The role of a Child Psychologist involves applying psychological principles to the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of children and adolescents. Professionals assess, diagnose, and treat developmental issues, mental health disorders, and behavioral challenges that manifest during childhood. Attaining licensure to practice independently in California requires a rigorous, multi-year process governed by the state’s Board of Psychology. The pathway involves meeting stringent educational, experiential, and examination standards, which are comprehensive. This guide details the specific requirements mandated by the state to become a licensed psychologist.
The Required Educational Path to Becoming a Psychologist
The foundation for a career in psychology begins with the completion of a doctoral degree, which is the minimum educational requirement for licensure in California. Aspiring psychologists pursue one of three types of doctoral degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), or the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). The Ph.D. is typically a research-intensive degree, preparing graduates for academic positions, while the Psy.D. is generally a practice-focused degree that emphasizes clinical application and intervention.
The Ed.D. is also a possibility, provided the program includes a specialization in psychology. Regardless of the degree type, the program must be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or meet the specific criteria for equivalent programs established by the California Board of Psychology (BPC § 2914(b)).
Beyond the general degree, California mandates the completion of specific pre-licensure coursework. This required academic training includes a minimum of 10 hours in human sexuality and 7 hours in child abuse assessment and reporting (CCR §§ 1382, 1382.4). Further specialized instruction is necessary, including a minimum of 15 hours dedicated to the detection and treatment of alcoholism and other chemical substance dependency issues (BPC § 2914(e)). Additionally, specific coursework addressing spousal or partner abuse, as well as aging and long-term care, must be completed (BPC §§ 2915.4, 2915.5).
Gaining Pre-Doctoral Supervised Professional Experience
Accumulating supervised professional experience (SPE) is an integral step in the licensing process, serving to integrate academic knowledge with practical clinical skills. The California Board of Psychology requires a total of 3,000 hours of SPE, and up to 1,500 of those hours can be accrued before the doctoral degree is officially conferred. This pre-doctoral experience often takes place during the doctoral program in the form of a supervised internship or residency.
The experience must be a planned, structured program designed to build the trainee’s competencies for the independent practice of psychology. For these hours to be credited toward licensure, they must be supervised by a licensed psychologist and meticulously documented.
Strict regulations dictate the nature of the supervision. Trainees must receive supervision for 10% of the total time worked each week, including at least one hour of face-to-face, direct, individual time with the primary supervisor. The maximum number of hours credited toward the requirement is limited to 44 hours per week. Trainees should ensure their placement is an organized clinical training experience and not clerical or custodial work.
Completing Post-Doctoral Requirements
The remaining 1,500 hours of the total 3,000-hour requirement must be completed after the doctoral degree has been awarded. This post-doctoral period represents a transition to advanced clinical practice and specialization, often focusing on the child psychology setting. The experience must be completed within a 30-consecutive month period following the degree conferral.
This phase allows the newly graduated professional to refine their assessment, intervention, and consultation skills under continued mentorship. The experience is typically obtained through a formal post-doctoral fellowship or while working as a Registered Psychological Associate. The supervision requirements remain consistent with the pre-doctoral phase, requiring 10% of the total time worked to be supervised.
Documentation must be rigorous, with the primary supervisor submitting verification of the accrued hours directly to the Board of Psychology. Successfully completing these hours is the final experiential hurdle before eligibility for the licensing examination.
Passing the Required Licensing Examinations
Two distinct examinations must be successfully passed to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and competence for licensure in California. The first is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a national standardized test administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). This extensive examination assesses a broad range of psychological knowledge and skills relevant to professional practice.
Eligibility to sit for the EPPP is granted after the doctoral degree is completed and the applicant has accrued at least 1,500 hours of qualifying supervised professional experience. The Board of Psychology requires a minimum scaled score of 500 on the EPPP to pass. Passing the EPPP is a necessary precursor to taking the second, state-specific examination.
The second required test is the California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination (CPLEE). This exam focuses specifically on the legal and ethical standards for practice within the state, testing knowledge of California laws, federal laws like HIPAA, and the APA’s Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct. The CPLEE is typically taken only after the EPPP has been passed and all 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience have been fully completed and verified.
Navigating the California Board of Psychology Application Process
The final stage of the process involves administrative review by the California Board of Psychology (BOP). Applicants must submit a comprehensive application packet, which includes the Application for Licensure as a Psychologist and payment of the required application fee. Any deficiency in the submission packet can significantly delay the review timeline.
A central component of the application is the official verification of all educational and experiential requirements. Applicants must arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from their doctoral institution to the Board. Furthermore, the Board requires verification of the total 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, with each primary supervisor submitting signed Verification of Experience forms.
All applicants are required to undergo a criminal history background check, initiated by submitting fingerprints via the Live Scan process. This electronic submission is sent to both the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Board typically processes applications within four to six weeks and will issue a notification of approval to take the exams or a request for additional information if the application is incomplete.
Maintaining Your License and Planning Your Career
Upon successful completion of all requirements and administrative review, the Board of Psychology will issue the license, marking the beginning of independent practice. License renewal is required every two years, and the professional must meet continuing education requirements to maintain an active license. California mandates that licensed psychologists complete 36 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) during each two-year renewal cycle.
Specific mandatory training is included in this requirement:
A minimum of four hours in laws and ethics.
Four hours in cultural diversity and/or social justice (as of January 1, 2024).
Once licensed, a Child Psychologist can pursue a variety of career settings, including private practice, community mental health centers, pediatric hospitals, or school-based mental health programs. The specialization offers a path to providing specialized care across diverse institutional and clinical environments.