What are the qualifications to become licensed as a psychologist in the U.S.?
A. In the U.S., the doctoral degree is generally recognized and accepted as the education credential for license eligibility to practice independently as a clinical psychologist. There are master’s degree programs, however, some of which are preparatory for doctoral training and others of which are for terminal degrees. Additionally, each state has requirements for licensure. A summary of those requirements is afforded in a publication of an organization by the name of Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) which includes Canadian province requirements for license as well as state requirements in the U.S. The publication’s title is Handbook of Licensing and Certification Requirements for Psychologists in the U.S. and Canada. You can inquire about that through the ASPPB Internet website: www.asppb.org.
