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Information on Licensure
February 1995
Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Practice Directorate
For more information: E-mail
The American Psychological Association (APA) Practice Directorate's Office of
Legal and Regulatory Affairs addresses issues of licensure and certification for
psychologists. Information requests specific to a particular state are best
handled by that state's licensing board and/or state psychological association.
- The practice of psychology is protected by state laws and
regulations administered by each state's professional licensing board.
The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) has
authored a brochure, Entry Requirements for Professional Practice of
Psychology: A Guide for Students and Faculty, which contains
information on the legal requirements for entry into the practice of
psychology. This brochure gives an overview of typical licensing
requirements, information on how to meet licensing requirements, and the
content of the national exam. ASPPB can also answer specific questions
regarding the exam dates and study programs. To obtain the brochure or
for further information, you may call or write: ASPPB, 400 S. Union St.,
Suite 295, Montgomery, AL 36104, 334-832-4580.
- A list of addresses and telephone numbers of boards and agencies for
statutory licensure is available from ASPPB.. The state boards should be contacted for
answers regarding the state licensing examination, regulations governing
the practice of psychology (e.g., definitions of scope of practice,
supervision requirements, continuing education requirements), and
reciprocity.
If you have received credentials outside the United States and would like
information on how to obtain licensure, please consult the licensing board
of the state(s) in which you would like to practice.
- A list of addresses and telephone numbers of APA-affiliated state
psychological associations is also available. The state psychological
association is a resourceful organization which can help assimilate the
new practitioner into the mental health community. Use these telephone
numbers to find information about local mental health settings, health
maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, and community
mental health centers. Your state psychological association can also
provide you with information on the professional issues affecting
psychologists in your region and the grassroots impact you can have on the
national level.
- You can receive recognition in your area of specialty through diplomate
status. The American Board of Professional
Psychology (ABPP) is one organization to which the APA refers psychologists for
this recognition. For further information you may call or write:
ABPP
300 Drayton Street, 3rd Floor
Savannah, GA 31401
Telephone: 800-255-7792 or 912-234-5477
Email: office@abpp.org
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