A temporary license allows out-of-state active licensed, certified, or registered psychologists or psychological associate practice for a limited time and purpose. Applicants granted a temporary license authorizing the delivery of psychological services for no more than 30 days during the course of a year.
The requirements for obtaining a temporary license are set forth in 22 TAC 463.12. Generally, these requirements include:
- Submit a completed application for temporary licensure;
- Pay the application fee;
- Submit verification of licensure in good standing from a jurisdiction that has substantially equivalent licensing requirements to Texas;
- Identify sponsorship by Texas licensed psychologist; and
- Provide documentation that the applicant has passed the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology at the Texas cut-off for the type of temporary license sought.
Substantial Equivalency of Licensing Requirements
Applicants must submit proof that the licensing requirements of their home jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to Texas’ requirements, including:
- a doctoral degree in psychology
- a cutoff score of at least 70% on the EPPP
- two years, or a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised experience under a licensed psychologist
The meeting of these requirements may be documented by the applicant providing a copy of the other jurisdiction’s regulations with the pertinent sections highlighted to indicate training and exam requirements for a particular type of license.
Sponsorship by Texas Licensed Psychologist
Texas law requires that a temporary license holder have a Texas psychologist “supervisor” in order to be granted temporary licensure. For the purposes of temporary licensure and as defined in 22 TAC 463.12(d), this should be understood as requiring a “sponsor” as there is no supervisory responsibility for the psychologist sponsor. Texas requires a supervisor/sponsor with whom you may consult if you feel it is necessary. If you are not acquainted with any Texas psychologists, you can conduct an online search for actively licensed psychologists by city or county via the Council’s website at www.bhec.texas.gov/verify-a-license.
After Temporary License is Granted
Temporary license holder is required to keep track of dates and description of psychological services provided. See application checklist for examples. Upon utilization of the full thirty (30) days or the expiration of one year from the date of licensure, whichever occurs first, the temporary license shall expire.
- You may submit a log with the dates psychological services were delivered in the State of Texas by email to psychology@bhec.texas.gov.
An applicant for permanent licensure in this state is not eligible for temporary licensure. Upon receipt of an application for permanent licensure by a temporary license holder, any temporary license held by an applicant shall expire without further action or notice by the Council.
A temporary license holder may not receive another temporary license until the expiration of one year from the date of issuance of their last temporary license, regardless of whether that license is active or expired.
Key Forms and Guidelines:
You can find other helpful information for applying for a psychology license on our How To User Guides webpage or the Board’s Forms and Publications webpage.
When you are ready to apply, click on “Apply for a License” on the top left menu to learn about the Council’s online licensing application system and timelines.
