Psychologist Licensure Procedures in Pennsylvania

How to become a Psychologist in Pennsylvania...

Click on the link that best describes your current situation.

Explore the information below and begin your journey toward becoming a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. The following procedures have been the same for many years; however, they are subject to change and it would be wise to contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology at (717) 783-7155 if you have any concerns or questions regarding requirements for earning your Pennsylvania psychologist license.

I'm a High School Graduate...

The economy has downsized and job are certainly harder to come by. Therefore, it is even more important now than ever before to get a jump start with early career research.

By researching Pennsylvania psychologist license requirements as a high school graduate, you are certainly ahead of the curve. However, it is also extremely important you keep up your momentum and take the next step toward reaching your career goals.

Below you will find steps to help lead you down the right path.

Step One:

Step one is the most important step you should be thinking about. Essential all else pales in comparison to step one.

Learn how you can enroll in an associate or bachelor degree program and continue your education. Regardless of whether you end up becoming a psychologist in Pennsylvania or start down a different career path, a college degree is a necessity for psychologist licensure or being considered for a professional position in any other industry.

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

Step Two:

Secondly, you will want to begin gathering experience that will help you learn whether or not you like the psychology career environment, get into a good psychology degree program and help you land your first job.

You can help yourself get closer to achieving all of this through volunteering. Volunteering looks great on both a college application and a work resume. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, you will learn whether you like the work environment that revolves around helping others.

Below are a few links to volunteering organizations in Pennsylvania:

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 Pennsylvania.

Step One:

You will need to complete 2 years of supervised experience in psychology. At least one of these years or 1500 hours needs to be completed after receiving the doctoral degree. The first year may be completed through an internship or psychology practicum.

More details about the work experience and qualifying supervisors can be found here: work experience and qualifying supervisors.

Step Two:

Next, you will need to submit your Pennsylvania psychologist licensure application and supporting forms and fees to the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology for review.

You can download the application from the following Pennsylvania Board of Psychology webpage.

Step Three:

Once the Board has approved your application, you will be notified by the organization administering the Pennsylvania Psychology Law Examination and the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.

You can get more information about the law exam by contacting the Pennsylvania Board at (717) 783-7155 and more information about the national exam can be found on the following ASPPB website.

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