Credential Review
Step 1
The application form is the primary information base upon which eligibility for candidacy is determined. In effect, you are establishing the necessary academic, training, supervised experience, and professional standing required by the specialty board. The Executive Officer (EO) and Central Office (CO) staff shall verify the license to practice psychology, the doctoral degree and program; the specialty board also reviews your application for specialty-specific requirements. You must request that an original doctoral transcript be mailed or emailed (office@abpp.org) to CO directly from the educational institution. The request should be initiated as soon as possible in order to not have any delay in processing your application. Any documentation (letters of recommendation, endorsements, certification of appropriate institute or continuing education) must be uploaded as a PDF with the application.
The CO shall review the submitted application for completeness. The EO shall review the application for the determination of meeting the ABPP common, generic criteria of doctoral degree and program, licensure, and professional standing. Upon meeting the generic criteria the application materials are sent to the Specialty Board for determination in meeting the specific criteria for eligibility as a candidate.
Following review, applicants are notified of the results via email. Applicants meeting generic and specialty requirements become candidates, eligible to move on to the specialty examination process.
It is after being admitted to Candidacy, that one becomes eligible to sit for the written examination, if any, or submit Practice Samples for review. The Oral Examination is the final aspect of the process. To better understand the application and candidacy determination, it is best to review the manual of the specialty board found under Specialty Board Manuals. Click HERE to be redirected to that page.
Practice Sample
Step 2*
The Practice Sample provides the opportunity for Candidates to demonstrate that their professional activity is based on the principles and practices of the specialty board they are a candidate in and that they have the competencies required of a specialist in that board.
The Practice Sample also provides an opportunity for Candidates to articulate their identities as a specialty psychologist, positioning them to advance to the Oral Examination. You can find detailed information under each specialty board’s page. Go to the board of your choice, click on “Examination Process”. You will find more information about each of the exams as well as how to register for each. Click HERE to be redirected to the Learn About Specialty Board page.
*ABCN, ABCN-Peds & ABFP will have Written Exam for Step 2. Practice Samples will be Step 3 for them.
Oral Examination
Step 3
Once the practice samples are approved, you will receive an email to register and pay for the Oral Examination. Exams are held throughout the year with time and location based on the specialty board’s policy.
You can find detailed information on each specialty board’s page. Go to your chosen board and click “Examination Process.” You will find more information about each exam and registration for each. Click HERE to be redirected to the Learn About Specialty Board page.