# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in New York

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

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# **Psychologist Licensure Requirements in New York**  
  
 Psychologist licensure in New York requires a doctoral degree, extensive supervised experience, and passage of national and state examinations. School psychologist certification and limited supervised roles are regulated separately. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The New York State Education Department (NYSED), through the [Office of the Professions] (https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/psychology/license-requirements) , Division of Professional Licensing Services, is responsible for psychologist licensure in New York. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- A doctoral degree in psychology from a program registered by NYSED, accredited by the APA, or deemed substantially equivalent is required.
    
- The program must include coursework in biological, cognitive, and social bases of behavior, ethics, research methods, and psychological assessment/intervention.
    
- Licensed psychologists must complete 36 hours of continuing education every three years for license renewal.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must complete two years (approximately 3,500 hours) of supervised professional experience, including at least one year (1,750 hours) post-doctoral.
    
- Supervision must be provided by a licensed psychologist in an approved setting.
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must pass the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
    
- Applicants must also pass a New York jurisprudence examination that assesses knowledge of state laws and regulations governing psychological practice.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in New York**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 School psychologist certification is managed separately by the [New York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives] (https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/) . 
  
 #### **Credentialing Requirements**  
    
- Must complete an approved graduate program in school psychology (at least 60 graduate semester hours) registered with NYSED or approved by the [National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)] (https://www.nasponline.org/) .
    
- Must complete a supervised internship of at least 1,200 hours, including 600 hours in a school setting.
    
- Must pass the New York State Teacher Certification Examination (NYSTCE) – School Psychologist Assessment.
    
- Must complete a fingerprint-based background check and apply through the NYSED TEACH system.
    
- Certification levels:
  
-- **Provisional Certificate:**  Entry-level credential valid for 5 years after completing an approved program and internship.
    
-- **Permanent Certificate:**  Issued after holding a Provisional Certificate and completing at least 2 years of full-time experience as a school psychologist. This certificate is permanent and does not require renewal.
      
 #### **Scope of Practice**  
    
- Certified school psychologists are authorized to provide psychological services in educational settings only.
    
- To practice independently outside of schools, a doctoral-level psychologist license through the Office of the Professions is required.
    
 ### **Psychological Associate / Examiner**  
    
- New York does not offer a distinct independent psychologist license at the master’s level.
    
- Limited permits and supervised practice credentials are available for those completing post-degree experience or licensure requirements under supervision.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Licensed psychologists may engage in independent practice, including diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of psychological and behavioral disorders, as authorized by state law.
    
- School psychologists are limited to service within educational settings unless additionally licensed as psychologists.
    
- Individuals with limited permits may practice only under supervision.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in New York**  
  
 At the time of this writing, New York is **not a participating PSYPACT state** , but it has active legislation that would make it a participant. [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**  
    
- New York psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, 3,500 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and state jurisprudence exam.
    
- Thirty-six hours of continuing education are required every three years for license renewal.
    
- School psychologist certification and limited supervised roles are regulated separately and do not authorize independent private practice outside educational settings.
    
- New York does not participate in PSYPACT as of this writing; legislation is pending.
    
- The New York State Education Department is the authority for both psychologist and school psychologist credentialing. Consult this agency 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.