Psychologist licensure in Delaware includes separate credentialing pathways based on role and practice setting. Requirements differ depending on whether an individual is pursuing independent psychological practice or a school-based position, with each pathway carrying its own education and training expectations. This overview provides context for how psychological practice is organized in Delaware before outlining the specific authorities and requirements involved.
Primary Licensing Authority
The Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists is the primary licensing authority for psychologists in Delaware. School psychologist certification is managed by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), through the Professional Standards Board (PSB).
Licensed Psychologist Requirements
Education Requirements
- Doctoral degree required from a psychology program accredited by the APA or Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or from an equivalent program as defined by the Board’s regulations.
- Applicants from non-accredited programs must document coursework that satisfies content standards outlined in Sections 6.1.1.2.1–6.1.1.2.10.4 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations.
- Continuing education: Minimum 40 hours required per two-year cycle, including at least three hours in ethics and three hours in cultural inclusion, equity, and diversity.
Supervised Experience Requirements
- Must complete at least one year of postdoctoral supervised professional experience (minimum 1,500 hours) to qualify for licensure by examination.
- Supervision must meet Board-approved standards and be documented at the time of application.
Examination Requirements
- Must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) as designated by §3506(a)(3) of the Delaware Code.
- No separate state jurisprudence examination is explicitly listed in current Board summaries.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
- Minimum 40 hours of continuing education required per two-year renewal cycle, including at least three hours in ethics and three hours in cultural inclusion, equity, and diversity.
Other Psychology Licenses in Delaware
School Psychologist
- Credentialing Body: Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), Professional Standards Board (PSB).
- Must hold a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License issued under 14 Del. C. §1211.
- Education:
- Doctoral degree in school psychology from a regionally accredited institution, or
- Specialist or master’s degree in school psychology from a NASP-approved or APA-accredited program.
- Doctoral degree in school psychology from a regionally accredited institution, or
- Internship: Completion of a 1,200-hour supervised internship, including at least 600 hours in a school setting.
- Examination: Passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist exam as approved by the State Board of Education.
- Other Requirements: Must meet all background check and application requirements established by the DDOE.
Psychological Assistant
- Registration: Delaware registers Psychological Assistants as a supervised classification.
- Requirements: Doctoral degree in psychology and a 450-hour internship; postdoctoral experience is not required.
- Practice: Must practice under supervision of a licensed psychologist; this is not an independent license.
Scope of Practice Considerations
- Licensed Psychologists: May practice independently under the authority of the Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
- School Psychologists:
- The Standard Certificate authorizes practice within Delaware public schools, with responsibilities including psychoeducational testing, assessment, counseling, consultation, behavioral interventions, collaboration with educators and families, and support for academic, social, and emotional development.
- Independent or clinical practice outside school settings requires separate licensure from the Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
- The Standard Certificate authorizes practice within Delaware public schools, with responsibilities including psychoeducational testing, assessment, counseling, consultation, behavioral interventions, collaboration with educators and families, and support for academic, social, and emotional development.
- Psychological Assistants: Must practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and may not practice independently.
PSYPACT Status in Delaware
Delaware participates in PSYPACT. PSYPACT is an interstate compact that enables licensed psychologists in participating states to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across state lines.
Key Takeaways
- Delaware requires a doctoral degree (APA/PCSAS-accredited or equivalent), one year of postdoctoral supervision, and passage of the EPPP for psychologist licensure.
- 40 hours of continuing education are required every two years, including hours in ethics and diversity.
- School psychologists are certified by the Delaware Department of Education; independent practice outside schools requires psychologist licensure.
- Psychological Assistants may practice only under supervision.
- Delaware participates in PSYPACT, permitting telepsychology and temporary in-person practice in other compact states.
- State boards and regulatory agencies are the final authority on all licensure and practice 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.
