Psychology FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions related to the Georgia Board of Psychology
The Post-Doctoral Supervised Work Experience (henceforth PDSWE). If completed and required to be verified, can be included with the completed ASPPB PLUS Application submitted to the Board. ASPPB uses attestation forms to verify the experience. The Board’s Form G is acceptable for verification of a PDSWE.
The Board will review the proposed PDSWE at the same time the completed application is reviewed. The Board reserves the right to disallow all or part of the PDSWE.
No. With the exception of international and industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology applicants, all applicants by examination are required to have doctoral degrees from programs that were accredited by APA at the time the degree was conferred. All applicants by endorsement must be currently licensed psychologists, with unencumbered licensure status, in another state or jurisdiction in which the standards for licensure are substantially equal to or greater than those of Georgia. Additionally, all applicants (except I/O and international applicants) must have met all the core course requirements of the APA Commission on Accreditation as well as meet the residency requirements as defined in Board Rule 510-2-.04.
I/O applicants who have either graduated from an I/O Psychology program which is listed in the Designated Doctoral Programs in Psychology published by ASPPB and the National Register, or who submit documentation showing they meet 15 of the 25 competencies set forth in Guidelines For Education and Training At the Doctoral Level In Industrial/Organizational Psychology (available at www.apa.org Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Division 14, 1999) will be deemed to have met the educational requirements. International applicants are considered on a case by case basis. See Board Rule 510-2-.04.
This information can be found on the How To Guide: Psychologist page.
The Georgia Psychology Jurisprudence Exam is a computer based exam designed to assure that Georgia licensees possess knowledge at a level which will allow them to practice in a manner consistent with the Laws and Rules of Georgia applicable to the practice of Psychology. The exam consists of a timed, closed-book, multiple-choice examination covering current law, rules and regulations, and general provisions. After an individual’s application has been approved by the Board to take the exams, applicants will receive correspondence via e-mail from the Board on how to register for the exams through the vendor administering the exam for the Board. The ASPPB national licensure exams, the EPPP Part 1 (Knowledge) and Part 2 (Skills), must be taken and passed first. Then an applicant will be contacted by the administrating vendor for the Georgia Jurisprudence exam and may then register and sit for the exam on a date and time of their choice. Refer to Board rule 510-2 Licensure by Examination.
More information on the Jurisprudence Exam can be found on the Psychology Jurisprudence Exam bulletin.
No. In accordance with policies of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), an applicant must have completed all the doctoral requirements including the internship before he or she is eligible to take the Examinations for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Part s 1 & 2. If the two-part EPPP Exam (Part 1 Knowledge and Part 2 Skills) is taken at the master’s level, it will not be accepted by the Board, and will have to be retaken at the doctorate level. See Board rule 510-2-.01(1)(f).
Yes. See Board Rule 510-5-.04 Maintenance and Retention of Records, which includes the following requirements:
1) Records include information that may be used to document the nature, delivery, progress, and results of psychological services. The psychologist who renders professional services shall maintain records that include the following:
(a) Records of psychological services include:
- identifying data (e.g., name, client ID number)
- contact information (e.g., phone number, address, emergency contact)
- fees and billing information
- where appropriate, guardianship or conservatorship status
- documentation of informed consent or assent for treatment (Ethics Code 3.10)
- documentation of waivers of confidentiality and authorization or consent for release of information (Ethics Code 4.05)
- documentation of any mandated disclosure of confidential information (e.g., report of child abuse, release secondary to a court order)
- complaint, diagnosis, or basis for request for services
- plan for services, updated as appropriate (e.g., treatment plan, supervision plan, intervention schedule, community interventions, consultation contracts)
- relevant health and developmental history
- date of service and duration of session
- types of services (e.g., consultation, assessment, treatment, training)
- nature of professional intervention or contact (e.g., type of treatment, referral, letters, e-mail, phone contacts)
- formal or informal assessment of client status
2. Psychologists are aware of relevant federal state and local laws and regulations governing records. Laws and regulations supersede requirement of these rules. In the absence of such laws and regulations, complete records are maintained for a minimum of seven years after the last date of service delivery for adults. If the client is a minor, the record period is extended until three years after the age of majority.
3. The psychologist shall store and dispose of written, electronic, and other records of patients and clients in such a manner as to ensure their confidentiality.” See section 510-5-.04.
Yes. A license for Volunteer Service may be issued by the board through a Board Consent Order and may be granted to persons who are retired from the practice of psychology or have an inactive license, who are not currently engaged in the practice of psychology either full time or part time, and who have, prior to retirement or attaining inactive status, maintained full licensure in psychology in good standing. This license by consent order allows the practice of psychology only in the non-compensated employ of public agencies or institutions, not for profit agencies, not for profit institutions, nonprofit corporations, or not for profit associations providing services to indigent patients in areas which are under-served or are in critical need population areas of the state and will not receive compensation for the services of the psychologist. Examinations by the psychology board, application fees, and all licensure and renewal fees will be waived. See Board Rule 510-9-.04 for the requirements necessary to apply for this license.
Yes. The Board can grant Permission for Limited Practice. An individual licensed to practice psychology at the doctoral level in another jurisdiction may practice psychology in Georgia without applying for a Georgia license, so long as the following requirements are met:
(1) The individual holds an Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC) issued by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and at least 5 days before the intended practice submits an IPC attestation form and ASPPB verifies the IPC certificate is current and valid, or
(2) at least 5 days before the intended practice, the individual notifies the Board of his or her intent to practice in Georgia with dates, address, and nature of intended practice and the individual submits a verification form from their jurisdiction of licensure indicating no history of disciplinary action.
-The psychologist must limit his/her practice in Georgia to a maximum of 30 days per calendar year (a day being defined as any part of a day where psychological work is performed). This permission for limited practice only applies to individuals who are currently not seeking licensure in Georgia. See Board Rule 510-9-.03.
-The Board will notify the requesting psychologist by e-mail (preferred) or USPS mail service of the granting of the approval, or not, so please submit requests in enough time to allow for staff processing and presentation to the Board.
Yes. For more information on PSYPACT, check out the ASPPB PSYPACT website.
For a directory of Psychologists approved to practice telepsychology and/or practice temporarily visit the ASPPB/PSYPACT Commission, webpages.
First, it is perfectly fine to ask your therapist about his or her credentials and if he or she is a licensed psychologist. You can also access this information at the Search for a Professional Licensee website by entering an individual’s name, following the directions on this website. It is illegal for a person to misrepresent himself or herself as a psychologist who treats clients if he or she is not licensed. All licensed psychologists are listed in the verification file.
Psychological testing is defined, by law as administering, and interpreting tests of mental abilities, aptitudes, interests, and personality characteristics for such purposes as psychological classification or evaluation, or for education or vocational placement, or for such purposes as psychological counseling, guidance, or readjustment. It is further defined as the use of assessment instruments that measure mental abilities, personality characteristics, or neuropsychological functioning to diagnose, render opinions, treat, classify, or evaluate mental and nervous disorders and illnesses including organic brain disorders and brain damage. Only licensed psychologists are permitted by law to conduct psychological testing. Licensed psychologists may employ appropriately trained people to administer and score psychological tests, but the licensed psychologist is the one who is ultimately responsible for the interpretation of the results and for how the test results are used.
Remote Testing:
- The Georgia Board does not specify which psychological tests should be used under specific conditions but provides the applicable standards under Board Rule 510-5-.07 (4) (Telepsychology Practice). Subsection Testing and Assessment (g): states the following:
(1) Psychologists are knowledgeable about the unique impact of tests, their suitability for diverse populations, and the limitations on test administration and on test and other data interpretations when these psychological tests and other assessment procedures are conducted via telepsychology.
(2) Psychologists strive to maintain the integrity of the application of the testing and assessment process and procedures when using telecommunication technologies.
(3) When a psychological test or other assessment procedure is conducted via telepsychology, psychologists are encouraged to ensure that the integrity of the psychometric properties of the test or assessment procedure and the conditions of administration indicated in the test manual are preserved when adapted for use with such technologies.
(4) Psychologists are cognizant of the specific issues that may arise with diverse populations when providing telepsychology and to make appropriate arrangements to address those concerns (e.g., language or cultural issues, cognitive, physical, or sensory skills or impairments, or age may impact assessment).
(5) Psychologists use test norms derived from telecommunication technologies administration if such are available; and
(6) Psychologists recognize the potential limitations of all assessment processes conducted via telepsychology and to be ready to address the limitations and potential impact of those procedures.
See Board Rule 510-4-.02 (10)(e).
First, it would be entirely appropriate for the friend to discuss his or her concerns with the therapist, because open communication often resolves most concerns. If the friend does not feel comfortable discussing the matter, or after the discussion continues to have significant concerns, then the friend might want to change therapists. However, if the friend has a complaint about unethical behavior or professional misconduct of a therapist and wished to report that complaint to the Board, you may call (404-424-9966) or visit the webpage to access a complaint form and the Board will investigate your complaint.
See Board Rule 510-8 Continuing Education Requirements:
A total of 40 credits of continuing education relevant to the licensee’s professional activities are required biennially to renew a license. The renewal period runs from January 1 of an odd numbered year to December 31 of the following even numbered year.
The Board previously adopted the new two-part EPPP licensure exam as the required national exam for licensure in Georgia. Previously only the original “Part 1 – Knowledge” exam was required. This requirement became effective November 1, 2020.
For those who apply for Georgia Board licensure by Endorsement, if you were licensed in another state or jurisdiction on or after November 1, 2020, then you will be required to have passed both parts of the exam for licensure in Georgia. If you have taken and passed Part I, your score will be reported to the Georgia Board through the application process – you will not be required to take Part I over again, only the new Part II.
There is a form you may use to request a license verification, or you can simply send a written request to the Board. There is a fee of $35 to process each requested verification. Please provide the name and full mailing address of the intended recipient of the verification. If you require other information, such as contents from your application file, or forms required to be completed by another state, you may send this request, and any forms with your request and fee.
Yes. An employee is someone who receives an IRS Form W-2 from either the psychologist or from an institutional employer by whom the psychologist is also employed. An employee would not be an IRS Form 1099 independent contractor. Regardless of whether supervision occurs in an institutional setting or by a psychologist in independent practice, all fees for services must be paid directly to the institution or, in the case of psychologists in independent practice, directly to the supervising psychologist. There is an exception in the case of post-doctoral fellows, for whom fees for services may be paid directly to the agency or supervisor or, where appropriate, directly to the post-doctoral fellow. Although fees may be paid directly to post-doctoral fellows, in neither training settings nor employment settings shall client/patient fees be paid directly to pre-doctoral interns, psychological assistants, or psychometrists. Psychologists who pay psychological assistants or psychometrists as independent contractors are aiding the illegal practice of psychology without a license.
See Board Rule 510-5-.04. Psychologists are aware of relevant federal state and local laws and regulations governing records. In some cases, laws and regulations supersede requirement of these rules. In the absence of such laws and regulations, complete records are maintained for a minimum of seven years after the last date of service delivery for adults. If the client is a minor, the record period is extended until three years after the age of majority, or at least seven years after the last date of service delivery, whichever is later. The psychologist must store and dispose of written, electronic, and other records of patients and clients in such a manner as to ensure their confidentiality.
Yes. This type of continuing education activity can meet the requirements for Area V. Although most psychologists consider this area to be limited to Self-Instructional Activity, Area V is a broadly defined area intended to accommodate any self-development activities, which are relevant to one’s professional interests. Psychologists should engage in as much continuing professional development as they can. The Psychology Board’s rules are to ensure compliance with the minimal amount of continuing education in areas that are specifically related to psychology.
No. A person who is not licensed as a psychologist does not practice psychology, not use the title “psychologist,” and not imply that he or she is a psychologist. See O.C.G.A.43-39-7. An Application for Reinstatement, the fee and all supporting documents must be submitted for the Board to consider the reinstatement of a lapsed license.
No. Georgia’s licensure requirements are consistent with the APA or CPA Accreditation requirements in that applicants for licensure should be able to demonstrate three full-time academic years of graduate study and additionally the completion of an internship prior to the attainment of the doctoral degree. Two of the three academic training years must be fulfilled at the doctoral degree granting institution and one year must be matriculated in continuous full-time residence at that same institution. Residence means continuous physical presence, in person, at the educational institution in a manner that facilitates acculturation in the profession, the full participation and integration of the individual in the educational and training experience, and includes faculty student interaction. Models that use face-to-face contact for shorter durations throughout a year or models that use video teleconferencing or other electronic means to meet the residency requirement are not acceptable.
Please submit your request either by e-mail to [email protected] by fax to 866-888-7127 or by mail to 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217. Please be sure to include your name, license number, your new name, and a copy of the legal documentation granting the name change.
Chapter Five of the State Board of Examiners of Psychologist Rules, Supplemental Code of Conduct, addresses areas not included in the APA Ethics Code (incorporated as Chapter Four of the Licensure Rules). According to Chapter 510-5-.02 (Definitions), psychologists can delegate and supervise psychological services for three categories of individuals:
(1) trainees,
(2) employees, and
(3) individuals who are also employed by the same institutional employer.
Supervision requirements generally fall within one of two types of settings:
- Training settings involve supervisees who are pre-doctoral interns or post-doctoral fellows. A training setting may include “a hospital, accredited school, university, consulting firm, public agency, public or private organization, or public or private practice” (Chapter 510-2-.05 [2] [c]).
- Employment settings involve supervisees who are employed by either a psychologist (e.g., the psychologist’s practice) or by an institutional employer (e.g., an agency, hospital, or university). An employee is someone who receives an IRS Form W-2 from either the psychologist or from an institutional employer by whom the psychologist is also employed. An employee would not be an IRS Form 1099 independent contractor. Regardless of whether supervision occurs in an institutional setting or by a licensed psychologist in independent practice, all fees for services shall be paid directly to the institution or, in the case of psychologists in independent practice, directly to the supervising psychologist. Client/patient fees would never be made payable to a psychological assistant or psychometrist. Psychologists who pay psychological assistants or psychometrists as independent contractors are aiding the illegal practice of psychology without a license.