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What are the accreditation and licensing requirements forpsychologists? Learn more about accredited programs as well as state and national licensing requirements.
In order to be licensed to practice, psychologists need to earn a degree from an accredited institution. After earning a degree, it is also necessary to complete the requirements to achieve professional licensing in the state where one wishes to work. Prospective students often find the concepts of accreditation, licensing and other certifications confusing, but here is some basic information.
Accreditation of Programs
Professional Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
According to theOccupational Outlook Handbook, psychologists who work in independent practice or who offer any type of patient care - including clinical, counseling, and school psychologists - must meet certification or licensing requirements in all states and the District of Columbia.
Professional licenses and certifications require psychologists to only practice within the scope of their expertise, which they have obtained through their education and training.
For clinical and counseling psychologists, a doctorate in psychology is usually required.In addition to the doctorate, an approved internship and one to two years of supervised professional experience are also needed.
Most states also require continuing education to maintain and renew the license.
Certifications For School Psychologists
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) awards the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) designation, which recognizes professional competency in school psychology at anational, rather than state, level.
Currently, 34 states recognize the NCSP and allow those with the certification to transfercredentialsfrom one state to another without taking a new certification exam.
Requirements for the NCSP include:
Certification and Advancement for Psychologists
From theOccupational Outlook Handbook:
The American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology offers certification in neuropsychology and the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) awards certification in 15 different areas, such as psychoanalysis, rehabilitation, health psychology, forensic psychology, group therapy, and couple and family therapy.
Board certification is not a typical requirement to practice psychology; however, it shows the level of expertise and specialization in a particular area, and some employers may make such a stipulation.
To obtain board certification in a specialty, candidates must meet general criteria which consist of:
Other Important Skills for Psychologists
Of course, earning a degree and licensure are not the only things a good psychologist needs. The U.S. Department of Labor suggests that psychologists also need to be:
Final Thoughts
Practicing as a psychologist is both challenging and rewarding. As you can see, the education, training, testing, and continued education demands for a licensed psychologist are rigorous and ongoing, but most would say it is worth it!
How Being a Psychologist Can Benefit You
6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.APA - Accredited Programs.National Association of School Psychologists.Graduate program approval and accreditation.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook.National Association of School Psychologists.Why become an NCSP?National Association of School Psychologists.NCSP eligibility.U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.APA - Accredited Programs.National Association of School Psychologists.Graduate program approval and accreditation.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook.National Association of School Psychologists.Why become an NCSP?National Association of School Psychologists.NCSP eligibility.U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.APA - Accredited Programs.National Association of School Psychologists.Graduate program approval and accreditation.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook.National Association of School Psychologists.Why become an NCSP?National Association of School Psychologists.NCSP eligibility.U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
American Psychological Association.APA - Accredited Programs.
National Association of School Psychologists.Graduate program approval and accreditation.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook.
National Association of School Psychologists.Why become an NCSP?
National Association of School Psychologists.NCSP eligibility.
U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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