Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Vermont

Psychologist licensure in Vermont is governed by the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners and requires doctoral-level education, supervised professional experience, and passage of national and state-specific examinations. School psychologist certification and master’s-level psychological practice are regulated separately.

Primary Licensing Authority

The Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners (Office of Professional Regulation – OPR) is responsible for psychologist licensure in Vermont.

Licensed Psychologist Requirements

Education Requirements

• Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA- or CPA-accredited (or OPR-approved equivalent) program is required.
  
• Licensees must complete 60 hours of continuing education every two years, including 6 hours in ethics or professional conduct.
  

Supervised Experience Requirements

• Applicants must complete 3,000 total hours of supervised professional experience:
  
  • 1,500-hour predoctoral internship
    
  • 1,500-hour postdoctoral supervised experience
    

Examination Requirements

• Applicants must pass the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
  
• Applicants must also pass the Vermont jurisprudence examination, covering state laws, ethics, and professional standards.
  

Other Psychology Licenses in Vermont

School Psychologist

School psychologist certification in Vermont is issued by the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE).

Credentialing Requirements

• Graduate degree (specialist or higher) in school psychology from a regionally accredited and state- or NASP-approved program.
  
• Supervised internship of at least 1,200 clock hours, with a minimum of 600 hours in a school setting.
  
• Passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) examination.
  
• Fingerprint-based criminal background check and application through the AOE’s ALiS licensing portal.
  

Scope of Practice

• Certified school psychologists may provide psychological and educational services in prekindergarten through grade 12 settings, including:
  
  • Assessment, counseling, consultation
    
  • Behavioral and academic interventions
    
  • Participation in special education evaluations and eligibility determinations
    
• This certification authorizes practice only in educational settings; independent practice requires separate licensure by the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners.
  

Psychological Associate / Examiner

• Vermont offers a Psychologist–Master license for individuals holding a master’s degree in psychology.
  
• Psychologist–Master licensees must work under the supervision of a doctoral-level licensed psychologist and cannot independently practice psychology.
  

Other Roles

• The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation oversees both doctoral-level psychologists and master’s-level psychological practitioners.
  
• The Agency of Education manages certification for school-based psychology practice.
  

Scope of Practice Considerations

• Only doctoral-level psychologists may independently practice psychology in Vermont.
  
• School psychologist certification authorizes services exclusively in educational settings.
  
• Master’s-level practitioners must work under supervision and cannot independently provide psychological services.
  

PSYPACT Status in Vermont

Vermont is 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

• Vermont psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and state jurisprudence exam.
  
• Sixty hours of continuing education are required every two years, including ethics content.
  
• School psychologist certification is managed by the Agency of Education for PK–12 school settings only.
  
• The Psychologist–Master credential is available at the master’s level for supervised practice only.
  
• Vermont participates in PSYPACT, permitting eligible psychologists to provide services across state lines under the Compact.
  
• The Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners (OPR) and the Agency of Education 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.