Internationally trained applicants
If you received your doctoral-level training in psychology outside the U.S. or Canada and you are seeking licensure in either country, start the process by reviewing the licensing requirements for applicants trained in the U.S. or Canada.
We recommend that you begin by contacting the licensing authority in the jurisdiction where you are seeking licensure. Note that:
- In Canada, each province sets the specific education and experience requirements for licensure
- Most U.S. jurisdictions require a doctorate in clinical, counseling or school psychology
- In the U.S., each state determines the specific education and experience requirements for licensure
Demonstrating educational and supervised experience equivalence
If your degree is from a university outside the U.S. or Canada, you must demonstrate that your education and degree experience are equivalent to the requirements established in your desired jurisdiction. Most licensing authorities lack the resources to compare your degree to accredited programs in the U.S. and Canada. Instead, they rely on members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Contact NACES directly to select a member organization that can translate your education and degree into a format that U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions can compare with their specific requirements.
If your education and degree meet the requirements of your intended jurisdiction, you next must demonstrate that your supervised experience is also equivalent to what is required for applicants trained in the U.S. or Canada.
Taking the EPPP licensing exam
When you demonstrate education, degree, and experience equivalence, you may apply directly to your intended jurisdiction to become a candidate for licensure. If your application is approved, you must earn a passing score on the Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP). The EPPP is a two-part exam that provides essential information to the licensing boards in our member jurisdictions about your general knowledge of psychology (EPPP Part 1-Knowledge) and your ability to practice effectively in applied, real-world situations (EPPP Part 2-Skills)
In addition to passing the EPPP, most U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions require the applicant to pass an examination that covers local mental health laws and rules.