Psychologist / Virginia
2026 data Virginia board official source

Virginia Psychologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the Virginia data shows for Psychologists

Virginia's path to psychologist licensure runs through 5,811 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. Virginia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)".

Upfront cost is $262, with renewal running $222 on a 2-year cycle. 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
14/100
Psychologist · Virginia

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
5,811 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$262
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$111/yr
$222 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 Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)
5,811 hours
Exam Requirement
EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)
Required
Initial License Fee
$262
Renewal Fee
$222
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 Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Psychologist in Virginia? ▼
Virginia's requirements cover 5811 hours of education or training, the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) exam, and an initial fee of $262. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Psychologist in Virginia? ▼
Certification as a psychologist in Virginia means clearing the state's checklist: 5811 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Virginia licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Psychologist license to Virginia 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 Virginia licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Virginia require a background check for Psychologist licensing? ▼
Yes, Virginia 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 Virginia? ▼
Licensed psychologists in Virginia must complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $222.

Related Guides

What to do with this psychologist license

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

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

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