# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Georgia

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

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Psychologist licensure in Georgia is governed by state law and overseen by designated regulatory agencies. These agencies set the standards for education, supervised experience, examination, and ongoing professional development for both doctoral-level psychologists and school psychologists. 
  
 ### **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The primary licensing authority for psychologists in Georgia is the [**Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (GSBEP)** ] (https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-board-examiners-psychologists) . Licensure for school psychologists is managed separately by the [**Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)** ] (https://www.gapsc.com/) . 
  
 ### **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 #### **Education Requirements**  
    
- A doctoral degree in psychology is required. The program must be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), or otherwise meet Board equivalency criteria.
    
- Non-accredited programs must provide documentation of equivalent coursework, internship, and supervised experience.
    
- License renewal requires 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 6 hours in professional ethics.
    
 #### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- A pre-doctoral internship is required. This must meet APA/CPA standards or Board-approved equivalent, and last between 11 and 24 months.
    
- After completion of the doctoral degree and internship, applicants must complete 1,500 hours of post-doctoral supervised work experience (SWE).
    
- All supervised experience must be approved by the Board.
    
 #### **Examination Requirements**  
  
 Applicants must pass the following examinations: 
    
- Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
    
- Georgia Psychology Jurisprudence Exam (covering state laws and ethical standards)
    
- Oral Examination conducted by the Board, assessing diagnostic skills, treatment planning, ethics, and knowledge of Georgia law
    
 #### **Recognized Specializations**  
    
- The Board recognizes various applied domains of psychology, including clinical, counseling, educational, and industrial/organizational psychology.
    
- The “Senior Industrial/Organizational Psychologist” classification requires a doctoral degree and at least five years of independent practice, as described in Rule 510-2-.02(g).
    
 ### **License Renewal and Continuing Education**  
    
- Psychologists must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle, including at least 6 hours in professional ethics.
    
 ### **Other Psychology Licenses in Georgia**  
  
 #### **School Psychologist**  
  
 Licensure for school psychologists is managed by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) under Rule 505-2-.146. The GaPSC offers several pathways to certification: 
  
 **Pathway 1 – Approved Program Route:**  
    
- Completion of a GaPSC-approved specialist or doctoral-level program in school psychology
    
- Hold at least a master’s degree
    
- Pass the GACE School Psychologist Assessment
    
- Meet fingerprinting and background check requirements
    
 **Pathway 2 – National Certification Route:**  
    
- Hold a current Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued by NASP
    
- Hold a specialist-level or higher degree in school psychology
    
- Meet Georgia background check requirements
    
 **Pathway 3 – Reciprocity Route:**  
    
- Hold a valid professional-level school psychologist certificate or license from another state
    
- Meet Georgia’s minimum degree and exam requirements
    
 **Degree and Internship Standards (All Pathways):**  
    
- Graduate degree (minimum specialist level, 60+ semester hours) in school psychology
    
- 1,200-hour supervised internship, including at least 600 hours in a school setting
    
 #### **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- The School Psychologist (P–12) certificate authorizes practice within educational settings only (pre-kindergarten through grade 12).
    
- School psychologists may conduct assessments, provide counseling and consultation, participate in special education processes, and collaborate with school and community stakeholders.
    
- Independent or clinical practice outside of school settings requires separate licensure from the Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
    
 ### **PSYPACT Status in Georgia**  
    
- Georgia **participates**  in [PSYPACT] (https://psypact.gov/) , allowing for the provision of telepsychology and temporary in-person services across participating states, as permitted by law.
    
 ### **Key Takeaways**  
    
- The Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists licenses doctoral-level psychologists, requiring specified education, supervised experience, and examination.
    
- School psychologist certification is managed separately by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, with multiple pathways to credentialing.
    
- Scope of practice, renewal requirements, and specialization options are determined by each licensing body according to state law and regulations.
    
- The GSBEP and GaPSC are the final authorities for psychologist and school psychologist credentialing in Georgia.
    
 **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.