# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in California

**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** January 20, 2026
**Updated:** January 20, 2026

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Psychologist licensure in California reflects the state’s broad range of practice settings and professional roles, from independent clinical work to education-focused services. Requirements vary based on the type of credential pursued and the population served, with different pathways emphasizing distinct education, training, and practice expectations. A high-level overview of these pathways provides helpful context before examining the specific licensure authorities and requirements that apply. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [California Board of Psychology (BOP)] (https://www.psychology.ca.gov/)  is responsible for licensing doctoral-level psychologists in California. Other psychology-related credentials are managed by the [California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)] (https://www.bbs.ca.gov/)  and the [California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)] (https://www.ctc.ca.gov/) , depending on the setting and title. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- Doctoral degree required from a **regionally accredited college or university** .
    
- Acceptable fields include psychology (with specialization in clinical, counseling, school, consulting, forensic, industrial/organizational psychology), or education (with specialization in counseling, educational, or school psychology).
    
- The degree must be regionally accredited; **APA accreditation is not required** .
    
- Required pre-licensure coursework includes:
  
-- Human Sexuality (10 hours)
    
-- Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Detection & Treatment (15 hours)
    
-- Child Abuse Assessment (7 hours)
    
-- Spousal or Partner Abuse Assessment (2–15 hours, depending on training date)
    
-- Aging & Long-Term Care (6 hours)
    
-- Suicide Risk Assessment & Intervention (6 hours)
      
- Continuing education is required for renewal, though the specific hour requirements are not detailed in the BOP materials reviewed.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- A total of **3,000 hours of supervised professional experience (SPE)**  is required.
    
- At least **1,500 hours must be post-doctoral** .
    
- The remaining hours may be completed pre-doctorally.
    
- All SPE must be approved and verified by the Board.
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Must pass the **Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)** .
    
- Must also pass the **California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination (CPLEE)**  after passing the EPPP and completing the required SPE.
    
 ### **License Renewal and Continuing Education**  
    
- Continuing education is required for license renewal. Specific hour requirements are not specified in the BOP materials reviewed.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in California**  
  
 ### **Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)**  
    
- **Regulated by** : California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), Department of Consumer Affairs.
    
- **Education** : Master’s degree in school psychology, educational psychology, counseling and guidance, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
    
- **Credentialing** : Must hold a valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) in School Psychology issued by the CTC.
    
- **Experience** : Three years of full-time experience as a credentialed school psychologist in public schools (or equivalent).
    
- **Examination** : Must pass the LEP Written Examination administered by the BBS.
    
- **Background Checks** : Required through the California DOJ and FBI.
    
 ### **Public School Psychologist**  
    
- Credentialed (not licensed) by the **California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)**  for work in public schools.
    
- This is separate from the LEP credential regulated by the BBS.
    
 ### **Psychological Associate**  
    
- The BOP issues a **Psychological Associate registration** , typically for those at the master’s level.
    
- Allows for supervised psychological practice under a licensed psychologist.
    
- Commonly serves as a pre-licensure or training role toward full psychologist licensure.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- **Licensed Psychologists**  may independently practice psychology as defined under California law.
    
- **Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEPs)** :
  
-- May provide measurement, counseling, consultation, evaluation, and psychoeducational services for children, families, and schools.
    
-- May engage in program development and coordination to improve educational, social, and emotional adjustment.
    
-- **Restrictions** : LEPs may not independently practice psychotherapy unless also licensed under another mental health profession (e.g., LMFT, LPCC, LCSW). LEPs usually work in private practice, consultation, or educational settings outside public schools.
      
- **Public School Psychologists**  are credentialed, not licensed, and may work in public school settings only.
    
- **Psychological Associates**  must practice under supervision and do not have independent authority.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in California**  
  
 California is **not**  **participating**  in [PSYPACT] (https://psypact.gov/) **. ** PSYPACT is an interstate compact that allows licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across participating states. As of the information provided, California is not a participant. 
  
 ## **Key Takeaways**  
    
- The California Board of Psychology (BOP) licenses doctoral-level psychologists; APA accreditation is not mandatory, but regional accreditation is required.
    
- Licensure requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience (including at least 1,500 post-doctoral), specific pre-licensure coursework, and passage of the EPPP and CPLEE.
    
- Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEPs) are regulated by the BBS and require a master's degree, California PPSC, three years of school-based experience, and passage of the LEP exam.
    
- Public school psychologists are credentialed by the CTC, not licensed by the BOP or BBS.
    
- Psychological Associate registration is available for supervised practice at the master’s level.
    
- California does **not**  participate in PSYPACT.
    
- All licensure and credentialing is subject to interpretation by the relevant California licensing boards. For definitive guidance, contact the California Board of Psychology, BBS, or CTC.
    
 **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.