Psychologist Licensure Procedures in North Carolina

How to become a Psychologist in North Carolina...

Click on the link that best describes your current situation.

Explore the information below and begin your journey toward becoming a licensed psychologist in North Carolina. The following procedures have been the same for many years; however, they are subject to change and it would be wise to contact the North Carolina Psychology Board at (828) 262-2258 if you have any concerns or questions regarding requirements for earning your North Carolina psychologist license.

I'm a High School Graduate...

You should already be proud of yourself for doing career research at this point. You are already ahead of the curve. But don't stop here. Essentially there are only a couple important steps you need to take to get yourself started on the path toward earning a North Carolina psychologist license.

However, these steps are of vital importance to your career success whether you end up becoming a psychologist or if you enter a different field of work.

Step One:

Education. The most important action on your agenda, learn how you can enroll in an associate or bachelor degree program. All other issues come second to continuing your education. Regardless of whether you end up earning your North Carolina psychologist license, or becoming a professional in another industry, a college education is the ticket for admission.

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

Step Two:

Secondly, you will want to learn more about the psychology career environment and whether or not you enjoy various types of work.

A great way to gather experience, meet other individuals in various fields of psychology (psychologists, social workers, counselors, etc.) is to volunteer. In addition, volunteer work on your college application can show your motivation and dedication toward others and yourself.

Below are a few links to volunteering organizations in North Carolina:

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 North Carolina.

Step One:

After completing or at least enrolling in a doctoral program, you will then need to learn how you can complete 2 years of supervised work experience which should equal 3000 hours. If you have finished all of the requirements for licensure except work experience, you will be issued a temporary provisional license. In addition, one of the required years can be completed through an approved internship.

More details about the work experience requirements, provisional licenses and supervisor qualifications can be found on the North Carolina Psychology Board's website.

Step Two:

Next, you can download the North Carolina psychologist licensure application and submit the application along with all supporting forms and fees to the North Carolina Psychology Board.

You may download the application here.

Step Three:

Once the Board has reviewed your North Carolina psychologist license application, you will be notified of your eligibility to take the appropriate examinations. North Carolina requires the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and a state administered exam.

The Board will provide you with information about how to schedule testing for both exams. More information about the national exam can be found on the ASPPB website.

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