Specialties, Subspecialties, and Proficiencies

Specialties: a defined area of psychological practice that requires advanced knowledge and skills acquired through an organized sequence of education and training.

• Principles for the Recognition of Specialties (PDF, 232KB)opens in new window
  The mechanism which provides for the recognition of specialties.
• Petition for the Recognition of a Specialty (PDF, 321KB)opens in new window
  Guidance on the types and amounts of information necessary for a formal decision on recognition of a specialty to be reached.

Subspecialties: a concentrated area of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that exists within at least one recognized specialty.

• Principles for the Recognition of Subspecialties (PDF, 224KB)opens in new window
  The mechanism which provides for the recognition of subspecialties.
• Petition for the Recognition of a Subspecialty (PDF, 319KB)opens in new window  
  Guidance on the types and amounts of information necessary for a formal decision on recognition of a subspecialty to be reached.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  More information about CRSSPP, the consultation process, petitions, and applications.
• Glossary of Terms (PDF, 170KB)opens in new window
  Definitions for commonly used terms related to the consultation process.

Resources to help you petition to become a recognized specialty or subspecialty.

• Deciding to become a recognized specialty
  Guidance for organizations deciding whether to petition to become a recognized specialty. 
• Deciding to become a recognized subspecialty
  Guidance for organizations deciding whether to petition to become a recognized subspecialty. 
• Criteria support resources
  Guidance related to the criteria required to petition to become a recognized specialty or subspecialty.

Proficiencies: defined by a core of psychological knowledge and skills, and includes specific methods for how psychologists typically acquire its knowledge and skills.

• Principles for the Recognition of Proficiencies (PDF, 21KB)opens in new window
  The principles used to evaluate any petition for recognition of a proficiency in professional psychology.

• Proficiency recognition has been archived by APA Council of Representatives (August 2020). Currently recognized proficiencies will remain as such until their specified year of renewal of recognition.

• Procedures for Recognition of Specialties and Subspecialties (PDF, 204KB)opens in new window
  The process by which the American Psychological Association and its Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Subspecialties in Professional Psychology (CRSSPP) will consider petitions for formal recognition of specialties or subspecialties in professional psychology.

• Recognition of Organizations that Provide Certifications in Specialties and Subspecialties in Professional Psychology
  Organizations that provide certifications in APA-recognized specialties and subspecialties may apply to be recognized by APA so that individuals with a certification from the organization can have that credential listed in the APA membership directory.

• Education and Training Guidelines: A Taxonomy for Education and Training in Professional Psychology Health Service Specialties and Subspecialties (PDF, 255KB)opens in new window (Adopted as APA policy in 2020.)
  Provides a consistent set of terms and definitions related to education and training in APA recognized specialties and subspecialties in health service psychology.

• Overview of the Taxonomy for Doctoral Programs, Directors, and Students
  Creating clear communication of terms between training programs, students, professional organizations and the public.

• Council of Specialties in Professional Psychologyopens in new window provides a structure for representatives of specialties to consider policies affecting specialization.