How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in New Jersey
To become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey, you need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program, complete 3,500 hours of supervised experience, including 1,750 post-doctoral hours, and pass both the EPPP national examination and New Jersey's jurisprudence online examination. The process typically takes 8-12 years froma bachelor's degree to full licensure, with clinical psychologists earning a median salary of $106,380 annually in New Jersey as of 2024.
New Jersey's thriving psychology industry offers exceptional opportunities for licensed psychologists. The state maintains robust support systems for mental health professionals, competitive salaries that exceed the national average, and a growing job market. With approximately 4,230 licensed psychologists currently practicing across clinical, counseling, school, and specialized settings, New Jersey provides diverse career pathways for those committed to mental health care.
The path to becoming a psychologist in New Jersey requires significant dedication. You'll invest 8-12 years in education and supervised training (including time for dissertation completion, internship matching, and post-doctoral experience), meet rigorous state licensing requirements, and demonstrate expertise through comprehensive examinations. This guide provides everything you need to know about educational requirements, supervised experience mandates, examination processes, career outlook, and salary expectations for psychologists in the Garden State.
Table of Contents
- Timeline Overview: Bachelor's to License
- Educational Requirements for Psychology Licensure
- Psychology Specialty Pathways in New Jersey
- Supervised Experience Requirements
- Licensing Examinations
- License Application Process
- Salary and Career Outlook
- Career Settings and Opportunities
- Continuing Education and License Renewal
- Frequently Asked Questions
Timeline Overview: Bachelor's to License
Understanding the complete timeline helps you plan your educational and professional journey. The path to becoming a licensed psychologist in New Jersey follows a structured sequence that typically spans 8-12 years from a bachelor's degree to full licensure. This timeline includes dissertation completion time, internship matching processes, and post-doctoral supervised experience. Individual timelines vary based on program structure, full-time versus part-time enrollment, dissertation progress, successful internship matching on the first attempt, and post-doctoral position availability. Efficient pathways with consistent full-time enrollment and no delays may achieve licensure in as few as 8 years, while part-time enrollment, extended dissertation work, or multiple internship application cycles can extend the timeline to 12+ years.
| Stage | Duration | Key Activities | Credential Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | Complete psychology major, maintain a competitive GPA, and gain research experience | BA or BS in Psychology |
| Doctoral Program (Coursework) | 4-5 years | Complete advanced coursework, comprehensive exams, dissertation, and practicum hours | In Progress |
| Doctoral Internship | 1-2 years | Full-time supervised clinical training, typically through the APPIC match | PhD or PsyD |
| Post-Doctoral Supervision | 1-2 years | Complete 1,750 supervised hours, prepare for examinations | Supervised Experience |
| Licensure Examinations | 3-6 months | Pass the EPPP national exam and the NJ oral examination | Licensed Psychologist |
The total investment typically ranges from 8 years (for highly efficient pathways) to 12 years (accounting for part-time enrollment or extended dissertation work). Fast-track options exist through accelerated PsyD programs, though these maintain the same rigorous requirements for supervised experience and examination passage.
Educational Requirements for Psychology Licensure
New Jersey mandates a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The state accepts programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), or those listed by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Register Joint Designation. APA-accredited programs are the most common and provide the strongest pathway to licensure, ensuring you've received training that meets national professional standards. Graduating from an APA-accredited program streamlines the application process and is strongly preferred by most employers, particularly hospitals, medical centers, and academic institutions.
PhD vs. PsyD: Choosing Your Doctoral Path
New Jersey accepts both PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) degrees for licensure, but these programs emphasize different professional preparation approaches:
| Factor | PhD in Psychology | PsyD in Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Research and academia alongside clinical practice | Clinical practice and applied psychology |
| Typical Duration | 5-7 years | 4-6 years |
| Dissertation | Original research study required | Clinical project or applied research |
| Funding | Often includes teaching/research assistantships | Typically self-funded through loans |
| Career Paths | Academic positions, research, clinical practice | Clinical practice, hospital settings, private practice |
| Average Cost | $50,000-$100,000 | $150,000-$300,000 |
Both degrees qualify you for the same New Jersey psychology license and carry equal professional standing. Your choice should reflect your career goals. If you envision an academic career combining research and teaching with clinical work, pursue a PhD. If you're committed to full-time clinical practice without research emphasis, a PsyD offers a more direct pathway.
Why APA Accreditation Matters
APA-accredited programs undergo rigorous external review to ensure they meet national standards for psychology education. Graduating from an APA-accredited program provides several advantages for New Jersey licensure applicants. First, the New Jersey Board of Psychological Examiners recognizes APA accreditation as meeting educational standards without additional documentation requirements. Second, APA-accredited programs qualify for APPIC internship matching, which is essential for completing your supervised training. Third, many employers, particularly hospitals and medical centers, prefer or require applicants with degrees from APA-accredited programs.
New Jersey Psychology Doctoral Programs
New Jersey hosts several respected psychology doctoral programs offering both PhD and PsyD degrees. Rutgers University provides APA-accredited PhD programs in clinical psychology with specializations in health psychology, neuropsychology, and child clinical psychology. Fairleigh Dickinson University offers an APA-accredited PsyD in Clinical Psychology with concentrations in forensic psychology and child/adolescent psychology. The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers operates an APA-accredited PsyD program emphasizing the practitioner-scholar model.
Additional training options include programs at Princeton University (PhD in Psychology with clinical specialization), Seton Hall University (PhD in Counseling Psychology), and several private institutions offering PsyD programs. When evaluating programs, verify current APA accreditation status, review internship match rates, examine dissertation requirements, and assess faculty research interests and clinical specializations.
School Psychology Licensure Exception
New Jersey provides a notable exception to the doctoral degree requirement for school psychologists. Candidates seeking to practice exclusively in educational settings may obtain licensure with a master's degree from a regionally accredited program, provided they meet additional requirements, including completion of a school psychology program approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, supervised internship hours, and passage of the Praxis School Psychologist examination. However, this credential limits practice to educational settings and doesn't qualify for independent clinical practice or private practice licensure.
Psychology Specialty Pathways in New Jersey
Psychology encompasses diverse specializations, each requiring a specific training focus during your doctoral education. New Jersey licenses general psychologists, but your specialty area determines your clinical expertise, employment opportunities, and earning potential.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology represents the largest specialty area, focusing on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders across the lifespan. Clinical psychologists work in hospitals, community mental health centers, private practices, and integrated healthcare settings. Training emphasizes evidence-based therapeutic interventions, psychological assessment, diagnosis using DSM-5-TR criteria, and treatment of conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to severe mental illness. Subspecializations include neuropsychology, health psychology, child clinical psychology, and geropsychology.
Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychology emphasizes helping individuals navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, career decisions, and adjustment issues. Counseling psychologists typically work with clients experiencing less severe psychopathology than clinical psychologists address, focusing on strength-based approaches and developmental perspectives. Common work settings include university counseling centers, employee assistance programs, vocational rehabilitation centers, and private practice. Training incorporates multicultural competency, career development theory, and group counseling approaches.
School Psychology
School psychologists specialize in supporting students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, and behavioral health within educational systems. They conduct psychoeducational assessments, develop intervention plans, provide consultation to teachers and parents, and address learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and behavioral challenges. School psychologists must understand special education law, response to intervention frameworks, and evidence-based academic interventions. Most positions require both psychology licensure and school psychology certification from the New Jersey Department of Education.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists apply psychological principles to workplace issues, including employee selection, performance management, organizational development, leadership development, and workplace wellness. I-O psychologists work in corporate human resources departments, consulting firms, and private practice. Training emphasizes research methodology, statistics, program evaluation, and organizational behavior. I-O psychology offers higher average salaries than clinical specialties but requires strong quantitative skills and business acumen.
Supervised Experience Requirements
New Jersey requires 3,500 hours of supervised professional experience for psychology licensure, carefully structured to ensure you develop competency across essential clinical skills. The state divides these hours between pre-doctoral and post-doctoral phases, with specific requirements for direct client contact, supervision hours, and professional activities.
Supervised Experience Breakdown
Your 3,500 required hours must include at a minimum:
- 1,000 hours of direct client contact - Face-to-face psychological services, including assessment, psychotherapy, counseling, and consultation
- 200 hours of supervision - At least 100 hours must be individual supervision, withthe remaining hours fulfilled through individual or group supervision
- 550 hours of work-related activities - Professional responsibilities including case consultation, record keeping, treatment planning, report writing, and professional development
- 1,750 hours remaining - Additional professional activities combining client contact, supervision, and professional development
Post-Doctoral Supervision Requirement
New Jersey mandates that at least 1,750 hours occur after you receive your doctoral degree. This post-doctoral supervised experience ensures you develop autonomous professional judgment before practicing independently. Most candidates complete post-doctoral hours through formal post-doctoral fellowships at hospitals, community mental health centers, or university counseling centers. Alternatively, you can arrange individualized supervision with a licensed psychologist who meets New Jersey's supervisor qualifications.
Post-doctoral supervision must occur under the direct oversight of a New Jersey-licensed psychologist who maintains an active, unrestricted license and has practiced for at least two years. Your supervisor must be available for consultation, review your clinical work regularly, and provide both planned supervision sessions and as-needed consultation for complex cases. The supervision relationship must be formalized through a written supervision agreement specifying your responsibilities, supervisor availability, supervision frequency, and performance evaluation procedures.
Doctoral Internship
Most doctoral programs require completion of a predoctoral internship, typically occurring in your final year of graduate study. Internships provide intensive, full-time supervised clinical experience in professional psychology settings. The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) coordinates a national matching process that pairs doctoral candidates with internship sites. APA-accredited internships are strongly preferred as they meet standardized training requirements and enhance your credentials for future employment and licensure.
Predoctoral internship hours count toward your 3,500 total supervised experience hours for New Jersey licensure, but the 1,750 post-doctoral hours must occur after you receive your doctorate and defend your dissertation. Plan your timeline accordingly to ensure you complete both predoctoral and post-doctoral requirements.
Documentation and Verification
New Jersey requires detailed documentation of all supervised experience hours. Maintain contemporaneous logs recording dates, hours, activities, supervision received, and supervisor signatures. Your supervisor must verify your experience through official forms provided by the New Jersey Board of Psychological Examiners, attesting to your competency development and readiness for independent practice. Inadequate documentation can delay your licensure application, so establish rigorous record-keeping practices from the beginning of your supervised experience.
Licensing Examinations
New Jersey requires two separate examinations for psychology licensure: the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), and New Jersey's jurisprudence online examination covering state laws and professional ethics.
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
The EPPP represents the standardized national examination required for psychology licensure in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces. New Jersey requires the passage of both EPPP Part 1 and EPPP Part 2.
EPPP Part 1 consists of 225 multiple-choice questions covering eight content domains:
- Biological Bases of Behavior (12%) - Neuroanatomy, psychopharmacology, genetics, physiological psychology
- Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior (13%) - Learning, memory, perception, motivation, emotion
- Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior (12%) - Social psychology, cultural diversity, group dynamics
- Growth and Lifespan Development (11%) - Developmental psychology across the lifespan
- Assessment and Diagnosis (15%) - Psychological testing, assessment methods, diagnostic classification
- Treatment, Intervention, Prevention (16%) - Psychotherapy, evidence-based interventions, crisis intervention
- Research Methods and Statistics (11%) - Research design, statistical analysis, program evaluation
- Ethical, Legal, Professional Issues (10%) - Ethics codes, professional standards, legal regulations
New Jersey requires a scaled score of 500 or higher on EPPP Part 1 (scores range from 200-800). The examination takes approximately four hours and fifteen minutes. You schedule EPPP Part 1 through Pearson VUE testing centers after receiving authorization from the New Jersey Board. The examination fee is approximately $600.
EPPP Part 2 launched in 2022 as a skills-based examination assessing your ability to apply psychological knowledge to practice scenarios. The examination presents video-based clinical vignettes requiring you to make diagnostic, treatment, and ethical decisions. EPPP Part 2 assesses competency in interpersonal relationships, assessment, intervention, and professionalism. New Jersey requires a scaled score of 450 or higher on EPPP Part 2.
New Jersey Jurisprudence Online Examination
After passing both EPPP examinations, you must complete New Jersey's jurisprudence online examination. Effective February 2023, New Jersey replaced the previous in-person oral examination with a more accessible online format that significantly reduces the licensure timeline. This examination assesses your knowledge of New Jersey laws governing psychology practice, professional ethics specific to the state, and regulations codified in New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 42.
The jurisprudence online examination consists of 25 true or false questions covering statutes and regulations that govern psychology practice in New Jersey. You can complete this examination at any time after demonstrating you've met all other licensure requirements, eliminating previous scheduling delays. The examination must be completed within 90 days of being notified that you passed the EPPP. The examination fee is approximately $100.
Prepare for the jurisprudence online examination by thoroughly reviewing New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 42 (Board of Psychological Examiners regulations), studying the APA Ethics Code, and familiarizing yourself with New Jersey laws regarding mental health practice, including mandatory reporting obligations, confidentiality limits, scope of practice boundaries, and duty to warn requirements. The online format allows you to complete the examination at your convenience once eligible, significantly streamlining the final licensure step.
Examination Preparation Resources
Most candidates invest significant time preparing for the EPPP. Commercial preparation programs, including AATBS, PsychPrep, and Academic Review, offer study materials, practice examinations, and review courses. Many candidates benefit from forming study groups with fellow graduate students or post-doctoral fellows. Plan for 3-6 months of dedicated preparation time, particularly if several years have passed since completing coursework in certain content areas.
For the New Jersey jurisprudence online examination, review your state's administrative code carefully. The 25 true/false questions test specific knowledge of New Jersey regulations, so thorough familiarity with Title 13, Chapter 42 is essential. Consult with recently licensed psychologists about their experiences, and consider creating study guides that summarize key regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and scope of practice limitations specific to New Jersey.
License Application Process
New Jersey's psychology license application process requires careful attention to documentation requirements and strict adherence to submission procedures. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Board of Psychological Examiners, oversees the application process.
Required Documentation
Your complete application packet must include:
- Application Form - Complete the official Application for Licensure as a Psychologist form available from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
- Application Fee - Submit the required fee (approximately $300-$400, verify current amount)
- Official Transcripts - Request official transcripts sent directly from your doctoral program to the Board
- Degree Verification - Provide documentation confirming your doctoral degree conferral date
- Supervised Experience Verification - Submit completed Supervision Verification Forms signed by all supervisors covering your 3,500 required hours
- EPPP Score Reports - Request official EPPP Part 1 and Part 2 score reports sent from ASPPB to the Board
- National Background Check - Complete fingerprinting through the approved vendor and authorize a background check
- Passport Photo - Provide a recent passport-style photograph for your license
- Professional Liability Insurance - Provide proof of malpractice insurance coverage (required before licensure)
Application Timeline and Process
The Board reviews applications on a rolling basis, but processing times vary significantly based on application volume and completeness of your documentation. Expect 3-6 months from application submission to license issuance, assuming you pass all examinations on the first attempt and provide complete documentation.
The typical sequence follows this timeline:
- Submit Application (Month 1) - Submit your complete application packet with all required documentation and fees
- Initial Review (Months 1-2) - The Board conducts an initial completeness review and requests any missing documentation
- EPPP Authorization (Month 2) - Once your application is deemed complete, you receive authorization to schedule EPPP examinations
- Take Examinations (Months 2-3) - Schedule and complete EPPP Part 1, EPPP Part 2, and await results
- Jurisprudence Online Examination (Month 4) - After passing the EPPP examinations, complete the online jurisprudence examination within 90 days
- License Issuance (Month 5) - Upon passing all examinations and completing the final review, the Board issues your psychology license
Application delays commonly occur due to incomplete supervision documentation, missing transcripts, or background check processing times. Submit your application well before you need active licensure to accommodate potential delays.
Total Investment Costs
Budget for the following approximate costs associated with New Jersey psychology licensure:
- Application Fee: $350
- EPPP Part 1 Examination: $600
- EPPP Part 2 Examination: $450
- Jurisprudence Online Examination: $100
- Background Check/Fingerprinting: $75
- Examination Preparation Materials: $500-$1,500
- Professional Liability Insurance (annual): $1,000-$2,000
- Total First-Year Costs: $3,075-$5,075
These costs don't include your doctoral education expenses, which typically range from $50,000 to $300,000 depending on whether you attend a funded PhD program or a self-funded PsyD program.
Salary and Career Outlook in New Jersey
Psychology represents a financially rewarding career in New Jersey, with psychologists earning salaries significantly above the national average. New Jersey's high cost of living, strong healthcare infrastructure, and concentration of academic medical centers contribute to competitive compensation for licensed psychologists.
New Jersey Psychologist Salaries (2024)
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, New Jersey employed 4,230 psychologists across all specialties. Salary varies significantly by specialization, practice setting, experience level, and geographic location within the state.
| Psychology Specialty | NJ Mean Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | Median (50th) | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $106,380 | $62,470 | $95,210 | $157,920 |
| School Psychologists | $98,650 | $68,340 | $91,280 | $132,450 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $138,910 | $78,420 | $125,680 | $195,340 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $94,730 | $54,890 | $83,450 | $141,280 |
New Jersey psychologists earn approximately 15-20% more than the national median across most specialties. Clinical and counseling psychologists in New Jersey earn a median salary of $95,210, compared to the national median of $90,130. Industrial-organizational psychologists command the highest salaries, with median earnings of $125,680 annually.
Geographic Salary Variation Within New Jersey
Psychologist salaries vary considerably across New Jersey's diverse regions. Northern New Jersey, particularly areas near New York City, including Bergen, Hudson, and Essex counties, offers the highest compensation due to proximity to major medical centers, higher cost of living, and greater demand for mental health services. Central Jersey areas, including Middlesex and Somerset counties, provide above-average salaries with somewhat lower cost of living. Southern New Jersey and shore communities typically offer lower compensation but provide different lifestyle advantages.
Employment Outlook and Job Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% employment growth for psychologists nationally from 2023 to 2033, driven by increased recognition of mental health importance, insurance coverage expansion for mental health services, and growing demand for psychological services in schools, healthcare systems, and organizational settings. New Jersey mirrors national trends with steady growth expected across all psychology specializations.
Demand is particularly strong for psychologists specializing in substance abuse treatment, geriatric psychology (serving New Jersey's aging population), child and adolescent psychology, and forensic psychology. School psychologists face persistent shortages, creating excellent job security and competitive compensation in educational settings.
Salary by Practice Setting
Your employment setting significantly impacts earnings potential. Private practice psychologists typically earn the highest incomes but assume business risks, overhead costs, and insurance credentialing challenges. Hospital-employed psychologists receive lower hourly rates but benefit from employee benefits, retirement contributions, malpractice insurance coverage, and steady referral streams. University and college settings offer academic calendar schedules but generally provide lower compensation than clinical settings. Government positions, including Veterans Affairs facilities and state hospitals, provide excellent benefits, retirement security, and loan forgiveness opportunities but typically offer below-market salaries.
Career Settings and Opportunities
Licensed psychologists in New Jersey work across diverse settings, each offering distinct advantages, challenges, and career trajectories. Understanding employment options helps you align your training focus with long-term career goals.
Private Practice
Many psychologists aspire to private practice, offering autonomy over clinical approach, schedule flexibility, and potentially higher earnings. Private practice requires business acumen, including marketing, insurance credentialing, billing procedures, and practice management. New Jersey's Certificate of Need requirements don't apply to private psychology practices, simplifying the establishment process. However, you must complete post-doctoral supervised hours and obtain your license before establishing independent practice. Many psychologists begin in group practices to share overhead costs and administrative responsibilities.
Hospital and Medical Center Settings
New Jersey's numerous hospitals and academic medical centers employ psychologists for consultation-liaison services, integrated behavioral health, neuropsychology assessment, pediatric psychology, and specialized treatment programs. Hospitals offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to diverse clinical populations. Psychologists in hospital settings often focus on acute care, medical psychology, psychological assessment for surgical candidacy, and treatment of complex comorbid conditions.
Community Mental Health Centers
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community mental health centers provide essential services to underserved populations throughout New Jersey. These settings offer loan forgiveness opportunities through the National Health Service Corps, diverse clinical experiences, and mission-driven work environments. Community mental health psychologists often work with individuals experiencing severe mental illness, substance use disorders, trauma, and social determinants of health. Salaries are typically lower than in private practice or hospital settings, but the work provides significant meaning and opportunities to address health disparities.
Educational Settings
School psychologists work in K-12 educational systems, conducting psychoeducational assessments, developing intervention plans, providing consultation to teachers and parents, and supporting students' academic and social-emotional development. New Jersey school districts employ large numbers of school psychologists due to special education mandates and growing awareness of student mental health needs. University counseling centers employ psychologists to provide mental health services to college students, a population experiencing increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and adjustment challenges.
Corporate and Organizational Settings
Industrial-organizational psychologists work in corporate human resources departments, management consulting firms, and organizational development agencies. They conduct employee selection research, develop leadership training programs, assess organizational culture, implement workplace wellness initiatives, and evaluate program effectiveness. I-O psychology offers excellent compensation with less emotionally demanding work than clinical psychology, though positions typically require strong quantitative skills and business communication abilities.
Forensic and Correctional Settings
Forensic psychologists conduct psychological evaluations for court proceedings, assess competency to stand trial, provide expert testimony, evaluate custody arrangements, conduct risk assessments, and work in correctional facilities. New Jersey's court system, law enforcement agencies, and correctional institutions employ forensic psychologists. This specialization requires additional training in forensic assessment, familiarity with legal standards, and comfort testifying in adversarial proceedings.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Maintaining your New Jersey psychology license requires ongoing continuing education and periodic license renewal. These requirements ensure you remain current with evolving clinical practices, research findings, and ethical standards.
Continuing Education Requirements
New Jersey requires licensed psychologists to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. These hours must include at least three hours in professional ethics and at least two hours in cultural competency or diversity training. The remaining 35 hours can address clinical topics, assessment methods, treatment approaches, research developments, or professional practice issues relevant to your specialty area.
Acceptable continuing education providers include APA-approved sponsors, New Jersey Psychological Association programs, universities offering professional development courses, and other providers approved by the American Psychological Association. Maintain certificates of completion for all CE activities, as the Board may audit your compliance.
License Renewal Process
Psychology licenses in New Jersey expire biennially and must be renewed to maintain active status. The renewal process requires submitting a renewal application, paying the renewal fee (approximately $200), documenting completion of required continuing education hours, and confirming maintenance of professional liability insurance. The Board sends renewal notifications prior to your expiration date, but you're responsible for timely renewal even if you don't receive notification.
Practicing psychology with an expired license constitutes a violation of New Jersey law and can result in disciplinary action, fines, or license revocation. If your license expires, you must cease all professional activities requiring licensure until you complete the renewal process and receive confirmation of active status.
Inactive License Status
If you temporarily stop practicing psychology in New Jersey, you may place your license on inactive status. Inactive status exempts you from continuing education requirements and reduces renewal fees, but you cannot practice psychology or hold yourself out as a licensed psychologist while on inactive status. Reactivating your license requires demonstrating completion of continuing education for the period of inactivity and payment of reactivation fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey?
The complete process typically takes 8-12 years from a bachelor's degree to full licensure. This includes four years for your bachelor's degree, 4-6 years for doctoral training, 1-2 years for internship and post-doctoral supervised experience, and several months for examination preparation and completion of the licensing application process.
Can I practice psychology with a master's degree in New Jersey?
No, New Jersey requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) for psychology licensure. The only exception is school psychologists working exclusively in educational settings, who may obtain licensure with a master's degree meeting specific requirements. If you have a master's degree in psychology or counseling, consider pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey, which requires a master's degree rather than a doctorate.
What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist in New Jersey?
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and provide psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and behavioral interventions. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who completed medical school and psychiatric residency training. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication while psychologists cannot (except in a few states with prescriptive authority, which doesn't include New Jersey). Both professions treat mental health conditions, but approach treatment from different theoretical frameworks and training backgrounds.
How much does it cost to become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey?
Total costs vary significantly based on your doctoral program choice. PhD programs often provide funding through teaching or research assistantships, resulting in total costs of $50,000-$100,000. PsyD programs typically require self-funding through student loans, with total costs ranging from $150,000-$300,000. Additional costs include EPPP examination fees ($1,050), application fees ($350), background checks ($75), and examination preparation materials ($500-$1,500).
What is the EPPP pass rate?
National EPPP Part 1 pass rates average approximately 75-80% for first-time test takers. Pass rates vary based on doctoral program quality, time since completing coursework, and individual preparation effort. New Jersey requires a scaled score of 500 or higher on EPPP Part 1 and 450 or higher on EPPP Part 2. Most candidates who fail on the first attempt pass on subsequent attempts after additional preparation. After failing the EPPP, you must wait 90 days before retaking the examination and paying the examination fee again.
Do I need to complete an internship to become licensed in New Jersey?
Yes, your doctoral program almost certainly requires completion of a predoctoral internship, typically in your final year of study. Additionally, New Jersey's 3,500 supervised experience hours include both predoctoral and post-doctoral supervision. The state specifically requires at least 1,750 hours of supervised experience after receiving your doctorate, which most candidates fulfill through post-doctoral fellowships or supervised practice arrangements.
Can I get licensed in New Jersey with an online psychology degree?
New Jersey accepts degrees from regionally accredited institutions, including some online programs. However, you must complete substantial in-person practicum and internship experiences as part of your training. Fully online doctoral psychology programs are rare due to accreditation requirements for supervised clinical training. If considering an online or hybrid program, verify that it holds APA accreditation and provides adequate opportunities for supervised clinical experience to meet New Jersey's requirements.
How do I verify if my doctoral program is APA-accredited?
Visit the American Psychological Association's website and access their accreditation database at https://accreditation.apa.org/. You can search for accredited programs by state, degree type, and specialty area. Verify your program's accreditation status before enrolling, as attending a non-accredited program can complicate licensure and limit employment opportunities.
What happens if I don't pass the EPPP examination?
If you don't achieve the required scaled score on your first EPPP attempt, you can retake the examination after a 90-day waiting period. You'll pay the examination fee again ($600 for Part 1, $450 for Part 2) and schedule a new testing appointment. Most candidates who fail initially pass on subsequent attempts after additional study. There's no limit to the number of times you can take the EPPP, though repeated failures may indicate the need for additional academic preparation or examination anxiety management strategies. The jurisprudence online examination can be taken after passing both EPPP parts, allowing you to progress through licensure steps systematically.
Can I practice psychology in other states with a New Jersey license?
Psychology licensure is state-specific, so your New Jersey license only authorizes you to practice within New Jersey. If you want to practice in another state, you must apply for licensure in that state. Many states participate in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which facilitates temporary practice across state lines via telepsychology and temporary in-person practice. New Jersey is a PSYPACT member state, allowing you to provide telepsychology services to clients in other PSYPACT states after obtaining PSYPACT authorization. For permanent relocation to another state, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement or reciprocity, which typically involves submitting your credentials for review rather than repeating examinations.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program, CPA-accredited program, or one listed by ASPPB/National Register Joint Designation for psychology licensure, with the exception of school psychologists who may qualify with a master's degree for educational settings only.
- Licensure candidates must complete 3,500 hours of supervised professional experience, including at least 1,750 hours after receiving the doctoral degree, 1,000 hours of direct client contact, and 200 hours of supervision (100 individual, 100 individual or group).
- You must pass both the EPPP Part 1 (national examination requiring a scaled score of 500+) and EPPP Part 2 (skills-based examination requiring 450+), plus New Jersey's jurisprudence online examination covering state laws and regulations.
- Clinical and counseling psychologists in New Jersey earn a median salary of $95,210 annually, with industrial-organizational psychologists commanding the highest compensation at a median of $125,680 per year, according to 2024 BLS data.
- The complete path from bachelor's degree to licensure typically spans 8-12 years, including dissertation completion, internship matching, and post-doctoral experience, with total educational costs ranging from $50,000-$300,000 depending on doctoral program choice and funding availability.
- Licensed psychologists must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including three hours in ethics and two hours in cultural competency, to maintain active licensure status.
Ready to Begin Your Psychology Career in New Jersey?
Explore accredited doctoral psychology programs in New Jersey and compare specializations, admission requirements, and financial aid options to find the best fit for your career goals.
Additional New Jersey Mental Health Licensing Resources
Psychology represents one of several licensed mental health professions in New Jersey. Depending on your career interests, educational background, and practice goals, you might also consider these related licensure pathways:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Requires a master's degree in counseling and provides similar clinical services to psychologists, but with less emphasis on psychological assessment
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) - Specializes in couples and family therapy with a systemic approach to mental health treatment
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Provides psychotherapy and case management services with a focus on social justice and environmental factors affecting mental health
- Explore Psychology Career Specializations - Learn about diverse psychology career paths beyond clinical practice
Each profession offers rewarding career opportunities in mental health care. Your choice should reflect your educational background, theoretical orientation, practice interests, and long-term career goals. Licensed psychologists, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers all play essential roles in New Jersey's mental health system, often collaborating to provide comprehensive care to individuals, families, and communities.
For official information about New Jersey psychology licensure requirements, visit the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Board of Psychological Examiners. The Board maintains current licensing regulations, application forms, and answers to frequently asked questions about the licensure process.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, and Psychologists-All Other are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
