# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in North Dakota

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

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Psychologist licensure in North Dakota requires a doctoral degree, extensive supervised experience, and passage of both national and state-administered examinations. School psychologist certification and supervised training roles are regulated separately. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners (NDSBPE)] (https://www.ndsbpe.org/)  is responsible for psychologist licensure in North Dakota. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA- or CPA-accredited program.
    
- Other accrediting bodies are not accepted, and there is no equivalency pathway.
    
- Continuing education is required by statute (§43-32-08.1, §43-32-08.2), with approximately 40 hours every two years.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must complete 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience:
  
-- Approximately 1,500 hours of pre-doctoral internship
    
-- Approximately 1,500 hours of post-doctoral supervised employment
      
- The Board reviews individualized supervision plans for postdoctoral experience.
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
    
- Applicants must also complete an oral examination administered by the Board. Jurisprudence and ethical components are typically incorporated into the oral examination.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in North Dakota**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 Licensure for school psychologists is managed by the [North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB)] (https://www.nd.gov/espb/) . 
  
 #### **Credentialing Requirements**  
    
- Must hold a specialist or higher degree in school psychology from a regionally accredited institution.
    
- The program must be NASP-approved or ESPB-recognized.
    
- Must complete a 1,200-hour supervised internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting.
    
- Must achieve a passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) exam.
    
- License Types:
  
-- **Restricted License:**  For candidates missing Praxis or final internship verification; valid 1 year (non-renewable).
    
-- **School Psychologist License:**  For fully qualified candidates; valid 5 years and renewable with 6 semester hours of continuing education.
      
 #### **Scope of Practice**  
    
- School psychologists in North Dakota are authorized to provide educational and psychological services within school systems only.
    
- Responsibilities include assessment, counseling, consultation, intervention, and participation in special education processes.
    
- Independent or clinical psychological practice outside of schools requires separate licensure through the NDSBPE.
    
 ### **Master’s-Level Licensure**  
    
- North Dakota does not issue an independent psychologist license at the master’s level.
    
- Only doctoral-level licensure and supervised training designations (such as Psychological Resident) are available under the NDSBPE.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Licensed psychologists may practice independently in clinical, counseling, school, and related applied domains, in accordance with their education and training.
    
- School psychologists are restricted to educational settings unless additionally licensed by the NDSBPE.
    
- No independent master’s-level psychologist licensure is available.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in North Dakota**  
  
 North Dakota 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 Dakota psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree from an APA- or CPA-accredited program, 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and an oral examination.
    
- Forty hours of continuing education are required every two years.
    
- School psychologist licensure is managed by ESPB for practice within educational settings only.
    
- No independent master’s-level psychologist licensure exists; only doctoral-level and supervised training credentials are recognized by the NDSBPE.
    
- North Dakota participates in PSYPACT, allowing eligible psychologists to practice across state lines under the Compact.
    
- The North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners and the Education Standards and Practices Board 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.