# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Alabama

**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** January 16, 2026
**Updated:** January 16, 2026

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Psychologist licensure in Alabama is regulated by state-level agencies that establish education, training, and examination standards for practice. Licensure ensures that practitioners meet specified qualifications for professional roles in clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, and school psychology, as well as certain master’s-level positions. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology] (https://psychology.alabama.gov/)  is the state agency responsible for licensing psychologists and psychological technicians in Alabama. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA- or CPA-accredited program, or from an equivalent program approved by the Board.
    
- Non-accredited programs must demonstrate organized structure, qualified faculty, and a psychology-focused curriculum.
    
- Coursework must include required semester hours and practical training, such as practicum and internship.
    
- License renewal requires completion of 20 hours of continuing education each year.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- A predoctoral internship that meets ABEIP standards is required.
    
- APA- or CPA-accredited internships are automatically accepted.
    
- Non-accredited internships must include at least 25% client contact, two licensed psychologist supervisors, two hours of weekly supervision, and one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience.
    
- Postdoctoral supervision is not required.
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
    
- Applicants must also pass the Alabama Professional Standards Examination (PSE), which covers state laws and ethics.
    
 ### **License Renewal and Continuing Education**  
    
- Psychologists must complete 20 hours of continuing education each year for license renewal.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in Alabama**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
    
- Certification for school psychologists is handled by the [Alabama State Department of Education] (https://www.alabamaachieves.org/)  under the Instructional Support category.
    
- To earn Class AA School Psychologist (P–12) certification, applicants must:
  
-- Hold a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in school psychometry, school psychology, or special education.
    
-- Complete an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) or sixth-year degree in a state-approved program at a regionally accredited institution.
    
-- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 (3.50 for students admitted after July 1, 2017).
    
-- Complete a 300-hour supervised internship in a P–12 school.
    
-- Pass required Praxis exams under the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP).
    
-- Complete state and federal background checks.
    
-- Have two years of full-time P–12 experience unless qualifying through the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) pathway.
      
- School psychologists in Alabama provide academic, social, emotional, and behavioral support within schools and collaborate with educators and families to promote student well-being.
    
- Independent practice outside school settings requires separate licensure through the ABEIP.
    
 ### **Psychological Technician**  
    
- The [Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology] (https://psychology.alabama.gov/)  also licenses Psychological Technicians, a master’s-level role.
    
- Applicants must have a master’s degree in psychology or an equivalent degree from an APA-accredited doctoral program.
    
- Applicants must be of good moral character and at least 19 years old.
    
- Practice is limited to work under supervision of a licensed psychologist; independent practice is not permitted.
    
- Psychological Technicians may perform applied psychological work under the direction of a licensed psychologist.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- School psychologists are limited to practice within school settings under the authority of the Alabama State Department of Education; independent practice requires Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology licensure.
    
- Psychological Technicians may only work under supervision and may not engage in independent psychological practice.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in Alabama**  
  
 Alabama participates in [PSYPACT] (https://psypact.gov/) , an interstate compact that facilitates the practice of telepsychology and temporary in-person psychology services across member states. 
  
 ## **Key Takeaways**  
    
- The Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology licenses doctoral-level psychologists and psychological technicians.
    
- Doctoral education, a qualifying internship, and successful completion of examinations are required for psychologist licensure.
    
- Twenty hours of continuing education are required each year for license renewal.
    
- School psychologist certification is managed by the Alabama State Department of Education and restricts practice to school settings.
    
- Psychological Technicians are master’s-level professionals who may work only under supervision.
    
- Alabama participates in PSYPACT, permitting qualifying psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services in other member states.
    
- The state licensing board and department of education are the final authorities for all licensure matters.    
 **Important Note:**  Licensure requirements can change over time and may vary based on individual circumstances. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and current information, prospective psychologists should always consult the appropriate state licensing board and education agency for the most up-to-date licensure and certification requirements.