For up-to-date information, you can find that information on our ABPP Directory website by searching only ABRP psychologist.
Between the additions of newly board-certified specialists in Rehabilitation Psychology, current specialists completing their annual attestations on a rolling basis, and some previously board-certified specialists retiring, this precise number is constantly changing. You can find up-to-date information on our ABPP Directory website under the “Find a Certified Provider” tab.
The doctoral degree program must have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the degree was granted. Click here for “general requirements.”
Precise “general requirements”for consideration for board eligibility vary somewhat based on when your doctoral degree was conferred. If your doctoral degree was conferred in 2018 or later, the doctoral degree program must have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the degree was granted.
If your doctoral degree was conferred before 2018, and your doctoral degree program was APA or CPA-accredited at the time, it is deemed acceptable.
If the doctoral degree program was listed in the Joint Designation Program listing of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) / National Register (NR), it is deemed acceptable.
All others must complete the ABPP Standards Committee Doctoral Degree Program Review Form and must have included at least one full-time academic year of residency or the equivalent. The ABPP Standards Committee will make the determination of acceptability of the degree program.
Yes, you can. You will be expected to demonstrate specialty knowledge and application of that knowledge in the 32 (nine foundational, 23 functional) competency areas as well as any of the four supplementary competency areas (research, supervision, teaching, management/administration) that you practice in. To use a metaphor, the population or populations that you see are simply your canvas. The demonstration of the competencies themselves in the actual paint. It is possible to obtain specialty board-certification in Rehabilitation Psychology even if your area of specialization in this field of practice is “laser focused” on one population.
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 oriented towards understanding disability and disabling conditions.
The short answer is No, you do not need to be a member of Division 22 or any other specific Division or organization to obtain specialty board-certification in Rehabilitation Psychology; however, elements of some of the required foundational competencies include demonstrating a commitment to Rehabilitation Psychology through participation in organization(s) that are oriented towards understanding disability and disabling conditions. This can be demonstrated through involvement in any number of local, state, or national organizations whose missions are consistent with such values.
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.
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.
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. There are, however, certain requirements regarding the accreditation status of the internship completed.
For internships completed in 2020 or later:
The internship program must have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time of completion of the internship.
Exceptions: Individuals who submit their initial application to ABPP before 2027 and complete their internship before 2026 will be considered if the internship was a member internship of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) or if the ABPP Standards Committee reviews the completed ABPP Standards Committee Internship Review Form and determines the internship to be acceptable.
For internships completed before 2020:
If the Internship program was APA or CPA-accredited, or was an APPIC member internship, it is deemed acceptable.
All others must complete the ABPP Standards Committee Internship Review Form. The ABPP Standards Committee will determine the acceptability of the internship.
As stated previously, clinical training is evaluated across graduate, internship, and postdoctoral (not just residency) settings and experiences. Multiple example Pathways for individuals to demonstrate the required Specialty Specific Requirements for eligibility for board certification in rehabilitation psychology are included in the ABRP Exam Manual found in the ABRP Document Library on the ABPP website.
Yes, you may solicit an endorsement from any professional who can attest to your Rehabilitation Psychology skills, expertise, and experience. However, please note that at least one endorser should be a psychologist who can specifically speak to your specialty knowledge in Rehabilitation Psychology.
Yes, you may solicit an endorsement from any professional who can attest to your Rehabilitation Psychology skills, expertise, and experience. However, please note that at least one endorser should be a psychologist who can specifically speak to your specialty knowledge in Rehabilitation Psychology.
No, rehabilitation psychologists practice in a variety of settings with a variety of populations. Your practice needs to be primarily the practice of Rehabilitation Psychology but not in any particular setting.
No. Rehabilitation psychologists practice in a variety of settings with a variety of populations. Your practice needs to be primarily the practice of Rehabilitation Psychology, but not in any particular setting per se.
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.
Yes, you may apply, as long as you are actively licensed to practice psychology; however, it is required that one portion of your practice sample be a clinical case that you have seen within the past five years.
All candidates must still demonstrate all required competencies in clinical skills relevant to the practice of rehabilitation psychology throughout both phases of the examination process (Practice Sample and Oral Examination). If you currently serve in other capacities (e.g., teaching, supervision, administration, research) also relevant to rehabilitation psychology, it is possible to devote one portion of your practice sample to discussing such efforts and how foundational and functional competencies are applied and demonstrated in this setting. An example of one such practice sample submission (Example Practice Sample #4) is available for review in the ABRP Document Library on the ABPP website. Careful discussion with your mentor (see below) about using non-clinical cases is recommended.
The total number of board-certified Rehabilitation Psychology specialists changes regularly due to new certifications, annual attestations, and retirements.
For the most current information, visit the ABPP Directory website under the “Find a Certified Provider” tab.
Eligibility requirements vary based on when your doctoral degree was awarded.
If your degree was awarded in 2018 or later:
- Your doctoral program must have been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the degree was conferred.
If your degree was awarded before 2018:
- Degrees from APA- or CPA-accredited programs are accepted.
- Degrees from programs listed in the Joint Designation Program of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards / National Register are also accepted.
All other programs:
- Applicants must complete the ABPP Standards Committee Doctoral Degree Program Review Form.
- Programs must include at least one full-time academic year of residency (or equivalent).
- Final determination of acceptability is made by the ABPP Standards Committee.
Yes. You can pursue board certification even if your practice focuses on a specific population.
Applicants must demonstrate specialty knowledge—and the ability to apply that knowledge—across 32 competency areas (9 foundational and 23 functional), as well as any relevant supplementary areas (research, supervision, teaching, or administration).
Think of your patient population as the canvas; your competencies are the paint. Board certification evaluates how you apply your skills—not the breadth of populations you serve.
No. You do not need to be a member of Division 22 or any other specific organization to obtain board certification in Rehabilitation Psychology.
However, some foundational competencies require demonstrating a commitment to the field. This is typically shown through involvement in organizations focused on disability and disabling conditions.
Participation in relevant local, state, or national organizations with aligned missions can fulfill this expectation.
The Specialty Board recognizes that key supervisors may be unavailable due to retirement, relocation, or death.
In these cases, the Board will work with applicants to identify alternative supervisors or other ways to document supervision (e.g., prior endorsements on file with state licensing boards).
However, applicants remain ultimately responsible for providing sufficient documentation of supervision.
Clinical Training Requirements
Clinical training is evaluated across graduate, internship, and postdoctoral settings. Your internship does not need to be exclusively focused on Rehabilitation Psychology; however, it must meet specific accreditation standards.
Internships Completed in 2020 or Later
- Must be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association(CPA) at the time of completion
Exception:
Applicants who:
- Submit their initial application to the American Board of Professional Psychology before 2027, and
- Completed their internship before 2026
may also qualify if:
- The internship was a member program of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers, or
- The ABPP Standards Committee approves the internship through the Internship Review For
Internships Completed Before 2020
- APA- or CPA-accredited internships are accepted
- APPIC member internships are also accepted
All other programs:
- Require completion of the ABPP Standards Committee Internship Review Form
- Final determination is made by the ABPP Standards Committee
Additional Guidance
Eligibility is based on your full training history, not just internship experience.
Multiple pathways for meeting Specialty-Specific Requirements are outlined in the ABRP Exam Manual, available in the ABRP Document Library on the ABPP website.
Yes. You may request an endorsement from any professional who can attest to your skills, expertise, and experience in Rehabilitation Psychology.
However, at least one endorser must be a psychologist who can specifically speak to your specialty knowledge in the field.
No. Rehabilitation psychologists work across a wide range of settings and populations.
Your practice must primarily involve Rehabilitation Psychology, but it does not need to occur in any specific setting.
Yes. You may apply as long as you hold an active license to practice psychology.
However, at least one portion of your practice sample must include a clinical case from within the past five years.
All candidates must demonstrate required competencies in clinical skills relevant to Rehabilitation Psychology across both phases of the examination process (Practice Sample and Oral Examination).
If your current role includes non-clinical activities (e.g., teaching, supervision, administration, or research), you may dedicate one portion of your practice sample to these areas, demonstrating how foundational and functional competencies are applied in that context.
An example (Practice Sample #4) is available in the ABRP Document Library on
the American Board of Professional Psychology website. Consultation with a mentor is strongly recommended when considering non-clinical samples.
Mentorship and Support
A mentor can help you navigate the Board Certification process, including understanding requirements and preparing your Practice Sample.
The Academy of Rehabilitation Psychology (ARP),
oversees the Mentoring Program. After your credentials are approved and you are invited to submit a Practice Sample, you may request a mentor through ARP.
Mentorship is optional but strongly recommended. Mentors—who are board-certified specialists—provide general guidance on the ABRP process and assist with practice sample selection and preparation.
To request a mentor, email rpmentorship@googlegroups.com. This information is also included in your approval letter once you meet both general and specialty-specific requirements.
Additional Support: Rehab Riff Raff
The Rehab Riff Raff is a peer-led study and accountability group for candidates pursuing board certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology.
- Offers support and accountability across both phases of the exam
- Not formally affiliated with ABRP or ARP
- Frequently recommended by newly board-certified specialists
For more information, contact riffraffrehab@gmail.com.
There is no written examination.
The American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology certification process includes two phases:
- Practice Sample submission
- Oral Examination
Senior Applicants (15+ Years Post-Licensure)
The American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology recognizes that experienced practitioners may face unique challenges in documenting earlier training.
Senior applicants are defined as psychologists who are 15 or more years post-licensure. This designation allows for flexibility in meeting certain credentialing requirements—particularly when original supervisors or mentors are no longer available.
For example:
- Standard endorsement requirements may be adapted
- Additional endorsements from colleagues, employers, or supervisors may be accepted
Clinical Practice Requirement
Board certification reflects clinical competence. All candidates—including senior applicants—must demonstrate current clinical skills.
- Applicants who work exclusively in administrative, management, or research roles may not be eligible
- Evidence of recent clinical work is required for certification
Practice Sample Requirements
- At least one portion must be clinically focused
- (direct patient care or supervision of care)
- The second portion may include other relevant work, such as:
- Program development
- Publications (articles, chapters, books)
- Teaching materials (e.g., syllabi)
- Consulting wor
- At least one portion must be clinically focused
Examination Process
The certification process is the same for all candidates:
- No separate “senior” certification or designation
- No separate exam pathway
- The Oral Examination is required and is equally rigorous for all applicants
Additional Notes
Senior applicants must still meet core American Board of Professional Psychology requirements (doctoral degree and independent licensure)
- Verification of supervision may be waived due to time since training
- Standard application timelines and procedures apply (see ABRP Exam Manual)
Absolutely not. Board certification does not require perfection or elite-level performance.
It is an added layer of consumer protection that demonstrates you possess the essential foundational and functional competencies in your field.
At its core, board certification reflects a commitment to competence, ongoing development, and lifelong learning—for the benefit of your patients and the profession.
No. Board certification does not require encyclopedic knowledge of the entire research literature or elite-level experience.
It is designed to assess core competence, not perfection. As the saying goes, “perfect is the enemy of good.”
Many successful candidates are early-career psychologists whose recent training provides a strong foundation for certification in rehabilitation psychology.
Yes. A variety of awards, grants, and scholarships are available to help offset the initial costs of board certification.
These opportunities are typically available after successful completion of the certification process. For more information, visit the Awards, Grants, and Scholarships section of the American Board of Professional Psychology website.