Psychologist Licensure Procedures in Virginia

Follow the steps to earn your psychologist license in VA

How to become a Psychologist in Virginia:

Click on the link that best describes your current situation...

Explore the information below and begin your journey toward becoming a licensed psychologist in Virginia. The following procedures have been the same for many years; however, they are subject to change and it would be wise to contact the Virginia Board of Psychology at (804) 367-4697 if you have any concerns or questions regarding requirements for earning your Virginia psychologist license.

I'm a High School Graduate...

Researching career options at any point shows a certain level of maturity and motivation. As a high school student researching Virginia psychologist licensure requirements, you are way ahead of the curve.

The following steps will help you focus your motivation to capitalize on your early research.

Step One:

By far the most important step you should be taking is to learn how you can start advancing your education. Virginia psychologist licensure requires all candidates to have completed a doctoral program in psychology or a related field.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs you are currently qualified to begin!

Step Two:

Secondly, you will want to begin adding value to your resume. One great way to do this is through volunteering. In addition to bolstering your resume, volunteering can help you learn more about what a work environment in psychology or counseling might be like.

Below are listed a few organizations hosting volunteering opportunities.

Finally, regardless of whether a career as a licensed psychologist is in your future or not, a higher education is always a great investment of your time and energy. So, go ahead and get started!

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

Congratulations! You're halfway there! The next step is to learn more about master's and doctoral programs that are available to you either through a campus-based or online institution.

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 Virginia.

Step One:

In addition to a qualifying internship, you will need to earn 1,500 hours of supervised work experience over a time period of at least one year. More details about the internship, hourly requirements and supervisor qualifications can be found in the "Regulations governing the practice of Psychology" link on the following Virginia Board webpage, here.

Step Two:

Now, you should apply for Virginia psychologist licensure by downloading the application and submitting all supporting documents and required fees to the Virginia Board of Psychology.

You may download the licensure application here.

Step Three:

Once the Board has approved your application and has received appropriate documentation showing that you have begun your work experience and have completed the appropriate education requirements, you will be eligible to take the national and written examination. Virginia requires a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology as well as a Virginia state jurisprudence examination. Information about the national exam can be found here.

After the Board has gone over your credentials and approves, you will be sent the Virginia jurisprudence examination in the mail. You will need to complete the written examination and send it back to the Virginia Board of Psychology.

Step Four:

Once the Board has received all the necessary documentation, you will be contacted regarding your Virginia psychologist licensure status.

Good Luck!

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