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California licenses Psychologists through the California Board of Psychology. Licensure for independent practice generally requires a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) from an accredited program, a period of supervised professional experience, and a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Verify current licensing, PSYPACT, supervised-experience, renewal, and continuing-education requirements directly with the California Board of Psychology.
Doctoral degree (PhD/PsyD/EdD) in psychology from an accredited institution meeting the Board's requirements, plus required pre-licensure coursework (reportedly including human sexuality, chemical dependency, child abuse assessment, spousal/partner abuse, aging and long-term care, and suicide risk assessment). Verify current requirements with the California Board of Psychology.
Applicants must pass the EPPP (ASPPB) and the California Psychology Laws and Ethics Examination (CPLEE). Verify current exam requirements and passing scores with the California Board of Psychology.
Reportedly 3,000 total hours of supervised professional experience, with at least 1,500 hours completed after the doctoral degree (the doctoral program may supply up to 1,500 hours). Verify current supervised-experience requirements with the California Board of Psychology.
The state has not enacted PSYPACT. Psychologists must hold a license issued by this state to practice here, and an E.Passport or PSYPACT authority held elsewhere does not authorize practice in this state.
California has not enacted PSYPACT; PSYPACT-enabling legislation (AB 2051) introduced in the 2023-2024 session did not advance, and California is not listed as a member or pending state on psypact.gov as of this review. Verify current PSYPACT status with the California Board of Psychology and psypact.gov.
License portability may be available by endorsement/reciprocity, through ASPPB credentialing (e.g., the CPQ or Certificate of Professional Qualification), and — for cross-state telepsychology — through PSYPACT where the state participates. Verify endorsement eligibility and compact participation with the California Board of Psychology.
Telepsychology practice is governed by state law and board rules; in PSYPACT states, an E.Passport authorizes telepsychology into other PSYPACT states. Verify current telehealth requirements with the California Board of Psychology.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal, licensing, or employment advice. Psychologist licensing laws, board rules, doctoral education and examination requirements, PSYPACT participation, supervised-experience rules, and renewal/continuing-education requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the official state board of psychology.