# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Minnesota

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

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Psychologist licensure in Minnesota requires doctoral-level education, supervised professional experience, and successful examination. School psychologist licensure is managed separately by the state educator licensing board. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [Minnesota Board of Psychology] (https://mn.gov/boards/psychology/)  is responsible for psychologist licensure in Minnesota. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution with a major in psychology.
    
- The program must meet Board standards for foundational coursework, internship, and residency, and may be APA-accredited or equivalent.
    
- Continuing education is required; psychologists must complete 20 continuing education credits every two years, as stated in the Board’s FAQ.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- Candidates must complete one full year (at least 1,800 hours) of post-degree supervised employment within a period of no fewer than 12 months and no more than 30 months following degree conferral.
    
- Programs must also include a doctoral internship and additional supervised experience, totaling approximately 3,200 hours across doctoral and postdoctoral training.
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
    
- Applicants must also pass the Minnesota Professional Responsibility Examination (PRE), which assesses knowledge of the state’s Psychology Practice Act and Rules of Conduct.
    
 ### **Recognized Specializations**  
    
- Minnesota licenses psychologists trained in applied psychology fields such as clinical, counseling, and school psychology, among others.
    
- The Board does not list a fixed set of specialization titles but requires that the doctoral program represent a comprehensive and applied psychology education.
    
 ### **Master’s-Level Licensure**  
    
- The Minnesota Board of Psychology does not issue an independent psychology license at the master’s level. All psychologist licenses require a doctoral degree.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in Minnesota**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 School psychologist licensure is handled by the [Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)] (https://mn.gov/pelsb/) . 
  
 #### **Credentialing Requirements**  
    
- Must hold a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology or have completed a NASP-approved graduate program in school psychology.
    
- Must complete a 1,200-hour supervised internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting.
    
- Must pass the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) examination.
    
- Must meet Minnesota’s MTLE Basic Skills testing requirements, unless exempt.
    
- A fingerprint-based background check is required.
    
- PELSB issues three tiers of licensure for school psychologists:
  
-- **Tier 2 License:**  For individuals completing requirements; valid for 2 years and renewable twice.
    
-- **Tier 3 License:**  For individuals meeting all educational and exam standards; valid for 3 years, renewable.
    
-- **Tier 4 License:**  For those with at least 3 years of experience under Tier 3; valid for 5 years, renewable.
      
 #### **Scope of Practice**  
    
- School psychologists licensed by PELSB are authorized to provide psychological services in prekindergarten through grade 12 educational settings.
    
- Responsibilities include conducting assessments, providing counseling and consultation, assisting in special education eligibility determinations, and developing intervention and prevention programs.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Psychologists licensed by the Board may practice independently as authorized by their education and training.
    
- School psychologists licensed by PELSB are restricted to practice within educational settings and are not authorized for independent clinical practice outside schools without additional licensure.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in Minnesota**  
  
 Minnesota 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**  
    
- Minnesota psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, approximately 3,200 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and state responsibility exam.
    
- Twenty continuing education credits are required every two years.
    
- Master’s-level independent psychology licensure is not available.
    
- School psychologist licensure is managed by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board and authorizes practice only within educational settings.
    
- Minnesota participates in PSYPACT, permitting eligible psychologists to provide services across state lines under the Compact.
    
- The Minnesota Board of Psychology and PELSB 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.