Psychologist licensure in Maryland requires advanced graduate education, supervised professional experience, and examination. Separate credentials exist for school psychologists and psychological associates.
Primary Licensing Authority
The Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists is responsible for psychologist licensure in Maryland.
Licensed Psychologist Requirements
Education Requirements
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution that meets Board criteria.
- The program must be practice-oriented or, if non–practice-oriented, must be supplemented by additional supervised experience as defined by the Board.
- Continuing education is required for license renewal; psychologists must complete 40 hours every two years, including required hours in ethics and cultural competence.
Supervised Experience Requirements
- Applicants must complete approximately 3,250 hours of supervised professional experience.
- This includes a 1,750-hour internship completed within 24 months and additional supervised experience obtained either pre- or post-doctorally.
- Supervision must involve face-to-face professional contact with a qualified psychologist.
- This includes a 1,750-hour internship completed within 24 months and additional supervised experience obtained either pre- or post-doctorally.
Examination Requirements
- Applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
- Applicants must also pass the Maryland jurisprudence examination, which assesses knowledge of state laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
Other Psychology Licenses in Maryland
School Psychologist
Certification for school psychologists is administered by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) through its Division of Educator Certification and Program Approval.
Credentialing Requirements
- Applicants may qualify through either of two pathways:
- State-Approved Program Route: Master’s degree or higher in school psychology and completion of a state-approved program at a regionally accredited institution.
- National Certification Route: Valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued by NASP.
- State-Approved Program Route: Master’s degree or higher in school psychology and completion of a state-approved program at a regionally accredited institution.
- All applicants must complete a 1,200-hour supervised internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting.
- Certification requires submission of official transcripts, documentation of internship completion, and a background check.
- Two certification levels are available:
- Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC): For those not yet employed in a Maryland public school; valid for 5 years.
- Standard Professional Certificate (SPC): For those employed by an MSDE-approved school system; valid for 5 years and renewable with required professional development.
- Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC): For those not yet employed in a Maryland public school; valid for 5 years.
Scope of Practice
- School psychologists certified by MSDE may provide psychological and educational services for students in pre-K through 12 settings, including:
- Conducting assessments
- Counseling and intervention
- Consultation with educators and families
- Participation in special education and IEP processes
- Conducting assessments
- Certification authorizes practice only within educational settings.
- Independent practice outside schools requires separate licensure from the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
Psychological Associate
- The Psychology Associate credential is available for individuals with a master’s degree in psychology who work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
- This registration allows limited, supervised practice but does not grant independent licensure.
Scope of Practice Considerations
- Psychologists licensed by the Board may practice independently in accordance with their training and licensure.
- School psychologists certified by MSDE are limited to educational settings and may not practice independently outside schools without separate psychologist licensure.
- Psychological Associates may only practice under supervision and are not eligible for independent licensure.
PSYPACT Status in Maryland
Maryland is a participating PSYPACT state. PSYPACT 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
- Maryland psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, approximately 3,250 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and state jurisprudence examination.
- Forty hours of continuing education are required every two years, with hours in ethics and cultural competence.
- School psychologist and psychological associate credentials are administered separately for educational or supervised practice settings.
- Maryland participates in PSYPACT, allowing eligible psychologists to practice across state lines under the Compact.
- The Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Maryland State Department of Education 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.
