Steps to getting licensed as a psychologist (in California)
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Note: Although the information here is specific to California, some of the initial steps may be generalizable to your particular state.
11/14/20 - ASPPB has recently transitioned from Pearson to Certemy. Updates with this process will be posted soon.
STEP 1: Contact your board of psychology
Regardless of what state you live in, the first thing to do is to contact your board of psychology to find out what requirements you need to complete in your state. Usually, they will list the requirements on their website, but for some, the steps may not be so clear.
Here, I will list the steps that I've had to take as I move through the licensure process. Keep checking this website for updates and you can also sign up for email updates at the bottom of this page.
The following is the link to the Board of Psychology in California.
https://www.psychology.ca.gov/
STEP 2: Submit an Application to your Board of Psychology
How to Apply for Licensure as a Psychologist
https://www.psychology.ca.gov/applicants/instructions.shtml
In California, you can find the application here: https://psychology.ca.gov/forms_pubs/application.pdf
STEP 3: Apply to take the EPPP
After you submit an application to the state requesting authorization to take the EPPP (Step 2), you need to contact the The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards and submit an application requesting to take the exam.
If you are a re-take (like me) the following is a message from one of their staff.
- "In order for you to apply for a retake, you have to contact your licensing board and make sure that you are eligible to sit for the EPPP. After you have confirmed your eligibility with your licensing board, you will need to login to the ASPPB registration system and select “schedule my exams”."
**Note: if you don't pass the EPPP, you have one year to re-take it, or else you have to start over with Step 2. If you are curious about the CA passing rates, click here.
Register for the EPPP: https://www.asppb.net/page/EPPPSignup
Schedule your exam with Pearson Vue: https://i7lp.integral7.com/durango/do/login?ownername=asppb
STEP 3A: Apply to take the EPPP with accommodations
CA Form: https://www.psychology.ca.gov/forms_pubs/adaform.pdf
- Once approved by the CA Board of Psychology, go to the Pearson Vue page to set up your account so that you can schedule with accommodations. You'll have to first click on a button that says you are requesting to take the exam with accommodations. Your account will then say that your status is pending and you will receive two emails.
- Email 1: Accommodation Request Pending
- Email 2: EPPP Authorization to Test
- When Pearson verifies with your state board that you were approved for accommodations, your account will then have a banner stating that you are not able to schedule online and you have to call 1-800-466-0450 to schedule your exam. I looked it up and the office is open M-F between 5am and 5pm PST. From what I've heard, have at least a two hour block to be on hold.
Step 4: Take the CPLEE
Once you pass the EPPP, the ASPPB & Pearson Vue will send your scores to the state board, where they will indicate that you are ready to take the California ethics exam.
I'm not at this step just yet...but once I get here, I will update with my next steps. :)
other steps
In California, you need to take additional courses and submit proof of where you took the course, dates of coursework, name of course, and number of course hours.
- Human Sexuality requirement
- Child Abuse Assessment and reporting
- Detection and Treatment of Alcohol and Other Chemical Substance Dependency requirement
- Spousal or Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection, and Intervention Training requirements
- Aging and long-Term Care Training requirements
- Suicide
If you didn't take this as part of your degree, the state approves the courses from a couple of places, including CE4Less.
- CE4LEss (the name may sound shady, but it's legit. I confirmed with the Board. It's also an affordable option.)
- The Chemical Dependency course is offered through John F. Kennedy University. This is approved by the Board of Psychology. Cost: $315. If your course lapses, you can contact them and extend for $35.
Disclaimer
The following information is the process I have been through in navigating the licensing process in California. Please double check with your state board and current guidelines to make sure you are following the correct process. I will do my best to update this page with the latest information I have gathered.
Last update: August 2020
