Psychologist Licensure Procedures in North Dakota

How to become a Psychologist in North Dakota...

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 Dakota. 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 Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners at (701)-590-1754 if you have any concerns or questions regarding requirements for earning your North Dakota psychologist license.

I'm a High School Graduate...

Good for you! Doing early career research is essential to put yourself in the best possible position to both earn your North Dakota psychologist license as quickly as possible and to be confident about your career decision.

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

Step One:

Education. Absolutely the most important step you should be thinking about. Whether you end up earning your North Dakota psychologist license or you end up in going down a different career path, the one common element necessary to be considered for any professional position is education.

Your next step should be learning how you can enroll in an associate or bachelor degree program. As a high school graduate, either type of program will get you headed in the direction you want to go.

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

Step Two:

Secondly, you will want to learn more about the career you are headed into and whether or not it is a right fit for you.

One way to do this is to volunteer in positions that may be in similar environments as a psychologist or counselor. To closely mimic a psychologist career environment may be difficult; however, entering positions that help those with various individual issues can be similar in nature.

In addition, volunteer work on your school application or work resume demonstrates upstanding character traits and motivation to those deciding your fate.

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

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.

Back to the top

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:

Back to the top

I have finished my PhD or PsyD...

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

Step One:

After completing your doctoral degree program, you will need to complete 2 years of supervised professional experience. One of these years should be an internship earned while still working towards your doctoral degree. The remaining year needs to be completed after receiving your degree. Each year needs to cover 1500 hours.

More details about the professional work experience and qualifying supervisors can be found on the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners website.

Step Two:

After completing the experience requirements, you will need to download and complete the North Dakota psychologist license application.

When submitting the application to the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners, you will need to include all supporting documents and fees in order for the Board to review it.

You may download the application from the following North Dakota Board's webpage.

Step Three:

Once the North Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners has approved your application, they will notify you of your eligibility and will give you a time and place to take the written Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology and a state administered oral exam.

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

Back to the top