Specialties

Learn more about how the APA and the discipline of psychology work together to define specialization in psychology:

• Procedures for Recognition of Specialties and Proficiencies: The process by which the American Psychological Association will consider petitions for formal recognition of specialties or proficiencies in professional psychology

• Recognized Specialties and Proficiencies in Professional Psychology: Descriptions of all currently recognized specialties and proficiencies.

• Principles for the Recognition of Specialties in Professional Psychology (PDF, 32KB): Principles used to evaluate petitions for a new specialty.

• Policy on Training for Psychologists Wishing to Change Their Specialty: Policy adopted by APA's Council on required training.

• Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Proficiencies in Professional Psychology (CRSPPP) reviews petitions for a new professional specialty or proficiency.

• Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology (CoS) provides a structure for representatives of specialties to consider policies affecting specialization.

• Council of Credentialing Organizations in Professional Psychology (CCOPP) provides interorganizational leadership in credentialing specialties.