Psychologist Licensing

Qualifications for license:

The board shall issue a license as a psychologist to an applicant who:

1. Has a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited university or professional school of psychology, or is recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada as a member in good standing;
2. Has passed any examination specified by the board for this purpose;
3. Has had a supervised psychology internship amounting to not less than one thousand eight hundred hours in duration over a period of not more than two consecutive calendar years. The board shall specify, by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26, the nature of an acceptable supervised psychology internship;
4. Has had one year of supervised postdoctoral psychology practice. The board shall specify, by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26, the nature of an acceptable postdoctoral year of supervised psychology practice; and
5. Has not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude as defined in subdivision 22-1-2(25).

What is the procedure for licensure?

1. The completed application form, cover letter, official college transcripts sent direct from the institution, supporting materials, and fees must be sent to the Board office. (Fees are made payable to the "South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists”).
2. The Board office will authorize the applicant to take the appropriate examination upon receipt of a completed application file approved by the Board’s education review officer.   The applicant will be notified via email or written correspondence.  Please contact ASPPB for locations of national testing centers and hours of operation.
3. The applicant must complete the following; pass the EPPP, pass the oral examination before the Board and complete the post-doctoral psychological experience before issuance of a license.
4. Application fees will not be refunded if the applicant does not meet Board approval.

What is the exam like?
The EPPP is a national examination developed by ASPPB.  South Dakota does not currently require the EPPP part II.

What are the requirements for renewal of licensure?
All licenses issued by the Board are issued through the 30th day of June annually. License renewal requires:

1. Complete the renewal application stating the applicants desire to be relicensed.
2. Pay the renewal fee.
3. Provide copies of certificates of successful completion of fifteen contact hours taken within the previous licensure period.