How to Become a Psychologist: Step by Step

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree. APA says “Most, but not all, psychology programs prefer or require significant undergraduate coursework in psychology, often the equivalent of a major or minor.”
2. Enter an accredited doctoral program. That means a PhD, a PsyD or, in a college of education, an EdD, in clinical, counseling or school psychology. See the doctorate in psychology guide and the national ranking of PsyD programs.
3. Complete practicum and internship. APA’s standards require that “The program must demonstrate that all students complete a 1-year full-time or 2-year part-time internship.” The APPIC internship guide covers the Match.
4. Gain supervised experience. BLS says that “Most psychologists need supervised experience to qualify for licensure, which may include an internship or postdoctoral training.”
5. Pass the licensing exam. The EPPP is the national exam; some states add their own law exam. See the EPPP guide.
6. Apply for a license. The state or territory board decides. The licensure guide sets out the rules in 33 states.

Most jurisdictions require a doctoral degree from an accredited program. ASPPB writes that “Most jurisdictions require graduation from an accredited program or a program that has been deemed equivalent.” It also endorses “graduation from an APA/CPA accredited program” as a minimum for doctoral-level licensure of health service providers.

APA suggests asking practice-focused programs about “the record of its graduates’ success in obtaining licensure, its graduates’ selection rates for advanced practice residencies,” as well as accreditation status. This site ranks the 117 APA-accredited PsyD programs on those measures and on cost and graduate earnings.

On entry, 98 of the 107 ranked programs whose own pages say who may apply accept applicants with a bachelor’s degree, and 9 ask for a master’s degree. On testing, 54 of the 62 ranked programs that state a GRE policy do not require the GRE (87%). The PsyD requirements guide has the detail.

APA’s standards set the length of the academic part: “a minimum of 3 full-time academic years of graduate study (or the equivalent thereof) plus an internship prior to receiving the doctoral degree.” ASPPB describes the sequence after the degree: “both countries require an academic program that includes a practicum, an internship, and graduation.” Depending on the jurisdiction, post-doctoral experience may or may not be required.

APA notes that “Most graduates of doctoral programs enter postdoctoral training,” a period of mentored training in research or in providing health services, before a first job or private practice. For the hours each state counts, see the licensure guide.

A master’s degree in psychology does not lead to the title in most places, though some boards allow supervised practice. APA is revising its model licensing act. Its Monitor on Psychology reports that “The 2026 revision includes the addition of licensure standards for master’s-level health service psychology providers, with a recommended title of ‘licensed practitioners of psychology.’ The term ‘psychologist’ will continue to be reserved for doctoral-level health service psychology (HSP) providers.” The revision is a proposal: “The Council will vote on the MLA revision in February 2027.” A state’s own law is what applies today.

BLS’s May 2025 estimates put the median annual wage for clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at $100,580, with the middle 50 percent earning between $73,210 and $135,200. School psychologists (SOC 19-3034) have a median of $95,990. The 10th and 90th percentile wages for clinical and counseling psychologists are $55,170 and $180,960; they are points in the pay distribution, not stages of a career.

The clinical and counseling psychologist salary page gives state figures. The school psychologist salary page covers the education route. BLS says “School psychologists also typically need a credential, such as a license or certification from their state’s board of education.”