Professional psychologists interested in becoming certified in group psychology may wonder what the process involves. Although the time commitment required for board certification is not excessive, it does require demonstrable expertise and effort. Therefore, this section provides frequently asked questions (FAQs) and a list of academy members who are available to discuss any questions you may have during the certification process.
Many professional psychologists interested in group certification believe they must have completed a postdoctoral fellowship in group psychology or have many years of experience to qualify. This is not necessarily the case. Candidates need only have supervised experience and, in some cases, may supplement that experience with workshops in group treatment to qualify. Please refer to the ABGP Manual in the Document Library for more detailed information.
In brief, candidates generally need two to three years of supervised group experience, which may include one year at the predoctoral level. If a candidate has completed a group psychology postdoctoral program, only one additional year is required. However, if a candidate has not completed such a program, they may provide documentation of two years of postdoctoral experience, provided that a portion is group-related and includes adequate face-to-face supervision.
Step 1: Apply to ABPP
The applicant first applies to the American Board of Professional Psychology for a credentials review. The generic eligibility requirements are as follows:
- A doctoral degree from a program in professional psychology that, at the time the degree was granted, was accredited by the American Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), or listed in Doctoral Psychology Programs Meeting Designation Criteria;
- Applicants credentialed in the most recent directory of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, or holding the Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology (CPQ) from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) also qualify as meeting the doctoral degree requirement;
- Licensure or certification: All ABPP candidates in the United States, its territories, or Canada must be licensed as psychologists for independent practice in a jurisdiction within those regions.
Note: Limited exceptions apply for doctoral preparation completed before 1983, degrees granted outside the United States or Canada, formal retraining, and substantial equivalents to accreditation requirements. Exception criteria and procedures are available from the Central Office.
Step 2: Submit Practice Materials
When the applicant has met the generic eligibility requirements, they are accepted as a candidate and invited to prepare and submit a practice sample and professional statement. These materials should reflect the candidate’s typical practice. Please refer to the Document Library for more detailed information.
Step 2: Submit Practice Materials
Once the practice sample has been accepted by the Examination Coordinator, an oral examination is scheduled. The examination committee consists of three board-certified psychologists, two of whom specialize in group practice. The examination may take place at the annual meeting of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, the annual meeting of the APA, or at another time and location mutually convenient for the candidate and examination committee.
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Please refer to the Specialty Board Officers page for more detailed information.