# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Mississippi

**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** January 22, 2026
**Updated:** January 22, 2026

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Psychologist licensure in Mississippi requires doctoral-level education, supervised experience, and passage of multiple examinations. Separate credentials exist for school psychologists depending on the practice setting and level of independence. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [Mississippi Board of Psychology] (https://www.psychologyboard.ms.gov/)  is responsible for psychologist licensure in Mississippi. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-accredited or equivalent doctoral program.
    
- The program must include academic coursework and an organized internship appropriate to the applicant’s intended area of practice.
    
- Continuing education is required for renewal.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- Approximately 4,000 hours of supervised professional experience are required.
  
-- Typically divided between a 2,000-hour predoctoral internship and a 2,000-hour postdoctoral supervised practice.
      
- Supervision must be provided by a licensed psychologist and documented as part of the application process.
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Licensure requires passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
    
- Applicants must also pass a Mississippi jurisprudence examination and an oral examination before the Board.
    
 ### **Recognized Specializations**  
    
- The Board issues a generic psychologist license and does not recognize specialty titles (such as “clinical psychologist” or “school psychologist”) for licensure purposes.
    
- Psychologists are expected to practice only in areas where they are competent by virtue of education and supervised training.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in Mississippi**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 Licensure and certification for school psychologists in Mississippi depend on the setting of practice and are managed by two entities: 
    
- The [Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)] (https://mdek12.org/)  for school-based certification
    
- The [Mississippi Board of Psychology] (https://www.psychologyboard.ms.gov/)  for the Licensed School Psychologist (L.S.P.) credential allowing independent or dual practice
    
 #### **Credentialing Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must hold a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology from a regionally accredited program accredited by APA or approved by NASP.
    
- Must complete a 1,200-hour supervised internship, with at least 600 hours completed in a school setting.
    
- Must pass the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) examination, the EPPP, and the Mississippi Jurisprudence Examination.
    
- One year of supervised post-degree experience is required (which may include the internship year).
    
- Background screening and references are required.
    
 #### **Scope of Practice**  
    
- A Licensed School Psychologist (L.S.P.) may provide psychological services within public and private school systems and may also engage in limited independent practice within the bounds of their training and Board authorization.
    
- Responsibilities include conducting assessments, providing counseling and consultation, supporting special education eligibility, and offering behavioral and mental health services.
    
- School psychologists certified only through the MDE may practice exclusively in educational settings, while those licensed through the Board of Psychology hold broader authority for independent or contracted psychological work within their competence.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Psychologists licensed by the Board may practice independently within the bounds of their training and licensure.
    
- School psychologists with only MDE certification are limited to educational settings, while L.S.P.s may also practice independently or under contract outside of school systems as authorized by the Board.
    
- The Board does not recognize specialty designations for licensure; psychologists are responsible for practicing within their competence.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in Mississippi**  
  
 Mississippi is a **participating PSYPACT state** . [PSYPACT] (https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmap)  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**  
    
- Mississippi psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, approximately 4,000 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP, jurisprudence, and oral examinations.
    
- Continuing education (20 hours every two years, including ethics or legal topics) is required for license renewal.
    
- School psychologist credentials are available for both school-only practice (MDE) and independent/dual practice (Board of Psychology).
    
- The Board does not recognize specialty licensure; all psychologists are responsible for practicing within the bounds of their competence.
    
- Mississippi participates in PSYPACT, allowing eligible psychologists to provide services across state lines under the Compact.
    
- The Mississippi Board of Psychology and 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.