experience are required
Pass the Maine jurisprudence exam and then the EPPP
If you've previously held a license in another state, send license verification. Alternatively, present your ASPPB or CPQ (whichever is relevant) details to the board

Link: Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Maryland Psychology Licensing Requirements

Maryland permits both APA and CPA-accredited doctorate graduates to practice
1,750 hours of internship hours are required unless you don't intend to work in psychology practice. A further 1,500 hours are required via post-doctoral work
Pass the Maryland jurisprudence exam and the EPPP
Submit to criminal and background checks
License by reciprocity is possible so long as the departure state matches or exceeds Maryland requirements. You must apply within 90 days of starting practice in the state

Link: Maryland Department of Health – Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Massachusetts Psychology Licensing Requirements

Doctorates must be APA-accredited. However, if you took the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Board program, you may also be eligible
1,600 hours of internship and 1,600 of supervised work once the doctorate is complete are required
Pass the EPPP and then the Massachusetts Jurisprudence Exam
License by reciprocity is possible as long as you’ve passed the EPPP in another state, have five or more years of practice experience and have a CPQ, NR, or ABPP authorization

Link: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Licenses

Michigan Psychology Licensing Requirements

American Psychological Association or Canadian Psychological Association accredited doctorate
2,000 hours of pre-doctoral internship and 2,000 of supervised work once you've completed your doctorate
Pass the EPPP
Submit fingerprints for criminal and background checks
Out-of-state applicants must have already passed the EPPP. Send details to the Michigan board. You can also apply by endorsement through CPQ

Link: Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Minnesota Psychology Licensing Requirements

A doctorate accredited by the American Psychological Association or Canadian Psychological Association
1,800 hours of pre-doc internship and 1,800 of supervised post-doc work
Pass the EPPP prior to entering post-doc supervised work
Send the application form along with the fees
License by credential is permitted for applicants from other states subject to the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ), and Health Service Provider Registration approval

Link: Minnesota Board of Psychology

Mississippi Psychology Licensing Requirements

A doctorate accredited by the APA (American Psychological Association) or CPA (Canadian Psychological Association)
2,000 hours of internship hours while doing your doctorate and a further 2,000 post-doc hours
Pass the EPPP and a state oral exam
Submit to background checks
License by credential is permitted through ASPPB. Those with 20+ years of experience will need to provide evidence and can bypass other steps bar the oral exam

Link: Mississippi Board of Psychology

Missouri Psychology Licensing Requirements

A doctorate accredited by the APA (American Psychological Association) or approved by ASPPB (American Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards)
1,500 hours of post-doctorate supervised experience required. Doctoral program must also include internship experience, though there are no minimum stated hours as with other states
Pass the EPPP and a jurisprudence exam (known as the Missouri Psychology Practice Act and Rules)
License by endorsement is possible under certain conditions

Link: Missouri Division of Professional Registration

Montana Psychology Licensing Requirements

Montana permits three paths to license: APA accreditation, a doctorate in a similar program with APA-approved retraining, or a non-accredited doctorate meeting Montana Board requirements
Two years of supervised experience (1,600 hours each year) half of which must be taken during your doctorate, the other after graduation
Pass the EPPP, fill out the application form and educational details form, and pay the fees
Other states and Canadian citizens may apply for endorsement so long as the departure state/province matches or exceeds Montana's requirements

Link: Montana Department of Labor and Industry Board of Psychologists

Nebraska Psychology Licensing Requirements

An APA or CPA-accredited doctorate
Two years of supervised experience: one year of pre-doc internship, and the second year post-doctoral. Each year requires 1,500 hours each
Pass the EPPP and then the state jurisprudence exam
Send the application form along with the fee
Reciprocity agreements exist with (US): Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas; and (Canada): Manitoba, and Ontario

Link: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nevada Psychology Licensing Requirements

APA accreditation is required for doctoral programs. For non-accredited study, the candidate must demonstrate their program is of sufficient standard
3,500 hours of practice experience – the first half of which must be an internship, the other half as post-doc supervised experience
There is both a state exam and the EPPP to pass to operate in Nevada
No reciprocity or endorsement, but out-of-state psychologists have a simplified application process

Link: State of Nevada Board of Psychology Examiners

New Hampshire Psychology Licensing Requirements

A CPA or APA-accredited psychology doctorate
A minimum 3,000 hours of supervised experience – 1,500 of which must be during your doctorate. The remainder is post-doc supervised experience
Application form and fee. Application requires you to answer six essay-type questions
Pass the EPPP
License verification is required for arrivals from other states, including EPPP score

Link: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

New Jersey Psychology Licensing Requirements

APA or CPA-accredited psychology doctorate
A minimum 3,500 hours of supervised experience – 1,750 must be post-doctoral with a minimum 1,000 hours of direct client contact
Send the digital application form along with the fee
Pass the EPPP and submit details for fingerprint checks
Reciprocity is possible so long as the previous jurisdiction requirements meet or exceed those of New Jersey

Link: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs

New Mexico Psychology Licensing Requirements

APA-accredited psychology, clinical psychology, or school psychology doctorate
3,000 hours of supervised experience. Up to 1,500 hours may be taken as an internship while completing your doctorate
Application form, fee, and three reference letters are required
Pass both the EPPP and the state jurisprudence exam
Reciprocity is possible under two conditions: automatic for those with ten years of experience and no disciplinary issues. CPQ or NR are required for those with five years of experience
Out-of-state applicants must also pass a cultural awareness exam

Link: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

New York Psychology Licensing Requirements

An accredited doctorate as listed by the state
3,500 hours of supervised experience, half of which can be executed during the doctorate
Application form, fee, and three reference letters are required
Pass the EPPP
Out-of-state applicants must send details for verification and evidence can come either from the previous state or from ASPPB. CPQ is not accepted in New York

Link: New York State Education Department – Office of Professions

North Carolina Psychology Licensing Requirements

An APA or CPA-accredited doctorate, or completion of a program that otherwise matches 21 NCAC 54
Two years of work experience – one year is considered 1,500 hours and can be taken during the doctorate. The second is completed via post-graduate supervised experience
Application form, fee, and three reference letters are required
Pass the EPPP
CPQ, NR, and ABPR are all valid ways to apply for a license through credential from out of state

Link: North Carolina Psychology Board

North Dakota Psychology Licensing Requirements

An APA or CPA-accredited doctorate
1,500 hours of pre-doctoral internship and a further 1,500 hours post-doctoral supervised experience
Pass the EPPP and the state oral exam
Reciprocal licensing is possible in North Dakota so long as the previous state matches or exceeds those required in the state – CPQ is also accepted. You may also practice for no more than 30 days per year without these measures but must apply for a "limited practice letter"

Link: North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners

Ohio Psychology Licensing Requirements

Graduate of a program accredited by APA (American Psychological Association), CPA (Canadian), or the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
3,600 hours of supervised experience is required; up to 2,000 of these may be taken as an internship
Pass the EPPP and the state oral jurisprudence exam
School psychologists may operate with credentials only on the condition that they have three years of experience
Out-of-state applicants are welcome to apply by credential through ABPP, CPQ, and NRHSPP alongside EPPP scores

Link: Ohio Board of Psychology

Oklahoma Psychology Licensing Requirements

Graduate from an APA-accredited doctorate program
4,000 hours of supervised experience – half of which must be taken prior to completion of your doctorate. The remainder is post-doctoral supervised experience
Pass both the EPPP and the state jurisprudence and ethics exam
Oklahoma has an agreement for reciprocity with Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas in the US, and Manitoba and Ontario in Canada. To qualify, you need five years of experience and good disciplinary history
Endorsement is also possible through ASBPP (American Board of Professional Psychology) or CPQ (Certificate of Professional Qualification)

Link: Oklahoma State Board of Examiners in Psychology

Oregon Psychology Licensing Requirements

An accredited doctorate as specified by the state board
Submit application form, fees, and fingerprints for criminal background checks
3,000 hours of supervised experience – 1,500 hours completed through an internship, while the other 1,500 are completed through post-doctoral supervised experience
Pass the EPPP and the state oral exam
CPQ, ABPP, and National Register are all permitted methods of license by credential for Oregon

Link: Oregon Board of Psychology

Pennsylvania Psychology Licensing Requirements

A CPA or APA-accredited doctorate
Send the application form along with the required fee
1,750 hours of supervised post-doctoral experience
Pass the EPPP and the state jurisprudence exam
For out-of-state applicants, you must demonstrate standards that match or exceed the state’s requirements. CPQ or NR are both eligible

Link: Pennsylvania Department of State

Rhode Island Psychology Licensing Requirements

An APA-accredited doctorate
3,000 hours of supervised experience: 1,500 hours through a pre-doctoral internship, the remaining 1,500 through post-doctoral supervised experience
Pass the EPPP
For out-of-state applicants, those who have already passed the EPPP must contact ASPPB. Verification that your license is in good standing is required. ABPP is also acceptable

Link: Rhode Island Department of Health

South Carolina Psychology Licensing Requirements

A doctorate accredited by the APA
3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, 1,500 of which are pre-doctoral. The other 1,500 are required as part of your post-doctoral supervised experience
Pass both the EPPP and the state oral exam
Reciprocal licensing is permitted so long as the previous state’s standards match or exceed those of SC. You must demonstrate the one-year post-doc experience
Temporary permits are available to allow up to 60 days of practice without applying for a full license

Link: South Carolina Labor Licensing Regulation

South Dakota Psychology Licensing Requirements

A regionally accredited doctorate from the USA or Canada
3,600 hours of supervised professional experience required, 1,800 of which are completed through an internship. The remainder is completed via post-doctoral supervised experience
Pass both the EPPP and the oral jurisprudence exam
All current psychology licenses must be verified. Those who passed the EPPP in another state will need to get Professional Examination Service to send the results to the South Dakota licensing agency. Endorsement is possible with a license in good standing and five years of experience
Some international applicants are also eligible for endorsement

Link: South Dakota Department of Social Services

Tennessee Psychology Licensing Requirements

An American Psychological Association or National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards accredited doctorate program
1,900 hours of pre-doctoral internship and another 1,900 hours of post-doctoral supervised experience
Pass the EPPP and state jurisprudence exam
Criminal background checks, including fingerprints
Out-of-state applicants require a certificate of fitness to practice. ABPP, NR, and CPQ are all accepted as evidence. Those with five or more years of experience will not require a reference

Link: Tennessee Department of Health

Texas Psychology Licensing Requirements

A doctorate from a regionally accredited school
Two years of supervised experience (20+ hours per week), the first year is completed through an internship, the second year is post-doctoral work experience
Background checks, both personal and criminal, to include fingerprints
There are three exams to pass: the EPPP, a state jurisprudence exam, and an oral exam
There is an ASPPB reciprocity agreement in Texas for the following states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. There is also Canadian reciprocity with Manitoba and Ontario

Link: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council

Utah Psychology Licensing Requirements

An APA-accredited doctoral degree, or one designated by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards or National Register
4,000 hours of supervised experience. There are no limits on which must be pre-doctoral or post-doctoral experience
Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the Utah Psychologist Law and Ethics Examination
A candidate who passed the EPPP elsewhere may use a score transfer form. Those with a minimum one year of practice are eligible for endorsement subject to submission of license verification

Link: Utah Department of Professional Licensing, Psychology

Vermont Psychology Licensing Requirements

There are two paths: master's graduates and doctoral graduates are permitted to practice – you must state when practicing which degree you have, and there are fewer pathways with a master's
4,000 hours of supervised practice experience, half of which is taken during internship and the remaining 2,000 after graduation
Pass the State Jurisprudence Exam and the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
Application form, fees, and three references are required
Licensed master's graduates may apply for an upgrade once they've completed a doctorate and will not need further supervised experience
License by endorsement is permitted from other US states and several Canadian provinces so long as the other board has matching or better standards of requirement

Link: Vermont Secretary of State

Virginia Psychology Licensing Requirements

Clinicians need a doctorate which must be APA-approved. School psychologists need a master's degree at minimum
Both a pre-doctoral internship and a post-doctoral residency are required prior to practice
Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
Those from out-of-state may apply for a license by verification – send your current license to the board. For those with ten years of practice, simply send your doctorate transcripts

Link: Virginia Department of Health Professions – Board of Psychology

Washington Psychology Licensing Requirements

You must have a regionally accredited doctorate
3,300 hours of work experience are required. 1,500 of these must be internship-based, while the remainder should be post-doctoral supervised experience
Pass both the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and a state jurisprudence exam
Background checks to include fingerprints
License by verification – send details from all states where you are currently licensed. ABPP diplomate status is also acceptable

Link: Washington State Department of Health

Washington DC Psychology Licensing Requirements

Only doctorate graduates are permitted to practice in Washington DC
4,000 hours of work experience are required. Up to 2,000 hours are permitted through an internship, while the rest must be post-doctoral work experience
A state jurisprudence exam and the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) are mandatory
Background checks to include fingerprints
Out-of-state applicants can apply by credential so long as they have two years of experience. ABPP may be accepted without EPPP scores

Link: DC Department of Health

West Virginia Psychology Licensing Requirements

Both master's and doctoral graduates may practice psychology in West Virginia, though master’s grads have limited career options
Two years of supervised experience are required: the first year through internship, the second year through post-graduate experience
Pass the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) and a state oral exam
Psychologists entering from other states may be permitted to apply for a reciprocal license. You will still need to take the oral exam

Link: West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Wisconsin Psychology Licensing Requirements

In Wisconsin, only doctoral graduates may practice in psychology – you must have a regionally accredited qualification
3,000 hours of supervised experience required – all of it may be post-doctoral experience, but the maximum internship is 1,500 hours
Pass the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology), and the state ethics test
If you've previously practiced in another state, send your other license(s) for verification. You will also be asked to provide evidence of continuing education. Reciprocity is allowed with other states that have signed up through ASPPB
A Certificate of Professional Qualification is also acceptable

Link: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Wyoming Psychology Licensing Requirements

Licensure is open to doctoral graduates with regionally accredited qualifications. Master's graduates can work as Psychological Practitioners
3,000 hours of supervised experience is required. 1,500 can come through an internship, while the remaining 1,500 hours are completed through post-doctoral experience
Pass the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)
License by endorsement is possible so long as the other state has equal or better standards. CPQ, NR, and ABPP membership are all permissible
If you are not licensed but passed the EPPP in the last five years, you will not need to take it again

Link: Wyoming Board of Psychology

Author
Recent Posts

Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.