# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Ohio

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

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Psychologist licensure in Ohio requires doctoral-level education, supervised experience, and passage of national and state examinations. School psychologist credentials are administered separately for school-based and independent practice. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [Ohio Board of Psychology] (https://psychology.ohio.gov/)  is responsible for psychologist licensure in Ohio. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- A doctoral degree in psychology or school psychology from a regionally accredited institution is required.
    
- If the program is not APA-accredited, the applicant must demonstrate substantial equivalence and may be required to complete additional supervised experience.
    
- Continuing education is mandatory under OAC Chapter 4732-2; typically, 36 hours are required every three years.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must document 3,600 hours of qualifying supervised training.
  
-- This includes a doctoral internship of 1,500–2,000 hours completed within 9–24 months.
    
-- Supervised professional experience is required both pre- and post-degree, consistent with Board standards.
      
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
    
- Applicants must also complete a Board-administered oral examination covering ethics, law, and professional practice.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in Ohio**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 School psychologist credentialing in Ohio is regulated by two separate entities depending on the practice setting: 
  
 #### **A. School-Based Practice (** [**Ohio Department of Education and Workforce – DEW** ] (https://education.ohio.gov/) **)**  
    
- The DEW issues the Pupil Services License – School Psychologist, authorizing practice within public and charter schools.
    
 **Requirements:**  
    
- Degree: Master’s or higher in school psychology from a regionally accredited, NASP-approved program.
    
- Internship: 1,200 hours (minimum 600 in a school setting).
    
- Exam: Praxis School Psychologist (5403).
    
- Background Check: BCI & FBI fingerprint clearance.
    
- Validity: Five-Year Professional License (renewable) or One-Year Temporary License (non-renewable).
    
 #### **B. Independent Practice (** [**Ohio Board of Psychology** ] (https://psychology.ohio.gov/) **)**  
    
- The Board licenses School Psychologists for practice outside school systems, under Ohio Administrative Code 4732-9.
    
 **Requirements:**  
    
- Degree: Specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology (NASP- or APA-approved).
    
- Experience: Three years of full-time professional experience in school psychology (including at least 1 year post-degree under supervision).
    
- Exams: EPPP and Ohio Laws & Rules Exam.
    
- Background Check: BCI & FBI fingerprinting.
    
 ### **Master’s-Level Credentials**  
    
- Ohio does not grant a general master’s-level psychologist license.
    
- School psychologists may qualify for licensure at the master’s or specialist level through the DEW (school-based) or through the Board (independent, under restricted conditions).
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Licensed psychologists may independently assess, diagnose, and treat psychological and behavioral disorders.
    
- School psychologists with a DEW credential may practice within public and charter schools.
    
- School psychologists licensed by the Board may engage in independent practice outside of school settings if all requirements are met.
    
- No general master’s-level psychologist license is available outside of school psychology.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in Ohio**  
  
 Ohio 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**  
    
- Ohio psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, 3,600 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and Board oral examination.
    
- Thirty-six hours of continuing education are required every three years.
    
- School psychologists are credentialed separately for school-based or independent practice.
    
- Ohio does not issue a general master’s-level psychologist license outside the context of school psychology.
    
- Ohio participates in PSYPACT, permitting eligible psychologists to provide services across state lines under the Compact.
    
- The Ohio Board of Psychology and the Department of Education and Workforce 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.