Psychologist licensure in the District of Columbia requires doctoral-level education, supervised professional experience, and passage of national and local examinations. Credentials for independent clinical practice and school-based psychological services are managed by separate agencies, with additional provisions for supervised master’s-level practice.
Primary Licensing Authority
The District of Columbia Board of Psychology (DC Health) is the primary authority for licensing psychologists in D.C.
Licensed Psychologist Requirements
Education Requirements
- Doctoral degree in psychology required; must be from an APA-accredited, ASPPB/National Register-listed, or Board-approved equivalent program.
- Continuing education: 30 APA-approved hours per renewal cycle
Supervised Experience Requirements
- 4,000 hours of supervised psychological practice experience required (§ 6902.1(c)).
- Up to 2,000 hours may be completed during a pre-doctoral internship.
- Remaining hours are completed post-doctorally, typically over two to three years.
- Up to 2,000 hours may be completed during a pre-doctoral internship.
Examination Requirements
- Must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with a minimum score of 0.5 standard deviations below the national mean.
- Must pass the D.C. Jurisprudence Examination on local laws, rules, and ethics.
Other Psychology Licenses in the District of Columbia
School Psychologist
School psychologist credentialing is managed separately by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) under the Pupil Services Provider Certification framework.
Credentialing Requirements
- Master’s or higher degree in school psychology from a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of a state-approved graduate program in school psychology
- 1,200-hour supervised internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting
- Passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) exam or equivalent OSSE-approved test
- Criminal background and child protection registry checks
- Credential types:
- Standard Credential (valid 4 years, renewable)
- Transitional Credential (valid 2 years, for those still completing requirements)
- Standard Credential (valid 4 years, renewable)
Scope of Practice
School psychologists certified by OSSE may:
- Conduct psychoeducational assessments and evaluations
- Provide individual/group counseling and behavioral interventions
- Consult with teachers, administrators, and families
- Support special education eligibility and IEP development
- Promote student learning, mental health, and behavioral success
Practice under this certification is limited to school settings (public, charter, and certain approved nonpublic schools). Independent or clinical practice outside educational environments requires separate licensure by the D.C. Board of Psychology.
Psychology Associate
- The District registers Psychology Associates, a master’s-level credential permitting supervised psychological practice.
- Authorized by D.C. Code § 3-1208.81(a)(4)
- Requires at least a master’s degree in psychology
- Must work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist
- Cannot engage in independent practice
- Authorized by D.C. Code § 3-1208.81(a)(4)
Scope of Practice Considerations
- Only doctoral-level psychologists licensed by the Board may engage in independent clinical or consulting practice.
- School psychologists certified by OSSE are restricted to practice within educational institutions.
- Psychology Associates may only practice under supervision; independent authority is not granted at the master’s level.
PSYPACT Status in the District of Columbia
District of Columbia is a participating PSYPACT jurisdiction. PSYPACT is an interstate compact that permits licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across state lines among participating jurisdictions.
Key Takeaways
- Licensure as a psychologist in D.C. requires a doctoral degree, 4,000 hours of supervised experience, and passing both the EPPP and D.C. Jurisprudence Exam.
- Continuing education is required for all psychologists and psychology associates.
- School psychologist credentials are issued separately for educational settings by OSSE.
- Master’s-level practitioners may be registered as Psychology Associates, permitting supervised practice only.
- The District of Columbia participates in PSYPACT, supporting interstate telepsychology and temporary in-person practice.
- The D.C. Board of Psychology and OSSE are the final authorities for licensure and school-based credentials.
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.
