How many people have obtained the ABRP to date?
For up-to-date information, you can find that information on our ABPP Directory website by searching only ABRP psychologist.


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How long does the entire process typically take?
This varies by individual, but the average is 18-24 months.



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Am I eligible for ABRP if I graduated from a program that was not APA accredited at the time I received my PhD?
Candidates who have this situation should see the ABPP Central website “general requirements” for information about training requirements and any additional questions should be directed to ABPP Central Office. 
 


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If I am sub-specialized in one area of practice (e.g. stroke), can I still be considered an ABRP candidate?
Yes, you can. You will be expected to demonstrate competence in the five functional and four foundational core areas specified by ABRP. You will also need to demonstrate familiarity with more than one diagnostic category.



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Must I belong to Division 22 (Division of Rehabilitation Psychology) to apply?
Although you do not need to be a member of Division 22 or any other specific Division or organization, part of the expectation is that you demonstrate a commitment to Rehabilitation Psychology through participation in organization(s) that are rehabilitation-oriented. That might include Division 22, the International Brain Injury Association, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, Association of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals or other such organizations.



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What if I can no longer contact my past supervisors?
The Specialty Board recognizes that key supervisors may be unreachable for reasons such as retirement, relocation, and death. In such instances, the Specialty Board will work with the candidate to determine if supervisors other than those initially identified might be appropriate, or if there may be alternative means of documenting the supervision (e.g., through supervisory endorsements that are already on file with state licensing boards). In all circumstances, however, the ultimate responsibility for documenting supervision will rest with the applicant.



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What if my internship was not in Rehabilitation Psychology?
Clinical training is evaluated across graduate, internship, and postdoctoral settings. There is no requirement that one’s internship be specifically or exclusively focused on Rehabilitation Psychology.



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Can physicians and other disciplines be used as references for my Rehabilitation Psychology work?
Yes, other disciplines may be used as references, although at least one should be a psychologist. You may solicit supporting documentation from any professional who can attest to your Rehabilitation Psychology skills, expertise and experience.



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Does all of my practice have to be rehabilitation?
No, but a substantial portion of your practice should be related to the specialty of Rehabilitation Psychology.


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I don’t see patients directly anymore. Can I still apply?
Yes, you may apply, as long as you are licensed to practice psychology. It is preferred that one of your practice samples be a clinical case that you have seen within the past five years. However, all candidates must still display competencies in clinical skills relevant to rehabilitation psychology in the Oral Examination. If you serve in a clinical teaching role, it is possible to use case material from clients whose care you have supervised. Careful discussion with your mentor (see below) about using such a clinical case is recommended. 




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What is an ABRP mentor? When will I be assigned a mentor?
The ABRP has developed a formal ABRP mentorship program to help candidates gain valuable guidance from ABRP certified professionals. ABRP candidates will get assigned a trusted advisor based on clinical interests, professional practice and mentor availability.  Mentors are chosen from individuals who are currently serving as members of the Board.  These individuals have a contemporary working knowledge of the credentialing process.  On occasion, a candidate may request a particular mentor; however, assignment cannot always be guaranteed. Once the individual has been successfully admitted to candidacy, they are considered in the ABRP “Pipeline.”  It is at this point, that the candidate will be assigned a formal mentor.  Mentorship is strongly recommended, but not required. Mentorship has been linked to greater productivity and success in the ABRP credentialing process. 




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What should I expect from the assigned mentor?
The role of the mentor is to provide general guidance in the ABRP credentialing process. The mentor will assist the candidate with practice sample selection and provide individualized feedback on case selection.  The mentor will also provide assistance with practice sample review.  Specifically, the mentor will analyze the practice samples at various points in the process and provide written feedback to the mentor until the candidate feels the sample is ready for submission.  Your mentor will also provide you the opportunity to explore questions and concerns that are specific to your credentialing process.


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Is there a written exam?
There is no written examination.



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Are there special considerations given for Senior Rehabilitation Psychologists?
Yes, some modifications of the process are available for Senior applicants. Senior applicants are defined as a specialist applicant/candidate with 15 or more years of experience following licensure. The essential rationale is to encourage experienced, often distinguished, practitioners to take the examination, while recognizing longevity of experience and a more developed portfolio of practice in the specialty. There is one level of certification resulting from one examination, not a certified “distinguished” or “senior” descriptor. The criteria for a pass are the same for all candidates, allowing individual differences expected of all candidates. Applicants must meet the ABPP requirements for any specialty (e.g., doctoral degree in psychology; license to practice psychology independently). Supervisor verification of training may be waived due to length of time since training and increased likelihood that supervisors may not be available (see also FAQ on contacting supervisions above). Because Senior Exam candidates may have difficulty obtaining clinical practice samples, other evidence of competency in the specialty may be used (e.g., documentation of program development, articles, chapter, books, syllabi, supervising or consulting). The oral examination is required for the senior process, and is identical to – and thus as rigorous as – the oral examination for any ABRP candidate. There is no “senior examination” as such, but an option to flexibly apply past educational requirements and to modify practice sample submissions and some oral examination procedures.


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