New York Psychology Licensure Requirements
The licensing process for psychologists in New York begins with the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions (the Board). To become a licensed psychologist, you must complete the educational, examination, and experience requirements. The licensing process in New York can be overwhelming. To make it easier, we have put together this step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Licensed Psychologist
- Licensure by Reciprocity
- License Renewal and Continuing Education
- Related Licenses
- Jobs and Salary Information
- Additional Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Become a Psychologist in New York
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree and (optionally) a master’s degree in psychology.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology or another field is the first step toward becoming a psychologist. A bachelor’s degree, which amounts to around 120 semester credits, usually takes about four years to complete if you are attending school full time. Your bachelor’s degree can be in any subject, but keep in mind if you major in something other than psychology, you will likely need to take some prerequisite coursework before you enter a graduate program.
Once your bachelor’s degree is complete, you may decide to earn a master’s degree in psychology or a field related to psychology. Program requirements differ, but typically it takes 30 to 40 semester credits for a master’s in psychology, about two years of full-time study. Many universities offer combined master’s and doctoral programs that allow candidates to earn both degrees within the same curriculum.
2. Earn a doctoral degree in psychology.
There are two common doctorate degrees in psychology. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology is typically designed for those who also want to teach or do research. A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is geared towards those who want to focus on clinical work. Visit our comparison between the two types of doctoral degrees.
New York psychologists must have a doctoral degree from a program registered by the Board as licensure qualifying, a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), or a program that the Board has determined to be substantially equivalent. If you are not sure a program meets the requirements, contact the Board.
The doctorate must consist of at least two years of full-time study or the part-time equivalent and include coursework in certain areas. Applicants must also complete a one-year practicum, internship, field experience, or applied research during their doctoral program, up to one year (1,750 hours) of which may be counted towards the supervised experience required for licensure. More information about educational requirements can be found on the Board website. For more information about psychology doctoral programs in the state, visit our New York schools page.
3. Submit your application to the Office of Professions for a Limited Permit.
Once you have completed your doctorate, you can apply for a Limited Permit to practice psychology under supervision. The permit is valid for up to one year and may be extended for two additional one-year periods, up to a maximum total of three years. The fee is $70. You will also need to fill out your part of the Certification of Professional Education form and then send it to your educational institution to complete. They must send the completed form along with an official transcript to the Board.
4. Gain two years of supervised experience in your area of training.
The Board requires applicants to earn two years of supervised experience, with at least 1,750 clock hours each calendar year. Applicants must complete at least one of the two experience years after they have been awarded the doctoral degree. The Board accepts up to one year (1,750 clock hours) completed during doctoral studies as long as this experience was not part of your dissertation or thesis. If you taught psychology at a university or college, this may also be accepted if it meets the supervised experience requirements of the state’s education law.
For full-time experience, supervision occurs weekly and includes at least one hour of individual, face-to-face supervision plus one additional hour of face-to-face, group, seminar, or apprenticeship supervision. The supervisor must own or be employed by the entity where the experience occurs, and you must have a title that reflects your training status. Supervisors must complete their part of the license application forms.
5. Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Once you have submitted your application, the Board will determine if you are eligible to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The Board will send your approval to test to the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), which will notify you when you are eligible to register for the exam. You will establish an online account and can sign up to take the exam at a time that is convenient for you. As of 2026, New York only required Part 1: Knowledge of the EPPP exam, with a converted score of at least 75. You can find a practice exam on the ASPPB website.
6. Submit the rest of your application documents.
Once you have passed the exam and completed your supervisory experience, you will need to submit your exam scores, proof of supervised experience, and the application fee of $294 to the Board. You can upload the additional documentation online.
7. Receive your full psychology license.
Once the previous steps have been fulfilled and when the Board determines that your application is complete, you will receive your license to practice psychology in New York.
New York Licensure by Reciprocity
Psychologists who are already licensed in another state can apply for a New York license by reciprocity. If you have already passed the EPPP, you should include your score with your application. If you have not taken the EPPP, you can ask your jurisdiction to submit a copy of the exam you took so that the Board can determine if it is comparable to the EPPP. The Certificate for Professional Qualifications is not accepted by New York. The licensing fees are the same as for in-state applicants.
Out-of-state psychologists without an equivalent EPPP passing score can apply for a Limited Permit to practice in New York while waiting to test and earn full licensure. The applicant must have resided in the state for no longer than six months before the application and be qualified to take the examination for licensure. Limited Permits are only valid for 12 months, for up to 10 days after an applicant is notified that he or she failed the professional licensing exam, or until a passing exam score is released.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
In New York, a psychology license is valid for life, but psychologists are required to register every three years. Licensed psychologists must complete 36 hours of continuing education credits from a Board-approved provider during each three-year registration period. The first registration renewal after initial licensure is prorated to move licensees to the month of birth renewal. You should receive a renewal notice about four months before each registration period ends.
Related Licenses
School Psychologist
To become a school psychologist in New York, you must apply to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for a School Psychologist credential. In order to qualify for the initial Provisional license, you must have completed an NYSED-approved program in school psychology, submit a recommendation from your institution, complete the workshop on the Dignity For All Students Act, and pass a fingerprint-based background check. A Permanent Certificate is available with four different pathways that all include gaining at least two years of experience as a school psychologist and holding US permanent resident status or US citizenship.
New York Psychologist Jobs and Salary Information
The average salary for psychologists in New York, excluding educators, was $107,377 per year as of May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1 New York has the highest employment level for postsecondary psychology teachers and is the third-highest paying state for this group.2 It has the second-highest employment level for clinical and counseling psychologists and is the fifth-highest of any state.3 New York also has the third-highest employment level for school psychologists and is also the second-highest paying for that group.4
The long-term projection through 2030 for anyone pursuing psychology in New York is good, according to Projections Central.5 For clinical, counseling, and school psychologists there are expected to be 1,100 annual openings and a growth rate for the field of 13.5%.5 Postsecondary psychology teaching is the fastest-growing field at 17.5%.5 Psychology jobs in the “all other” category are expected to see a growth of 6.2%.5
| Occupation | Number Employed1 | Average Annual Salary1 |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | 4,220 | $120,350 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | N.Av. | N.Av. |
| Psychologists, All Other | 450 | $104,140 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | 3,680 | $104,580 |
| School Psychologists | 6,290 | $97,640 |
Additional Resources
- New York Association of School Psychologists (NYASP): Serves children and their families by promoting best practices in school psychology.
- New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA): Provides resources that include discounts on business development tools, health insurance, and advertising, and featuresa referral service that matches patients and professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a psychologist in New York?
In most cases, it takes more than a decade to become a licensed New York psychologist. The educational requirements from bachelor’s degree to doctorate degree can take about 10 years if you are attending school full time. One of the requirements is two years of supervisory experience. You can obtain one year of your required two years of supervisory experience while you are working on your doctoral degree and the other after you have graduated.
What degree do I need to be a licensed psychologist in New York?
New York accepts two doctorate degrees in order to get licensed to practice psychology in New York. Both a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology will qualify you. Read about their differences on our home page.
How much do psychologists in New York make?
On average, psychologists in New York earned $107,377 per year as of May 2021.1 Psychology postsecondary teachers earned an average of $104,580 per year as of May 2021, the third-highest in the nation.1
References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, New York: https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/3600000
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes251066.htm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes193033.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, School Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes193034.htm
5. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm