# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Virginia

**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** January 26, 2026
**Updated:** January 26, 2026

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Psychologist licensure in Virginia requires doctoral-level education, supervised professional experience, and passage of both national and state-specific examinations. School psychology and master’s-level psychological practice have separate pathways and requirements. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [Virginia Board of Psychology] (https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Psychology/) , under the Department of Health Professions (DHP), is responsible for psychologist licensure in Virginia. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- Doctoral degree in psychology (clinical, counseling, or school) required from an APA- or CPA-accredited program, or an equivalent program approved by the Board.
    
- **Note:**  Beginning June 23, 2028, all qualifying programs must be accredited by APA or CPA (or another Board-recognized accreditor).
    
- Licensees must complete 14 hours of continuing education annually, including at least 1.5 hours in ethics, law, or regulations.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- Minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised professional experience over at least 12 months and no more than 3 years.
    
- Doctoral practicum hours may count toward this requirement if they meet Board criteria.
    
- Internships must be APA/CPA-accredited or equivalent (APPIC or ASPPB/National Register member programs).
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) required.
    
- Virginia Jurisprudence Examination required (covers laws, ethics, and professional conduct).
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in Virginia**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 School psychology licensure in Virginia is managed by the Board of Psychology (not the Department of Education). The Board offers two credentials: School Psychologist and School Psychologist–Limited. 
  
 #### **Credentialing Requirements**  
    
- **School Psychologist:**  Requires a master’s or higher degree in school psychology from a NASP-, APA-, or CAEP-accredited (or Board-approved equivalent) program. A 1,200-hour internship is required, with at least 600 hours in a school setting. Must pass the EPPP and Virginia Jurisprudence Exam.
    
- **School Psychologist–Limited:**  Requires a master’s or higher degree in school psychology and completion of an approved internship. Valid only while employed by a public school division or state educational agency; does not authorize private practice.
    
 #### **Scope of Practice**  
    
- **School Psychologist:**  May practice independently within educational and related settings, providing assessment, consultation, counseling, intervention, and program development services.
    
- **School Psychologist–Limited:**  May practice only within a public school or educational agency, offering evaluation, intervention, counseling, and crisis support under the scope of employment.
    
 ### **Master’s-Level Licenses**  
  
 Virginia recognizes multiple master’s-level pathways: 
    
- **School Psychologist:**  Minimum of a master’s degree.
    
- **Psychological Practitioner:**  New master’s-level license (created in 2024) allows supervised, and eventually autonomous, practice after meeting additional criteria.
    
- **School Psychologist–Limited:**  Restricted to public school employment.
    
 ## **Other Roles**  
    
- The Virginia Board of Psychology also oversees Clinical, Applied, and School Psychologist licenses.
    
- Limited School Psychologist and Sex Offender Treatment Provider certifications are also administered.
    
- The Psychological Practitioner license expands master’s-level opportunities for supervised and autonomous practice under Board regulation.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Only doctoral-level psychologists may independently provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment outside school and public agency settings.
    
- School Psychologists may independently practice within educational settings; School Psychologist–Limited holders are restricted to employment in public school divisions or agencies.
    
- Master’s-level Psychological Practitioners may engage in supervised and, after meeting additional criteria, autonomous practice as allowed by the Board.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in Virginia**  
  
 Virginia 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**  
    
- Virginia psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, at least 1,500 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and state jurisprudence exam.
    
- Fourteen hours of continuing education are required annually, with specified content in ethics, law, or regulations.
    
- The Virginia Board of Psychology regulates both doctoral-level and master’s-level pathways, including new opportunities for supervised and autonomous master’s-level practice.
    
- School psychology credentials include both standard and limited authorizations, with limitations based on setting and employer.
    
- Virginia participates in PSYPACT, allowing eligible psychologists to provide services across state lines under the Compact.
    
- The Virginia Board of Psychology is the authority for psychologist and school psychologist credentialing. Consult the Board 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.