How to Guide: Psychologist

How To Apply

If you would like to apply for a professional license as a psychologist, it is required that you file an application with the Secretary of State. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guides below. Psychologist licenses expire every two years on December 31st of even numbered years.

  • Licensure requires signatures across all forms along with an application fee. Some forms require notarizing. See specific instructions below for these instructions.
  • Please keep a copy of everything you submit to the board.
  • The Georgia Board will only review completed applications.
  • Renewal is completed online and is required on or just before December 31st of Even numbered years. Late renewal period is January 1st – 31st of Odd numbered years.  

Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply: 

After you Apply – What to Expect

  • Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
    • If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
    • Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
    • Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
  • Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
    • Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
    • Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
  • Check Application Status >>

Disability Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.  

Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form>>

Veteran’s Preference Points

Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. Download program information>>

  • If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference Points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>

Psychologist Licensure by Examination

If you have never been licensed before and have never taken and passed the required national licensure examination, and you meet all the requirements for licensure as a Psychologist...

If you have never been licensed before and have never taken and passed the required national licensure examination, and you meet all the requirements for licensure as a Psychologist.

The following is a checklist of documents required for this application: 

The submission of the above application, fee, background check registration and supporting documents only registers you with the Georgia Board of Examiners of Psychologists (the “Board”). The Board teamed with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) for the complete processing of their applications for licensure by Examination and Endorsement.  

All additional required forms and supporting documents will be provided by ASPPB through this online application process. All required additional checklist items applicants will see on their online status account with the Board will be checked off by staff upon receipt of the completed ASPPB PLUS Application. 

Psychologist Licensure by Exam Waiver

If you have never been licensed before and have taken and passed the required national licensure examination, and you meet all the requirements for licensure as a Psychologist...

If you have never been licensed before and have taken and passed the required national licensure examination, and you meet all the requirements for licensure as a Psychologist, choose the option for licensure by Exam Waiver on the application form.

The following is a checklist of required documents for this application: 

The submission of the above application, fee, background check registration and supporting documents only registers you with the Georgia Board of Examiners of Psychologists (the “Board”). The Board has teamed with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) for the complete processing of their applications for licensure by Examination, Exam Waiver and Endorsement. 

All additional required forms and supporting documents will be provided by ASPPB through this online application process. All required additional checklist items applicants will see on their online status account with the Board will be checked off by staff upon receipt of the completed ASPPB PLUS Application. 

Psychologist by Endorsement

If you hold a current, unencumbered Psychologist license in another state or jurisdiction and you meet all the requirements for licensure.

If you hold a current, unencumbered Psychologist license in another state or jurisdiction and you meet all the requirements for licensure.

The following is a checklist of documents required for this application: 

The submission of the above application, fee, background check registration and supporting documents only registers you with the Georgia Board of Examiners of Psychologists (the “Board”). The Board teamed with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) for the complete processing of their applications for licensure by Examination and Endorsement.  

All additional required forms and supporting documents will be provided by ASPPB through this online application process. All required additional checklist items applicants will see on their online status account with the Board will be checked off by staff upon receipt of the completed ASPPB PLUS Application. 

Temporary Permit

If you desire a Temporary Permit to practice psychology in Georgia while you go through the process to obtain the full two-year renewable psychologist license...

Available Only to applicants for licensure by Endorsement and CPQ in Georgia as a psychologist.  

If you desire a Temporary Permit to practice psychology in Georgia while you go through the process to obtain the full two-year renewable psychologist license - on the Application Initiation, you will check the Temporary license option in addition to the option for licensure by Endorsement or CPQ. The Temporary Permit cannot be applied for as a stand-alone license; you must apply for both a license by Endorsement or CPQ and a Temporary Permit. One application, separate fees for each. 

The following is a checklist of documents required for this application: 

The submission of the above application, fee, background check registration and supporting documents only registers you with the Georgia Board of Examiners of Psychologists (the “Board”). The Board teamed with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) for the complete processing of their applications for licensure by Examination and Endorsement.  

All additional required forms and supporting documents will be provided by ASPPB through this online application process. All required additional checklist items applicants will see on their online status account with the Board will be checked off by staff upon receipt of the completed ASPPB PLUS or CPQ Application. 

Provisional Permit

If you desire a Provisional Permit to practice psychology in Georgia while you go through your post-doctoral supervised work experience and the process to obtain the full two-year renewable psychologist license.

Available Only to applicants for licensure by Examination in Georgia as a psychologist.  

If you desire a Provisional Permit to practice psychology in Georgia while you go through your post-doctoral supervised work experience and the process to obtain the full two-year renewable psychologist license - on the Application Initiation you will check the Provisional license option in addition to the option for licensure by Examination. The Provisional Permit cannot be applied for as a stand-alone license, you must apply for both a license by Examination and a Provisional Permit together. One application, separate fees for each. 

The following is a checklist of required documents for this application: 

The submission of the above application, fee, background check registration and supporting documents only registers you with the Georgia Board of Examiners of Psychologists (the “Board”). The Board teamed with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) for the complete processing of their applications for licensure by Examination and Endorsement.  

All additional required forms and supporting documents will be provided by ASPPB through this online application process. All required additional checklist items applicants will see on their online status account with the Board will be checked off by staff upon receipt of the completed ASPPB PLUS Application. 

Psychologist by CPQ Designation

A person who holds the Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ) issued by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).

A person who holds the Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ) issued by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) will be deemed by the Board as having met all requirements for licensure in Georgia provided certain additional conditions are met. The CPQ application is processed by the Board administrative staff and reviewed by the full Board. Applicants are not required to complete the ASPPB PLUS Application process. However, the jurisprudence and oral exam are required. 

The following is a checklist of documents required for this application: 

Volunteer Psychologist

A Volunteer Service Psychologist license may be granted to persons who are retired from the practice of psychology or who have a current, unencumbered active license in another US state.

A Volunteer Service Psychologist license may be granted to persons who are retired from the practice of psychology or who have a current, unencumbered active license in another US state. 

The following is a checklist of documents required for this application:

Reinstatement

If you have previously held this license and it has lapsed, expired, or is revoked, you may apply for Reinstatement of the license.

If you have previously held this license and it has lapsed, expired, or is revoked, you may apply for Reinstatement of the license. Reinstatement is at the sole discretion of the Board. 

The following is a checklist of documents required for this application: 

Inactive Status

If you hold a current, unencumbered Psychologist license and do not intend to practice in Georgia and therefore do not intend to use the title Licensed Psychologist.

If you hold a current, unencumbered Psychologist license and do not intend to practice in Georgia and therefore do not intend to use the title Licensed Psychologist, you may request the license be placed in “Inactive” status by following the instructions below.  

The following is a checklist of documents required for this application: 

Reactivation Of An Inactive Status License

If you have previously requested your professional psychologist license, be placed in inactive status and would like to reactivate your license.

If you have previously requested your professional psychologist license, be placed in inactive status and would like to reactivate your license, submit the Application for Reactivation of Inactive Status license, fee, and all supporting documents. Please refer to Board rule 510-7-.03.

The following is a checklist of documents required for this application: 

Licensure Renewal

Psychologist licenses expire every two years on December 31st of even numbered years.

Psychologist licenses expire every two years on December 31st of even numbered years. Licenses must be renewed online.

Fees

  • Submit a completed application along with the non-refundable renewal application fee of $250. 
  • To avoid a late renewal penalty fee, be sure to renew before December 31st of even numbered years. The late renewal period is January 1st – 31st of odd numbered years. After January 31st of odd numbered years the license must be reinstated.
  • Late renewal period non-refundable renewal and penalty fee is $375. 
  • View the current fee schedule >>
  • To avoid a late renewal penalty fee, be sure to renew before December 31st of even numbered years. The late renewal period is January 1st – 31st of odd numbered years. After January 31st of odd numbered years the license must be reinstated. 

How to File

  • To process your renewal, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
  • After completing the online renewal application, unless selected for the CE Audit, CHECK your license expiration date online to ensure the renewal was completed. If you were selected for a CE Audit, please make sure to follow the instructions to submit all required audit documentation. 

Contact Georgia Board of Psychology