Licensure is required for independent practice as a psychologist in Wisconsin and involves meeting standards for education, supervised experience, and examination. School psychologist credentials are managed separately and apply only to services provided within educational settings.
Primary Licensing Authority
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) — Psychology Examining Board is the primary authority for psychologist licensure in Wisconsin.
Licensed Psychologist Requirements
Education Requirements
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-accredited or board-approved equivalent program is required.
- Licensees must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 4 hours in ethics and professional conduct.
Supervised Experience Requirements
- A minimum of 3,000 total supervised hours is required:
- 1,500-hour predoctoral internship in an APA- or board-equivalent program
- At least 1,500 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience over a minimum 12-month period
- 1,500-hour predoctoral internship in an APA- or board-equivalent program
Examination Requirements
- Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
- Wisconsin Statutes and Rules Exam (jurisprudence examination on state laws and professional ethics)
Other Psychology Licenses in Wisconsin
School Psychologist
School psychologist licensure is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), not DSPS.
Credentialing Requirements
- Specialist-level or doctoral degree in school psychology from a NASP-accredited or state-approved program
- 1,200-hour supervised internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting
- Passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) examination
- Application through DPI’s Educator Licensing Online (ELO) system
- Fingerprint-based background check
Scope of Practice
- The School Psychologist license authorizes delivery of school-based psychological services, including:
- Psychoeducational and behavioral assessment
- Counseling and consultation with students, parents, and staff
- Support for special education eligibility and IEP development
- Design and implementation of academic and behavioral interventions
- Mental health support, crisis response, and prevention programs
- Psychoeducational and behavioral assessment
- This credential limits practice to educational institutions. Independent or private practice requires DSPS licensure as a psychologist.
Scope of Practice Considerations
- Only doctoral-level psychologists licensed by DSPS may independently practice psychology outside educational settings.
- School psychologists licensed by DPI are limited to school-based services.
- No independent psychologist credential is available at the master’s level under DSPS.
PSYPACT Status in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a participating PSYPACT state. PSYPACT is an interstate compact allowing licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person psychological services across state lines among participating states.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and state jurisprudence exam.
- Licensees must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including ethics content.
- School psychologist licensure is managed by DPI and authorizes practice only in educational settings.
- Wisconsin participates in PSYPACT, permitting eligible psychologists to practice across state lines under the Compact.
- The DSPS Psychology Examining Board and the Department of Public Instruction 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.
