# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in North Carolina

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

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Psychologist licensure in North Carolina requires a doctoral degree, supervised postdoctoral experience, and national examination. Additional credentials exist for school psychologists and master’s-level psychological associates. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [North Carolina Psychology Board] (https://ncpsychologyboard.info/)  is responsible for psychologist licensure in North Carolina. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology with a major in psychology from a regionally accredited institution.
    
- Doctoral programs that are not APA-accredited may be approved if they meet the Board’s equivalency standards.
    
- Continuing education is required, with 24 hours every two years typically required for license renewal or reinstatement.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must complete at least one year (12 months) of postdoctoral supervised practice, totaling a minimum of 1,500 hours under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.
    
- Supervision standards and reporting procedures are defined by Board rules.
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must pass the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
    
- While a jurisprudence or ethics examination is likely part of the process, a clearly stated rule was not identified on the Board’s summary materials.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in North Carolina**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 Licensure for school psychologists is managed separately by the [North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)] (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/) , through its Educator Preparation and Licensure Section. 
  
 #### **Credentialing Requirements**  
    
- Must hold a specialist-level or doctoral degree in school psychology (minimum 60 graduate semester hours) from a regionally accredited and NCDPI-approved program, or one accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) or the American Psychological Association (APA).
    
- A 1,200-hour supervised internship is required, with at least 600 hours in a school setting.
    
- Must achieve a passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) examination.
    
- License levels:
  
-- **SP1 (Initial License):**  For candidates with fewer than 3 years of experience; valid for 3 years.
    
-- **SP2 (Continuing License):**  For those with 3 or more years of successful practice; valid for 5 years and renewable.
      
 #### **Scope of Practice**  
    
- School psychologists may provide psychological services to students, parents, and school staff in prekindergarten through grade 12 settings.
    
- Independent clinical practice outside of school employment requires separate licensure through the North Carolina Psychology Board.
    
 ### **Psychological Associate**  
    
- North Carolina offers a master’s-level license known as the Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), authorized under G.S. § 90-270.11(b) and 21 NCAC 54 .1802.
    
- LPAs hold at least a master’s degree in psychology and may practice under supervision or, after meeting experience and supervision requirements, independently.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Licensed psychologists may engage in independent practice in accordance with their training and supervision history.
    
- School psychologists are limited to educational settings unless they hold additional licensure.
    
- Licensed Psychological Associates may practice under supervision, with potential for independent practice after meeting experience and supervision requirements as specified by the Board.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in North Carolina**  
  
 North Carolina 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**  
    
- North Carolina psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, one year (1,500 hours) of postdoctoral supervised practice, and passage of the EPPP.
    
- Twenty-four hours of continuing education are required every two years for license renewal.
    
- Separate credentials exist for school psychologists (NCDPI) and for master’s-level Licensed Psychological Associates (LPA).
    
- North Carolina participates in PSYPACT, permitting eligible psychologists to practice across state lines under the Compact.
    
- The North Carolina Psychology Board and the Department of Public Instruction 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.