Requirements
The requirements for obtaining licensure as a psychological associate are set forth in 22 TAC 463.8. Generally, these requirements include:
- a graduate degree in psychology, consisting of at least sixty (60) semester credit hours, with no more than twelve (12) hours of practicum, internship, or structured experience counted toward the total degree hour requirement
Request your school(s) email an official transcript(s), showing qualifying degree was conferred, to transcripts@bhec.texas.gov. Alternatively, staff may accept an official transcript mailed to BHEC, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701, as long as the transcript is still in an unopened envelope sealed by the school.
- demonstrate proof of graduate level coursework required in 463.8(a)(4) by identifying courses/training listed on the applicant’s transcript
- Six (6) semester credit hours of practicum, internship, or other structured experience within the graduate degree program, while under the supervision of a licensed psychologist
- passage of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
- passage of the Jurisprudence Examination
- A certified self-query from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)
- A fingerprint background check
- Verification of any psychology license in another jurisdiction.
The following are requirements for independent practice authority for licensed psychological associates:
- A minimum of 3,000 hours of post-graduate degree supervised experience obtained within 24-48 consecutive months, and in not more than three placements; and
- Application for independent practice authority to the Board.
National Practitioner Data Bank Self-Query Report
Visit https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/pract/selfQueryBasics.jsp for instructions on how to obtain a Self-Query Report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). You may submit the results several ways:
- The NPDB may email to you a certified self-query report in PDF. Do not alter the PDF. You may upload the certified report PDF when you complete your online application for license.
- OR after your online application has been submitted, you may forward the emailed, certified NPDB self-query report PDF to NPDB@bhec.texas.gov.
- OR the NPDB will mail the self-query report to you. Mail the NPDB self-query report to the Texas Board so it is still in the unopened envelope sealed by NPDB. Mail to BHEC PSY, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701.
Fingerprinting Process
After the Council’s Online System confirms your application submission, the system will generate an email message with a link to instructions on how to submit your fingerprints for the statutorily required fingerprint-based background check. See our Fingerprint Information webpage for more information.
Key Forms and Publications
- Psychological Associate Application Checklist
- Supervised Experience Documentation Form (Psychological Associate)
- Coursework Identification Form (LPA)
- LPA Independent Practice Authority, Application for
- Brochure Required for Licensed Psychological Associates Practicing Independently
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.
