It is recommended that the certification process be completed within two (2) years from the date of candidacy.*
*Exceptions: Candidates in Clinical Neuropsychology have seven (7) years to complete the board certification process, while candidates in Forensic Psychology have three (3) years.
Click here for certification fees.
In general, senior candidates are not required to submit a video recording. However, some specialty boards do require one. Please review your specialty board’s Certification & Exam Process, as not all boards offer the Senior Option.
Please go to the specialty board page for the board to which you are applying. Click on the Specialty Board Officers tile; the contact person for requesting an extension is listed at the bottom of the page.
Contact the Practice Sample Coordinator for the specialty board listed on the Officers page.
Each specialty board has different examination schedules and locations. These are described in detail in the specialty board manual, which can be found in the Document Library.
Please note that (similar to Stage 1 and Stage 3 decisions) non-approval at any stage can be appealed by the candidate. The candidate must specify the grounds on which the appeal is made. The alleged grounds of the appeal must document violations of the Specialty Board’s procedures. Appeals that fail to demonstrate the Board’s non-adherence to exam procedures are generally not upheld. The appeals process is described in detail under the specialty board Manual found in the Document Library.
Yes. Board-certified specialists must complete an annual attestation to assure the public, the organization, and the profession that they are currently engaged in active specialty practice, are properly licensed or certified, or are retired and current on all required organizational fees. The attestation form must be completed annually and verified as meeting board certification requirements. Only board-certified specialists and retired board-certified specialists who meet these requirements will be listed in the American Board of Professional Psychology online directory.
Annual Fees may be found here.
*Retired is defined as “No longer deriving income from working as a psychologist.”
Specialists holding multiple certifications or a sub-specialty have an addition fee.
In addition to the annual attestation described above, American Board of Professional Psychology board-certified specialists must complete the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) documentation process once every ten years. This requirement applies to specialists who were board certified before January 1, 2015. Specialists will receive reminders two to three years in advance of the due date so they may begin the MOC process.
The following is a general overview of the practical impact of being board certified through the American Board of Professional Psychology as it relates to mobility and licensure in the United States. Laws and regulations change, and applicants are advised to check with the relevant licensing board for the most current information.
“Reciprocity” may still require certain documentation, but it typically involves full or near-full reciprocity. “Waiver of Exam” generally refers to a waiver of the EPPP, although a state jurisprudence examination may still be required.
It’s free! The Board strongly encourages all candidates to obtain a mentor to guide them through the practice sample submission and oral examination process. Contact the Practice Sample Coordinator for the specialty board listed on the Officers page. Please note that not all boards offer mentors.