# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Colorado

**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** January 26, 2026
**Updated:** January 26, 2026

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Psychologist licensure in Colorado includes multiple credentialing routes tied to different practice settings and professional responsibilities. Depending on the role pursued, requirements may emphasize doctoral training, supervised experience, or education-specific preparation. Reviewing how these pathways are organized provides useful context before examining the specific authorities, credentials, and requirements that apply. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [**Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners** ] (https://dpo.colorado.gov/Psychology) , under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), is the licensing authority for psychologists in Colorado. School psychologist credentialing is managed by the [**Colorado Department of Education (CDE)** ] (https://ed.cde.state.co.us/) . 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- Doctoral degree with a major in psychology or equivalent is required from an approved institution (C.R.S. 12-245-304(1)(c)).
    
- The program must be **APA-accredited**  or judged equivalent by the Board.
    
- **Continuing professional development (CPD):**  40 hours required every two-year renewal period.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- Completion of **at least one year of postdoctoral supervised experience**  (C.R.S. 12-245-304(1)(d)).
    
- This typically equates to **approximately 1,500 hours**  of postdoctoral supervised experience with a minimum of 75 hours of direct supervision.
    
- Internship or supervised experience must be approved by the Board.
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Must pass the **Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)** .
    
- Must also pass a **Colorado jurisprudence examination**  (mental health law and ethics) administered by the Division of Professions and Occupations (C.R.S. 12-245-304(1)(e)).
    
 ### **License Renewal and Continuing Education**  
    
- 40 hours of continuing professional development are required every two-year renewal period.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in Colorado**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
    
- **Credentialing Body:**  Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
    
- **Education:**  Master’s degree or higher in school psychology from a regionally accredited institution.
    
- Must complete an approved graduate program in school psychology.
    
- **Internship:**  1,200-hour supervised internship, including at least 600 hours in a school setting.
    
- **Background Check:**  Must pass a fingerprint-based background check (CBI and FBI).
    
- **Application:**  Submit for Special Services Provider (SSP) licensure with the School Psychologist endorsement through the CDE.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- **Licensed Psychologists:**  May practice independently in all approved psychological settings under the authority of the State Board of Psychologist Examiners.
    
- **School Psychologists (CDE):**  Practice is limited to educational settings (public and charter schools) and includes:
  
-- Psychoeducational assessment and evaluation
    
-- Consultation and intervention services
    
-- Behavioral and academic support
    
-- Special education evaluation and IEP participation
    
-- Promotion of student mental and behavioral health
      
- To practice independently or outside educational settings, a separate psychologist license from the State Board of Psychologist Examiners is required.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in Colorado**  
  
 Colorado **participates**  in [PSYPACT] (https://psypact.gov/) , the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, which enables licensed psychologists in participating states to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across state lines. 
  
 ## **Key Takeaways**  
    
- Psychologist licensure in Colorado requires a doctoral degree (APA-accredited or equivalent), a postdoctoral year of supervised experience, and passing both the EPPP and a state jurisprudence exam.
    
- License renewal requires 40 hours of continuing professional development every two years.
    
- School psychologists are credentialed by the Colorado Department of Education, requiring a master’s or higher degree, an approved internship, and background checks.
    
- School psychologists are limited to practicing within educational settings; independent practice outside schools requires a full psychologist license.
    
- Colorado participates in PSYPACT, allowing for telepsychology and temporary in-person services in other compact states.
    
- State licensing boards are the final authority on licensure requirements and interpretations. For definitive and current information, contact the relevant board or department.    
 
**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.