# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Kentucky
**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** January 23, 2026
**Updated:** January 23, 2026
---
Psychologist licensure in Kentucky requires completion of a doctoral program, supervised professional experience, and multiple examinations. Separate credentials exist for school psychologists and master’s-level psychology practitioners.
## **Primary Licensing Authority**
The [Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology (KBEP)] (https://psy.ky.gov/) is responsible for psychologist licensure in Kentucky.
## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**
### **Education Requirements**
- Doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited or otherwise board-approved institution is required (KRS 319.050(2)(b)).
- Programs must meet coursework requirements per 201 KAR 26:200, including:
-- Six graduate semester-hour practica (3 hours intervention, 3 hours assessment).
### **Supervised Experience Requirements**
- Two years of supervised professional experience are required:
-- One year (minimum 1,800 hours) must be an internship with at least 100 hours of supervision.
-- One additional year of supervised post-internship professional experience.
### **Examination Requirements**
- Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with a doctoral-level passing score (KRS 319.050(2)(c)).
- Structured oral examination on ethics and professional practice (201 KAR 26:190).
- Jurisprudence examination on Kentucky laws and regulations governing psychology practice (201 KAR 26:155).
### **License Renewal and Continuing Education**
- Continuing education is required for renewal.
- The exact number of required hours is not specified in the provided summary.
### **Recognized Specializations**
- The Board accepts doctoral programs in psychology with core applied content areas such as psychotherapy/intervention and assessment.
- Licensure includes clinical, counseling, and school psychology specializations but is not limited to a specific list of subfields.
## **Other Psychology Licenses in Kentucky**
### **School Psychologist**
Certification for school psychologists is administered separately by the [Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB)] (https://www.education.ky.gov/epsb/) under the Kentucky Department of Education.
#### **Credentialing Requirements**
- **Provisional Certificate** (16 KAR 2:090):
-- Master’s degree with completion of an approved school psychology program (at least 60 graduate semester hours).
-- Supervised internship: 1,200 hours, with at least 600 hours in a school setting.
-- Passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist test.
-- Valid for five years and renewable once under specified conditions.
- **Standard Certificate:** **
**
-- Requires two years of full-time experience as a certified school psychologist (or part-time equivalent).
-- Recommendation for advancement by the employing superintendent or designee.
-- Renewable every five years with completion of EPSB continuing education requirements.
#### **Scope of Practice**
- Authorized to provide psychological and educational services for PreK–12 students in Kentucky public schools, including:
-- Assessment and evaluation
-- Consultation and counseling for students and staff
-- Participation in IEP and special education processes
-- Behavioral and mental health interventions
-- Crisis prevention and response
- Certification authorizes practice within school settings only.
- Independent or private practice requires licensure by the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology.
### **Psychological Associate / Examiner**
Kentucky licenses master’s-level psychologists under KRS 319.064:
- Title: Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)
- Requirements: Master’s degree in psychology; supervised practice under a licensed psychologist.
- LPAs may provide psychological services under supervision but are not authorized for full independent practice.
## **Scope of Practice Considerations**
- Psychologists licensed by the KBEP may practice independently in accordance with their education and training.
- School psychologists are restricted to providing services within educational settings. Independent or private practice requires separate licensure from KBEP.
- Licensed Psychological Associates may only provide services under supervision and are not eligible for independent practice.
## **PSYPACT Status in Kentucky**
Kentucky is a **participating PSYPACT state** . [PSYPACT] (https://psypact.gov/) is an interstate compact that allows licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person psychological services across state lines among participating states.
## **Key Takeaways**
- Kentucky psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, two years of supervised professional experience, and successful completion of the EPPP, oral, and jurisprudence examinations.
- Continuing education is required for renewal; the specific hour requirement is not specified in the provided summary.
- School psychologist and master’s-level psychological associate credentials are administered separately for designated practice settings.
- Kentucky participates in PSYPACT, allowing eligible psychologists to practice across state lines under the Compact.
- The Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology and the Education Professional Standards Board are the authorities for psychologist and school psychologist credentialing. Consult these agencies for current requirements.
**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.