Psychology Licensure Requirements by State
Every US state and Canadian province has its own psychology licensing board. While the ASPPB works to standardise requirements, significant variations remain.
General National Requirements
- Doctoral degree from an APA/CPA accredited program.
- Passing score (typically 500) on the EPPP Part 1.
- Supervised clinical hours (ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 total).
| State | Total Supervised Hours | Post-Doc Hours Required | Jurisprudence Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| California (CA) | 3,000 | 1,500 | Yes (CPLEE) |
| New York (NY) | 3,500 (approx 2 years) | 1,750 | No |
| Texas (TX) | 3,500 | 1,750 | Yes |
| Washington (WA) | 3,300 | 300 (Can often be met pre-doc) | Yes |
The Washington Exception
Note that Washington state is unique in requiring very few explicit post-doctoral hours, allowing many students to get licensed almost immediately after internship if they accrued enough practicum hours during their PhD/PsyD.
FAQ
Can I transfer my license to another state?
Yes, through reciprocity agreements, but it's rarely seamless. PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact) is making this easier, allowing psychologists in participating states to practice telepsychology across state lines.
Next steps: Check our EPPP Score Calculator.