Credential Review
Step 1
The application form is the primary basis for determining eligibility. Through this process, applicants establish that they meet the academic, training, supervised experience, and professional standing requirements set by the specialty board. The Executive Officer (EO) and Central Office (CO) staff verify licensure to practice psychology, doctoral degree and program, while the specialty board reviews specialty-specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must request that an official doctoral transcript be sent directly from the educational institution to CO at office@abpp.org. This request should be initiated as early as possible to avoid delays in processing. Any supporting documentation (e.g., letters of recommendation, endorsements, or certification of institute or continuing education completion) must be uploaded as PDF files with the application.
The CO reviews submitted applications for completeness. The EO then determines whether the applicant meets ABPP’s common generic criteria, including doctoral degree and program, licensure, and professional standing. Once the generic criteria are met, the application materials are forwarded to the specialty board to determine whether specialty-specific eligibility requirements have also been satisfied.
Following review, applicants are notified of the results by email. Applicants who meet both generic and specialty requirements become candidates and are eligible to proceed to the specialty examination process.
Once admitted to candidacy, individuals become eligible to sit for the written examination, if required, or to submit practice samples for review. The oral examination is the final stage of the process. For a fuller understanding of the application and candidacy determination process, applicants are encouraged to review the manual for their specialty board, available under Specialty Board Manuals. Click HERE to be redirected to that page.
Practice Sample
Step 2*
The practice sample provides candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate that their professional activities are grounded in the principles and practices of their specialty board and that they possess the competencies required of a specialist in that area.
The practice sample also allows candidates to articulate their professional identity as specialty psychologists, preparing them to advance to the oral examination. Detailed information is available on each specialty board’s webpage. Select your board of choice and click “Examination Process” to find additional information about each examination, including registration instructions. Click HERE to be redirected to the Learn About Specialty Board page.
*For ABCN, ABCN-Peds, and ABFP, the written examination is Step 2. For these boards, practice samples are submitted in Step 3.
Oral Examination
Step 3
Once practice samples are approved, candidates will receive an email with instructions to register and pay for the oral examination. Examinations are held throughout the year, with scheduling and location determined by each specialty board’s policies.
Detailed information is available on each specialty board’s webpage. Select your chosen board and click “Examination Process” to find more information about each examination and registration procedures. Click HERE to be redirected to the Learn About Specialty Board page.