Psychologist Licensure Procedures in New Jersey

How to become a Psychologist in New Jersey...

Click on the link that best describes your current situation.

Explore the information below and begin your journey toward becoming a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. The following procedures have been the same for many years; however, they are subject to change and it would be wise to contact the New Jersey Board of Psychology Examiners at (973) 504-6470 if you have any concerns or questions regarding requirements for earning your New Jersey psychologist license.

I'm a High School Graduate...

It is simply never too early to learn more about future career options. As a high school graduate in New Jersey looking into New Jersey psychologist licensure procedures, you are setting yourself up to expedite your journey into a professional career and to be confident about your career choice.

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:

Regardless of what field of psychology you end up entering (or whether you decide upon another career path), the most important step you can take right now is to learn how you can enroll in college degree program. At this point, it really does not matter whether you end up starting an associate degree program or bachelor's degree program. Either one will help you to begin fulfilling necessary requirements toward becoming a psychologist in New Jersey.

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

Step Two:

Secondly, you will want to learn more about what a career in psychology might be like in New Jersey as well as whether you are a good fit as a psychologist.

Of course, you could wait until you have already spent years earning the appropriate education to learn more about the field. However, gathering information at an early stage will give you confidence in your career decision as well as give you direction.

By volunteering, you will gain insight into careers based on helping others. You will learn about many different career options in psychology and whether or not you enjoy this type of work.

Below are a few links to volunteering organizations in New Jersey:

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 New Jersey.

Step One:

First step is to complete your doctoral degree program in psychology that is accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting body approved by the New Jersey Board of Psychology Examiners.

Step Two:

Secondly, you will need to complete 2 years, or 3500 hours, of supervised experience.

For specific information regarding supervised experience requirements and supervisor requirements, download the Psychology Regulations document from the following New Jersey Board of Pychologist Examiners webpage.

Step Three:

Next, you will want to download, complete and submit the New Jersey psychologist licensure application.

You can download the application from the following NJ Board of Psychologist Examiners webpage.

Step Four:

Once your application is evaluated and approved, you will be informed of your eligibility to sit for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

More information regarding specifics of the exam can be found on the ASPPB website.

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