# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Missouri

**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** January 23, 2026
**Updated:** January 23, 2026

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Psychologist licensure in Missouri requires doctoral-level education, supervised professional experience, and successful examination. School psychologist certification is managed separately by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [Missouri State Committee of Psychologists] (https://pr.mo.gov/psychologists.asp)  is responsible for psychologist licensure in Missouri. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution.
    
- Programs must include academic coursework and internship training consistent with standards established by the Board.
    
- Continuing education is mandatory for renewal.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
  
 Missouri requires completion of doctoral-level supervised professional experience for psychologist licensure. The state counts a combination of predoctoral and postdoctoral training, rather than relying solely on postdoctoral hours. 
  
 Licensure typically requires approximately 3,500 total hours of supervised experience, including a formal predoctoral internship completed as part of the doctoral program and postdoctoral supervised experience completed after the degree is awarded, usually under a provisional license. All supervision must be provided by a licensed psychologist and meet state-defined standards. 
  
 Applicants should consult the Missouri State Committee of Psychologists for current supervision and documentation requirements. 
  
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
    
- Applicants must also pass the Missouri jurisprudence examination and complete an oral examination prior to licensure.
    
 ### **Recognized Specializations**  
    
- Missouri issues a general psychologist license and does not designate specific specialties such as clinical, counseling, or school psychology.
    
- Psychologists are expected to practice within areas of demonstrated competence based on their education and supervised experience.    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in Missouri**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 Certification for school psychologists is managed by the [Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)] (https://dese.mo.gov/) , Office of Educator Quality. 
  
 #### **Credentialing Requirements**  
    
- Must earn a master’s degree or higher in school psychology from a state-approved or NASP-aligned program.
    
- 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 undergo a fingerprint-based background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI.
    
- DESE offers two certification levels:
  
-- **Initial Student Services Certificate**  – valid for four years.
    
-- **Career Continuous Student Services Certificate**  – granted after four years of satisfactory service; valid continuously with no renewal requirement.
      
 #### **Scope of Practice**  
    
- School psychologists certified by DESE may provide psychological and educational services to students in K–12 educational settings, including:
  
-- Assessment
    
-- Counseling
    
-- Consultation
    
-- Behavioral intervention
    
-- Participation in IEP and special education processes
      
- This credential authorizes practice only within school systems.
    
- Independent or clinical psychological practice outside school settings requires separate licensure from the Missouri State Committee of Psychologists.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Psychologists licensed by the State Committee may practice independently in accordance with their education and training.
    
- School psychologists certified by DESE are restricted to providing services within school settings.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in Missouri**  
  
 Missouri 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**  
    
- Missouri psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP, jurisprudence, and oral examinations.
    
- Continuing education is required for license renewal.
    
- School psychologist certification is managed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for practice within K–12 school settings.
    
- Missouri participates in PSYPACT, allowing eligible psychologists to practice across state lines under the Compact.
    
- The Missouri State Committee of Psychologists and DESE 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.