Psychologist / Massachusetts
2026 data Massachusetts board official source

Massachusetts Psychologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Diagnoses and treats mental and behavioral disorders. Requires doctoral degree.

What the Massachusetts data shows for Psychologists

Massachusetts's path to psychologist licensure runs through 6,270 hours of approved instruction, 2 years of supervised work experience, and a passing score on EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Massachusetts folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)".

The initial price tag is $354, and renewal costs $291 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 40 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: PSYPACT: 42 participating jurisdictions.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
11/100
Psychologist · Massachusetts

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
6,270 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$354
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$146/yr
$291 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
20.0 hrs/yr
40 hours every 2 years
Experience Required F
2 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)
6,270 hours
Exam Requirement
EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)
Required
Initial License Fee
$354
Renewal Fee
$291
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
40 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Psychologist All Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Psychologist in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts's requirements cover 6270 hours of education or training, the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) exam, and an initial fee of $354. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Psychologist in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts licenses psychologists who complete its requirements (6270 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Massachusetts licensing board.
Can I transfer my Psychologist license to Massachusetts from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for psychologists: PSYPACT: 42 participating jurisdictions. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Massachusetts licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Massachusetts require a background check for Psychologist licensing? ▼
Yes, Massachusetts requires a criminal background check as part of the psychologist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Psychologist in Massachusetts? ▼
Licensed psychologists in Massachusetts must complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $291.

Related Guides

What to do with this psychologist license

Psychologist in Massachusetts, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a psychologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Massachusetts's psychologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Psychologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state psychologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Massachusetts's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Massachusetts overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Massachusetts licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.