While each state sets its own rules for psychology licensure, most require that prospective psychologists complete similar processes. Generally, to become a psychologist, you need to earn a doctorate, complete supervised experience requirements, and pass exams. Use this guide to walk you through the common steps and help you prepare for your state's specific requirements.
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Different Types of Psychology Licenses
Clinical psychology,child psychology, and school psychology are some of the most common psychology licenses. Each license type differs by scope of practice and state-specific requirements for education, supervised experience, and examinations.
You must earn a doctorate in psychology, either a Ph.D. or Psy. D., to practice independently and to provide assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, counseling, and testing. However, in some states, individuals with a master's degree in psychology or a related field may practice under supervision. Many schools offer undergraduate and graduate online psychology degrees, but licensure generally requires a doctorate from an accredited in-person program.
Aspiring psychologists should plan to complete approximately 2,000 hours during their doctoral internship and another 2,000 hours of postdoc experience to meet most state licensure requirements. All state boards require applicants for licensure to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and some states may also ask for an oral or jurisprudence exam.
Psychologist Licensure Requirements by State
Psychologist licensure requirements will vary by state. Explore what it takes to become a licensed psychologist in select states.
How Do I Get a Psychologist License?
Licensing regulations differ by state, but you generally need a doctorate in psychology, clinical experience, and passing scores on the EPPP and any state-specific exams. The total time from earning your undergraduate and graduate degrees to meeting state licensure requirements can take 8-12 years.
Step 1: Earn a Doctorate
Step 2: Pass the EPPP and State-Specific Examination
Step 3: Gain Required Experience, if Applicable
Step 4: Apply for State Psychology Licensure
Educational Requirements for a Psychology License
You need to hold a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology to qualify for licensure in most states. Although some programs may require a master's degree, most offer direct-entry pathways for bachelor's degree holders or award a master's along the way to the doctorate. Most doctoral programs look for candidates with excellent grades in relevant coursework and evidence of research experience.
Examination Requirements for Psychologist Licensure
The EPPP determines your eligibility for licensure. The computer-based exam consists of 225 multiple-choice questions that cover the core areas of psychology, including research methods, diagnosis, assessment, intervention, and ethics. You generally need to score 500 or higher, although passing score requirements may vary by state.
The registration fee for the EPPP Part 1 exam, which tests foundational knowledge, is $600 plus a non-refundable $87 test center fee. The fee for Part 2, which focuses on practical skills, is $450. Some state licensing boards do not require the Part 2 exam. Note that the current EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge) and EPPP (Part 2-Skills) will remain available until an integrated EPPP takes effect in the fourth quarter of 2027, which will become the sole exam accessible to all candidates by April 1, 2028.
Experience Requirements for a Psychology License
Most states require a specific number of internship hours during the doctoral program and at least a year-long post-doctoral experience. Total required hours range from 1,500 to 6,000 or more.
A handful of states do not require postdoc experience. Requirements may also differ for various specialties and license types, such as clinical psychology, school psychology, and some master's-level mental health licenses. Consult the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) for current information on experience requirements for your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensure in psychology serves the public's best interests, ensuring competency through education, training, and examination requirements. The licensure process helps limit the practice of psychology to qualified and vetted professionals, establishes high standards of practice, and upholds legal and ethical standards and accountability.
