# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Connecticut

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

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Psychologist licensure in Connecticut includes distinct pathways aligned with different professional roles and practice environments. Requirements vary based on whether an individual is pursuing independent psychological practice or a school-based credential, with each route carrying its own education and training expectations. This overview provides context for understanding how psychological practice is structured in Connecticut before reviewing the specific authorities and requirements involved. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [**Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) – Board of Examiners of Psychologists** ] (https://portal.ct.gov/dph/public-health-hearing-office/board-of-examiners-of-psychologists)  oversees the licensing of psychologists in Connecticut. School psychologist certification is handled by the [**Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE)** ] (https://portal.ct.gov/SDE) . 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- A **doctoral degree in psychology**  from an approved program is required.
    
- The program must be primarily psychological in content and include coursework in scientific and professional foundations and supervised practicum or internship.
    
- **APA-accredited programs**  are automatically accepted. Non-APA programs may be reviewed for equivalency.
    
- **Continuing education:**  At least 10 hours of qualifying continuing education must be completed during each registration period.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- **One year of supervised work experience**  at the pre- or post-doctoral level is required.
    
- The internship required for the doctoral degree **cannot**  count toward this requirement.
    
- The supervised experience must consist of at least **35 hours per week for 46 weeks within 12 months** , or a total of **1,800 hours within 24 months** .
    
- Two years of licensed work experience in another state may substitute for this requirement (§ 20-188).
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Must pass the **Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)**  with a minimum score of 500 (for exams taken after April 2001).
    
- Some secondary sources reference a Connecticut jurisprudence exam, though this is not explicitly described on the primary DPH page.
    
 ### **License Renewal and Continuing Education**  
    
- At least 10 hours of qualifying continuing education are required during each registration period.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in Connecticut**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
    
- **Credentialing Body:**  Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), Bureau of Certification.
    
- **Education:**  Master’s degree and a sixth-year (specialist-level) diploma in school psychology from a regionally accredited institution.
    
- Completion of a planned program of at least **60 graduate semester hours**  in school psychology.
    
- **Internship:**  Complete a **1,200-hour supervised internship** , with a minimum of 600 hours in a school setting.
    
- **Examination:**  Achieve a passing score on the Praxis II School Psychologist exam (5403) or another CSDE-approved examination.
    
- **Other Requirements:**  Meet all background check and educator certification requirements through the CSDE.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- **Licensed Psychologists**  may practice independently in all approved psychological settings under DPH licensure.
    
- **School Psychologists (CSDE):** **
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-- Provide psychological and educational services within schools, including assessment, consultation, intervention, and program development.
    
-- Support students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
    
-- **Practice authority is limited to educational settings** ; independent psychological practice outside schools requires licensure as a psychologist through the DPH.
      
 ## **PSYPACT Status in Connecticut**  
  
 Connecticut is **participating**  in [PSYPACT] (https://psypact.gov/) **. ** PSYPACT is an interstate compact that enables licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across participating states. 
  
 ## **Key Takeaways**  
    
- The Connecticut Department of Public Health licenses doctoral-level psychologists; APA-accredited programs are automatically accepted.
    
- Licensure requires a year of supervised experience (distinct from the doctoral internship), passage of the EPPP, and completion of continuing education each registration period.
    
- School psychologists are credentialed by the CSDE and may practice only within educational settings.
    
- Connecticut participates in PSYPACT, facilitating telepsychology and temporary practice across compact states.
    
- State licensing boards are the final authority. For up-to-date or case-specific requirements, consult the Connecticut DPH or CSDE.
    
 **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.