Many psychologists believe they must complete a postdoctoral fellowship in behavioral and cognitive psychology or possess many years of experience to qualify to sit for the examination. However, extensive postdoctoral training is not always required—many applicants qualify through supervised experience, continuing education, and professional work over time.
The specific eligibility requirements are as follows:
Applicants should have documented coursework in behavioral and cognitive psychology during their graduate or postdoctoral training, which may be supplemented by postdoctoral continuing education activities.
Applicants must complete an acceptable internship program (e.g., an APA-accredited or APPIC-member internship) and either a one-year formal postdoctoral training experience predominantly in behavioral and cognitive psychology or two years of professional experience primarily in behavioral and cognitive psychology.
Documentation of relevant behavioral and cognitive psychology experience is demonstrated through supervised practice in behavioral and cognitive psychology. In some cases, supervision obtained outside of a formal doctoral program may be acceptable.
Because the practice of behavioral and cognitive psychology is multifaceted, applicants may apply—and be examined—in one or more of four areas of emphasis. These areas include: Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Therapy, Behavioral-Cognitive Therapy, and Cognitive Therapy. Although applicants may identify with one of these specific areas, they are expected to be conversant in broad-based behavioral and cognitive psychology..
The Board recognizes that not all experience will be exclusively in behavioral and cognitive psychology. However, applicants are expected to belong to, and identify with, one or more of the major professional organizations in behavioral and cognitive psychology.
We frequently receive feedback that the process of applying for board certification is thought-provoking and valuable, as it requires candidates to critically analyze their overall clinical framework using case examples. The oral examination is a collegial and stimulating discussion that allows candidates to demonstrate their fluency in applying current behavioral and cognitive science, theory, research, and practice to their professional activities.
The applicant first applies to the American Board of Professional Psychology for a credentials review.
- Once the applicant has met the generic and specialty eligibility requirements, they are accepted and invited to prepare and submit a practice sample based on their typical practice. Please refer to the Document Library for more detailed information. Mentoring is also available; please see the Specialty Board Officers page.
- Once the practice sample has been accepted by the Practice Sample Coordinator, the Examination Coordinator schedules the oral examination. The examination committee consists of three board-certified psychologists. The exam may take place at the annual convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies or at another location mutually convenient for the candidate and examiners.
Please click HERE to be redirected to the Certification Fees page.
Key benefits include:
- Professional recognition of expertise
- Potential salary increases (e.g., VA and DoD settings)
- Greater licensure mobility across states
- A stronger professional identity and referral base
- Reduced liability insurance costs
The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), of which the American Board of Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology (ABBCP) is a member board, has more than 60 years of experience certifying practitioners through competency-based assessment. Many other boards are not competency-based, and none has ABPP’s long history of fostering excellence. Some boards are multidisciplinary in nature and are not exclusively psychology-based.