Psychologist / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania Psychologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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

What the Pennsylvania data shows for Psychologists

Pennsylvania sets the entry bar for psychologists at 6,135 training hours and a passing score on EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology), with 2 years of supervised work experience expected. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Pennsylvania's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)".

The initial price tag is $327, and renewal costs $270 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.

On reciprocity, psychologists should know: PSYPACT: 42 participating jurisdictions.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
11/100
Psychologist · Pennsylvania

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
6,135 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$327
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$135/yr
$270 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 Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)
6,135 hours
Exam Requirement
EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)
Required
Initial License Fee
$327
Renewal Fee
$270
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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Psychologist in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania's requirements cover 6135 hours of education or training, the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) exam, and an initial fee of $327. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Psychologist in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania licenses psychologists who complete its requirements (6135 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Can I transfer my Psychologist license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
Psychologist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: PSYPACT: 42 participating jurisdictions. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Pennsylvania licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Psychologist licensing? ▼
Yes, Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania? ▼
To stay licensed as a psychologist in Pennsylvania, plan on 40 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $270.

Related Guides

What to do with this psychologist license

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

  • See how Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Pennsylvania overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Pennsylvania 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.