Psychologist licensure in Oregon requires doctoral-level education, supervised experience, and passage of required examinations. School psychologists, psychological associates, and training-level roles are regulated separately.
Primary Licensing Authority
The Oregon Board of Psychology is responsible for psychologist licensure in Oregon.
Licensed Psychologist Requirements
Education Requirements
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA- or CPA-accredited program, or from a program determined equivalent by the Board (OAR 858-010-0010).
- Continuing education is required — psychologists must complete at least 40 hours every 24 months, including ethics content, to maintain or reactivate licensure.
Supervised Experience Requirements
- Licensure requires one full year (minimum 1,500 hours) of post-doctoral supervised work experience, completed over at least 50 weeks.
- ORS 675.030 further provides that applicants may need two years of supervised employment in psychology under certain conditions.
Examination Requirements
- Applicants must pass both:
- The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
- The Oregon Jurisprudence Exam (OJE), covering ethics and state laws
- The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
Other Psychology Licenses in Oregon
School Psychologist
Licensure for school psychologists is managed by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC).
Credentialing Requirements
- Must hold a master’s degree or higher in school psychology from a regionally accredited institution with a TSPC-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 complete a fingerprint-based background check.
Scope of Practice
- School psychologists may provide psychological and educational services in PK–12 school settings, including:
- Assessments and evaluations
- Consultation and intervention
- Counseling for students
- Crisis and behavioral support
- Assessments and evaluations
- Practice is limited to educational environments; independent clinical work requires separate licensure from the Oregon Board of Psychology.
Psychological Associate
Oregon historically has offered a Psychologist Associate license for individuals who hold a master’s degree in psychology, permitting practice of certain psychological functions under the direction and periodic supervision of a licensed psychologist. This credential is distinct from the full doctoral-level psychologist license and does not confer the same independent practice authority.
Other Roles
- The Board recognizes Resident Psychologists (post-doctoral trainees completing supervised experience) and Psychologist Associates.
- No additional independent psychology-related licenses are administered.
Scope of Practice Considerations
- Licensed psychologists may practice independently in accordance with their training and licensure.
- School psychologists are limited to practice within educational settings unless they obtain separate licensure from the Board.
- Psychologist Associates and Resident Psychologists may practice only under supervision.
PSYPACT Status in Oregon
Oregon is not a participating PSYPACT state. PSYPACT 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
- Oregon psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, at least 1,500 hours of post-doctoral supervised work experience, and passage of the EPPP and Oregon Jurisprudence Exam.
- Forty hours of continuing education are required every 24 months, including ethics.
- Separate credentials exist for school psychologists (TSPC), Psychologist Associates, and Resident Psychologists.
- Oregon does not participate in PSYPACT.
- The Oregon Board of Psychology and the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission 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.
