Psychologist Licensure Procedures in Kentucky

How to become a Psychologist in Kentucky...

Click on the link that best describes your current situation.

Explore the information below and begin your journey toward becoming a licensed psychologist in Kentucky. The following procedures have been the same for many years; however, they are subject to change and it would be wise to contact the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology at (502)564-3296 if you have any concerns or questions regarding requirements for earning your Kentucky psychologist license.

I'm a High School Graduate...

As a high school graduate, you are in a great position to expedite your journey toward earning a Kentucky psychologist licensure. Unfortunately, Kentucky psychologist licensure requirements state all applicants must possess a doctoral degree. However, such requirements will allow you to begin advancing your current level of education while also gathering invaluable information regarding future career options.

The following are steps that will help you take the next step toward a higher education and learn more about psychology career environments.

Step One:

The most important step to tackle presently is to learn how you can begin advancing your current level of education. You will need to either enroll in an associate degree program or a bachelor degree program as soon as possible. The sooner you enroll in a program the earlier your prospects will be for being eligible for Kentucky psychologist licensure.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering psychology programs!

Step Two:

The next step is to look deeper into career environments. You will want to immerse yourself in organizations' cultures that provide similar experiences to careers in psychology. One great way to learn more about what it is like to help others emotionally is to volunteer.

Below are a few links to volunteering organizations in Kentucky:

If volunteering is out of the question, look to find paid work or speak with professors about career options as soon as possible in your academic career.

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I've already received my Bachelor's or Master's degree...

Once you have your undergraduate or Master's degree you will need to continue on and earn your doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology or an education degree that specializes in counseling psychology or educational psychology from an accredited college or university.

Step One:

Contact schools offering Master's, PhD or PsyD programs you are interested in.

Step Two:

When choosing a Master's or Doctoral program, you will be narrowing your career focus. Since there are a large variety of areas where you can go within the field of psychology, it would be wise to speak with the career services personnel at your school to learn more about various opportunities you may participate in to boost yourself higher on the list of possible applicants for school and/or for a professional position once you have completed your schooling.

Step Three:

Once you have completed your PhD or PsyD program, you may continue down to:

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I have finished my PhD or PsyD...

Follow the steps to learn how to acquire your Psychologist license in Kentucky.

Step One:

After completing your doctoral degree, you can begin the Kentucky psychologist licensure supervised work experience requirements. Two years are required, the first can begin while earning your doctoral degree. Each year should be equivalent to 1800 hours, with 100 hours of supervision from a qualified supervisor.

More details are available under the Laws and Regulations link on the following Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology website.

Step Two:

Once the above requirements are met, you can download and submit your Kentucky psychologist licensure application to the Board along with all other necessary forms and fees.

You may download your application off the following Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology webpage.

Step Three:

The Board will review your application and contact you once it is approved. At that point you will be eligible to take the Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

More information about the exam can be found on the ASPPB website.

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