Psychologist / West Virginia
2026 data West Virginia board official source

West Virginia 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 West Virginia data shows for Psychologists

West Virginia's path to psychologist licensure runs through 5,568 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. West Virginia 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 $214, and renewal costs $185 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
16/100
Psychologist · West 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
5,568 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$214
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$93/yr
$185 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 West Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)
5,568 hours
Exam Requirement
EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)
Required
Initial License Fee
$214
Renewal Fee
$185
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 West Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with West Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Psychologist in West Virginia? ▼
West Virginia requires 5568 education/training hours, passing an exam (EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)), and an initial fee of $214. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Psychologist in West Virginia? ▼
To become a licensed psychologist in West Virginia, you must meet the state's requirements including 5568 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the West Virginia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Psychologist license to West Virginia 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 West Virginia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does West Virginia require a background check for Psychologist licensing? ▼
Yes, West 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 West Virginia? ▼
Licensed psychologists in West Virginia must complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $185.

Related Guides

What to do with this psychologist license

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

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

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