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Colorado Psychologist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Psychologist Candidate

Candidate registration while completing the remaining licensure requirements.

Licensing authority: Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Original candidate registration
Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination
Application
Submit candidate registration application, fee, official transcript and equivalency review when required.
Education
Satisfy the age, non-violation and approved psychology doctorate requirements in C.R.S. 12-245-304(1)(a)-(c).
Jurisprudence result
Submit a signed, dated unexpired passing results report; Bulletin validity is one year.
Remaining licensure
Candidate status permits accumulation of supervised experience toward ordinary psychologist licensure.
Candidate registration application before graduation
Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination
Jurisprudence
Submit the unexpired signed, dated jurisprudence passing report as the application requires.
Pregraduation
The Board application permits a pregraduation submission using a program Certification of Education form; this is an applicant timing condition.
Statutory degree
C.R.S. 12-245-304(3)(a)(I) still requires the approved doctorate under (1)(c); the application option does not itself waive the degree requirement.
Candidate reinstatement — expired no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay the fee, provide applicable name-change documents, detail candidate practice, answer criminal/history screening and complete the Healthcare Professions Profile.
Expiration
Candidate registration has expired outside the grace period but no more than two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Candidate registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Candidate
Ordinary psychologist experience and examination requirements have not yet been met.
Cycle
Candidate registration is subject to statutory renewal, reinstatement and delinquency provisions after three years.
Development
Before a second or subsequent renewal, complete continuing professional development and educational hours.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Psychologist

License as a psychologist.

Licensing authority: state board of psychologists examiners · Application information

Endorsement — ASPPB Certificate of Professional Qualifications
Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination
Board application eppp
The PSY Initial Application Preview p.7 also asks: Can you attest that you have passed the National Examination for Professional Practice Endorsement Information in Psychology (EPPP)? If you cannot attest to passing the examination, do not apply.
Cpq
A current ASPPB CPQ in good standing deems the applicant to meet Rule 1.12(C)(1)-(5); Rule 1.12(D) still requires jurisprudence.
Disclosures
Disclose injunctions, malpractice judgments and claims, disciplinary complaints or actions and applicable criminal convictions; provide the requested background check.
Eligibility review
The Board may deny when it establishes insufficient equivalent credentials or disciplinary grounds after notice and opportunity for a hearing.
Existing credential
Hold a current unrestricted psychology credential in good standing, or qualifying federal or military occupational credentials, and furnish verification of every credential ever held. C.R.S. 12-20-202(3)(b), as amended effective August 12, 2026, also permits another-country credentials; the older Board Rule 1.12(C) names another state, United States territory, federal government or military specialty.
Jurisprudence result
Pass the Board jurisprudence examination; the current application requires a signed, dated passing report, and the exam Bulletin gives it one-year validity.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Endorsement — substantially equivalent credentials
Board application eppp
The PSY Initial Application Preview p.7 states: Can you attest that you have passed the National Examination for Professional Practice Endorsement Information in Psychology (EPPP)? If you cannot attest to passing the examination, do not apply.
Disclosures
Disclose injunctions, malpractice judgments and claims, disciplinary complaints or actions and applicable criminal convictions; provide the requested background check.
Education
A doctoral psychology degree or a doctoral major deemed equivalent by the original licensing jurisdiction.
Eligibility review
The Board may deny when it establishes insufficient equivalent credentials or disciplinary grounds after notice and opportunity for a hearing.
Examination waiver
Rule 1.12(C)(1)(a)(2) permits a written competence examination previously passed in another jurisdiction. Where no written examination was required at initial licensure, independent practice for at least 20 years under a doctoral-degree-based license is accepted. An unidentified other-jurisdiction examination is applicant evidence, not a Colorado exam leaf.
Existing credential
Hold a current unrestricted psychology credential in good standing, or qualifying federal or military occupational credentials, and furnish verification of every credential ever held. C.R.S. 12-20-202(3)(b), as amended effective August 12, 2026, also permits another-country credentials; the older Board Rule 1.12(C) names another state, United States territory, federal government or military specialty.
Experience
Attest to one year of postdoctoral supervised practice or qualifying active practice, and substantial similarity of post-degree hours; the Board may consider hours and experience case by case.
Jurisprudence result
Pass the Board jurisprudence examination; the current application requires a signed, dated passing report, and the exam Bulletin gives it one-year validity.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Endorsement — National Register or ABPP credential
Disclosures
Disclose injunctions, malpractice judgments and claims, disciplinary complaints or actions and applicable criminal convictions; provide the requested background check.
Eligibility review
The Board may deny when it establishes insufficient equivalent credentials or disciplinary grounds after notice and opportunity for a hearing.
Existing credential
Hold a current unrestricted psychology credential in good standing, or qualifying federal or military occupational credentials, and furnish verification of every credential ever held. C.R.S. 12-20-202(3)(b), as amended effective August 12, 2026, also permits another-country credentials; the older Board Rule 1.12(C) names another state, United States territory, federal government or military specialty.
Extent of exemption
Rule 1.12(C)(5)(a) expressly deems only paragraphs (4) and (5) met; the earlier written-competence and experience criteria remain, including the 20-year alternative when no examination was originally required.
Jurisprudence result
Pass the Board jurisprudence examination; the current application requires a signed, dated passing report, and the exam Bulletin gives it one-year validity.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Professional credential
Hold current National Register health-service-provider credentials or current ABPP Diplomate status in good standing, plus at least five years of independent psychology practice under a doctoral-degree-based license.
Endorsement — one year of substantially similar licensure
Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination
Board application eppp
The higher-ranked Rule 1.12(C)(1)(b) provides an alternative to the educational, written-examination and supervised-experience attestations in (a). The lower-ranked PSY Initial Application Preview p.7 nevertheless asks: Can you attest that you have passed the National Examination for Professional Practice Endorsement Information in Psychology (EPPP)? If you cannot attest to passing the examination, do not apply.
Disclosures
Disclose injunctions, malpractice judgments and claims, disciplinary complaints or actions and applicable criminal convictions; provide the requested background check.
Eligibility review
The Board may deny when it establishes insufficient equivalent credentials or disciplinary grounds after notice and opportunity for a hearing.
Existing credential
Hold a current unrestricted psychology credential in good standing, or qualifying federal or military occupational credentials, and furnish verification of every credential ever held. C.R.S. 12-20-202(3)(b), as amended effective August 12, 2026, also permits another-country credentials; the older Board Rule 1.12(C) names another state, United States territory, federal government or military specialty.
Jurisprudence result
Pass the Board jurisprudence examination; the current application requires a signed, dated passing report, and the exam Bulletin gives it one-year validity.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
One year license
Provide satisfactory proof of a current unrestricted psychology license held at least one year with a substantially similar scope of practice.
Licensure by examination
Application
Submit the Board application, fees and supporting documents; update information until licensure. The application remains active for one year unless extended for good cause.
Background check
Submit a satisfactory name-based judicial record check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Education
Doctoral degree with a psychology major or an equivalent major from an approved school; provide official transcripts and a CCE equivalency evaluation when required.
Exam result age
Rule 1.14 limits examination results to five years; the Mental Health Jurisprudence Bulletin separately requires an unexpired passing report within one year. The Board initial application asks for the signed, dated jurisprudence report.
Experience
At least one year of approved postdoctoral supervised psychology practice; the application requires 1,500 experience hours including 75 supervision hours over at least 12 months.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under C.R.S. 12-245-304(1)(a).
Practice compliance
Comply with the Mental Health Practice Act, Board rules and mandatory disclosure requirements.
Licensure by examination — foreign trained applicant
Application
Submit the Board application, fees and supporting documents; update information until licensure. The application remains active for one year unless extended for good cause.
Background check
Submit a satisfactory name-based judicial record check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Education
Doctoral degree with a psychology major or an equivalent major from an approved school; provide official transcripts and a CCE equivalency evaluation when required.
Exam result age
Rule 1.14 limits examination results to five years; the Mental Health Jurisprudence Bulletin separately requires an unexpired passing report within one year. The Board initial application asks for the signed, dated jurisprudence report.
Experience
At least one year of approved postdoctoral supervised psychology practice; the application requires 1,500 experience hours including 75 supervision hours over at least 12 months.
Foreign education
For education or training outside the United States, supply an education review from ECE, WES or AACRAO, as specified in the application; educational equivalence and approved supervised experience remain required.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under C.R.S. 12-245-304(1)(a).
Practice compliance
Comply with the Mental Health Practice Act, Board rules and mandatory disclosure requirements.
Transfer to inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Postgraduate continuing educational requirements are suspended while inactive.
Practice prohibition
Do not perform acts reserved to active psychologists while inactive.
Written notice
Request inactive status from the Board; continue normal registration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military family credential portability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board application
General PSY application instructions demand EPPP and jurisprudence evidence; the special statutory entitlement in C.R.S. 12-20-202(3)(f) controls this distinct route.
Exceptions
The statute excludes issuance that would violate an existing compact or reciprocity agreement or where the other credential is shown not in good standing.
Military family
Qualify as a relocated military spouse, gold star spouse or dependent, or spouse/dependent of another qualifying servicemember; provide satisfactory proof under penalty of perjury of an active out-of-state psychology credential in good standing.
Validity and fees
The statutory credential is valid six years, may be renewed, and has its application fee waived.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation — inactive more than two years
Application
Provide reactivation application, fees, practice history, required disclosures and profile.
Board checklist pdh
PSY Reactivation Checklist states: Attest to accruing 10 hours of professional development hours related to psychology for each year your Colorado license is inactive.
Competence
Pass jurisprudence and demonstrate competence through EPPP retesting or a permitted non-examination option. The dated official Rule 1.21(F)(1)(b) says 20 PDH per inactive year; the lower-ranked current checklist says 10 PDH per year. Apply the rule, while showing the checklist demand to the applicant.
Inactive period
Psychologist license has been inactive more than two years.
Reactivation — inactive no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reactivation application and fee, practice history, screening disclosures and Healthcare Professions Profile.
Competence
Meet applicable continuing professional development requirements; the checklist asks for 40 PDH from the last active renewal cycle.
Inactive period
Inactive no more than two years; the rule only adds examinations when inactivity exceeds two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement — expired more than two years
Application
Submit reinstatement application and fees; disclose practice, criminal history, discipline and malpractice, and complete the Healthcare Professions Profile.
Competence
Satisfy current continuing professional competency. In addition to jurisprudence, EPPP retesting is one competency option, alternatively 20 PDH per expired year, verified psychology work in another jurisdiction or another means the Board approves.
Expiration
Colorado psychologist license expired more than two years.
Waiver
C.R.S. 12-20-202(2)(c)(III) permits reinstatement requirements to be waived for hardship while protecting the public.
Reinstatement — expired no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the application and fees, practice history, required disclosures and Healthcare Professions Profile.
Competence
Attest to 40 PDH in the last two years, qualifying active-duty exemption or qualifying state contractual competency program.
Expiration
Colorado psychologist license expired outside the 60-day renewal grace period but no more than two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and fee on the Director schedule; a 60-day grace period permits late renewal with a delinquency fee.
Development
Complete and document the required learning plan and at least 40 continuing professional development hours each two-year cycle, subject to applicable exemptions.
Existing license
Hold the Colorado psychologist license to be renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Prescribing Psychologist — Out-of-State Telehealth Provider Registration

Telehealth registration for prescribing psychology; Colorado PSY license is an application condition.

Licensing authority: State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Out of state prescribing psychologist telehealth registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board application pep
The general PSYRX preview p.3 asks: Have you taken and passed the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists General Information administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards? Under C.R.S. 12-30-124(3), this route relies on equivalent existing credentials; prior PEP passage is shown as the Board application condition.
Discipline
No limiting, suspending or revoking disciplinary action during the preceding five years, subject to the Colorado-law exception.
Jurisprudence
C.R.S. 12-30-124(3)(d) requires jurisprudence only for a substantially similar Colorado credential. A prescription certificate adds PEP to an existing psychologist license; it does not add another jurisprudence requirement. The specific PSYRX telehealth guide does not require a new jurisprudence report.
Out of state
Be located outside Colorado and hold an active, unencumbered equivalent out-of-state credential with equivalent or greater education and supervision standards.
Practice
Provide telehealth only; do not open a Colorado office or provide in-person care without the applicable Colorado credential.
Registered agent
Designate a Colorado agent for service of process.
Responsibility
Maintain required financial responsibility, emergency protocols, practice standards, disclosures and timely notices of credential restrictions, discipline and malpractice.
Scope
The application requires telehealth-only practice and no controlled-substance prescribing where applicable.
Underlying license
The Board licensing guide and PSYRX application require an active Colorado PSY license in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Telehealth registration reinstatement — expired no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for reinstatement and meet continuing credential-equivalence, practice and financial-responsibility requirements.
Expiration
Telehealth registration expired outside the grace period but no more than two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Telehealth registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew on the Director schedule, pay fees and continue the applicable telehealth practice and financial-responsibility conditions.
Existing registration
Maintain the applicable telehealth registration and equivalent active out-of-state credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

prescription certificate

Prescription certificate held in addition to a Colorado psychologist license.

Licensing authority: State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Prescription certificate by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Approval
Pay required licensing fees and obtain Board approval of the endorsement application.
Board application
The lower-ranked PSYRX preview p.3 asks all applicants: Have you taken and passed the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists General Information administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards? The controlling endorsement criteria in C.R.S. 12-245-309(3) name existing licensure, prescriptive authority or equivalent training; they do not impose a new PEP passing requirement.
Board documents
The endorsement preview requests an active Colorado PSY license, transcripts and at least three peer-review certification forms.
Existing credentials
Hold an out-of-state psychology license in good standing and either unrestricted prescriptive authority from a state imposing the specified education, supervision and training requirements or qualifying Department of Defense demonstration-project or similar training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Original prescription certificate
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Application
Submit the complete application, fee, transcripts, supervised-experience certifications and peer-review documentation.
Education
Hold the approved psychology doctorate and an APA-designated clinical psychopharmacology masters program or Board-approved equivalent with at least 450 classroom hours in the statutory core subjects.
Experience
Complete the approved supervised clinical practicum in 12–24 months: at least 750 one-to-one in-person hours treating at least 150 clients, including at least 80 hours of observational clinical assessment and pathophysiology and additional age-group experience when applicable.
Insurance
Maintain commercial professional liability insurance of at least $1 million per incident and $3 million annual aggregate.
Peer review
Successfully complete the required independent peer review; chart review is applicant evidence, not a separately identified examination.
Underlying license
Hold an active unrestricted Colorado psychologist license; an existing license is an applicant condition, not a repetition of its examination tree.
Prescription certificate reinstatement — expired no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply and pay fees, maintain the underlying psychologist license, required insurance and continued professional education.
Expiration
Prescription certificate expired outside the grace period but no more than two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Prescription certificate renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay renewal fees and meet the certificate renewal requirements.
Education
Complete at least 40 hours every two years in pharmacology and psychopharmacology or a greater amount required by the Board.
Insurance
Maintain statutory professional liability insurance.
Underlying license
Maintain a current Colorado psychologist license in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Psychologist

Provisional license for supervised practice in a residential child care facility.

Licensing authority: Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Original provisional licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Hold the doctorate meeting the psychology licensure education requirement and supply official transcripts or education equivalency review.
Employment
Work in a qualifying residential child care facility under a licensed supervisor; identify the supervisor and submit the employment verification.
Supervision changes
Notify the Board of changes in supervision within 30 days.
Termination
License ends 30 days after qualifying employment or supervision ends unless replacement employment or supervision is documented.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional reinstatement — expired no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Detail practice, upload Verification of Practice, answer criminal and general-history questions, complete the Healthcare Professions Profile and pay the reinstatement fee.
Eligibility
Continue qualifying employment and licensed supervision under C.R.S. 12-245-208.
Expiration
Provisional psychologist license expired no more than two years, outside the grace period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing eligibility
Continue qualifying residential child care facility employment and supervision and pay renewal fees on the Board schedule.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Psychologist — Out-of-State Telehealth Provider Registration

Registration for eligible out-of-state credential holders to provide telehealth services to patients in Colorado.

Licensing authority: State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Out of state psychologist telehealth registration
Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination
Discipline
No limiting, suspending or revoking disciplinary action during the preceding five years, subject to the Colorado-law exception.
Jurisprudence
Pass the Colorado mental health jurisprudence examination; provide an unexpired signed and dated report.
Out of state
Be located outside Colorado and hold an active, unencumbered equivalent out-of-state credential with equivalent or greater education and supervision standards.
Practice
Provide telehealth only; do not open a Colorado office or provide in-person care without the applicable Colorado credential.
Registered agent
Designate a Colorado agent for service of process.
Responsibility
Maintain required financial responsibility, emergency protocols, practice standards, disclosures and timely notices of credential restrictions, discipline and malpractice.
Telehealth registration reinstatement — expired no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for reinstatement and meet continuing credential-equivalence, practice and financial-responsibility requirements.
Expiration
Telehealth registration expired outside the grace period but no more than two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Telehealth registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew on the Director schedule, pay fees and continue the applicable telehealth practice and financial-responsibility conditions.
Existing registration
Maintain the applicable telehealth registration and equivalent active out-of-state credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
ISO-Quality Testing (IQT)
Format
Online, open-book, multiple-choice, one-best-answer
Exam questions
45
Time limit
Not timed; 60-day eligibility window
Passing score
500 on a 200–800 scaled-score range
Exam fee
$25 per attempt
Examination outline
  • General Mental Health Statutes (27%)
    • Part 1 Legislative Declaration
    • Part 2 General Provisions
    • Definitions
    • Scope of Practice
    • Mandatory Disclosures
    • Limitation on Authority
    • Minimum Standards for Testing
  • Confidentiality and Privilege (13%)
    • Disclosure of Confidential Communications
    • Duty to Report Violation
    • Who May Not Testify Without Consent
  • Prohibited Activities/Violations (16%)
    • Prohibited Activities
    • Violated/Attempted to Violate Provision or Rule
    • Acting or Failing to Act with Generally Accepted Standards of Care
    • Discipline by Another Jurisdiction
  • Board Rules (19%)
    • Board Powers/Duties
    • Licensee/Registrant/Certificate Holder Responsibilities
    • Information Required to Report
    • Client Records
    • Confidential Agreement to Limit Practice
  • Emergency Procedures (15%)
    • Involuntary Commitment
    • Injunctive Proceedings
    • Duty to Warn
    • Child Duty to Report Abuse/Neglect
    • At-Risk Persons Duty to Report Abuse/Exploitation
  • Disciplinary Provisions/Proceedings (10%)
    • Disciplinary Provisions
    • Proceedings and Actions
    • Unauthorized Practice
    • Referral to Peer Health Assistance Program
Examination sources

EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge)

Provider
Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB); delivered by Pearson VUE at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination; each item has three or four possible responses, only one of which is correct; the score is the number of correct responses. A French form (FEPPP) is available only to candidates whose licensing authorities legally require a French form.
Exam questions
225 items: 175 scored and 50 unscored pretest items
Time limit
4 hours and 15 minutes for completion of the exam items
Passing score
Scaled score (200-800 scale); ASPPB recommended passing scores of 500 for independent practice and 450 for supervised practice; each licensing authority sets its own passing standard
Exam fee
$600 USD exam fee per sitting plus $91.88 test sitting fee (English EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge))
Examination outline
  • Domain 1. Biological Bases of Behavior (10%)
    • KN1. Functional correlates and determinants of the neurobiological and genetic bases of behavior pertaining to perception, cognition, personality, and mood and affect in normal, acute and chronic neurobehavioral disease processes and disease comorbidities
    • KN2. Drug classification, mechanisms of action, and desired/adverse effects of therapeutic agents, drugs of abuse, and complementary or alternative agents
    • KN3. Results from major trials and general guidelines for pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and combined treatment of psychological disorders
    • KN4. Behavioral genetics, transmission and expression of genetic information and its modification, and the role and limitations of this information in understanding disorders
    • KN5. Applications of structural and functional brain imaging methods, electrophysiological methods, therapeutic drug monitoring methods, and genetic screening methodologies, and the evidence for their effectiveness
  • Domain 2. Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior (13%)
    • KN6. Major research‐based theories and models of intelligence and their application
    • KN7. Major research-based theories, models, and principles of learning and their application
    • KN8. Major research‐based theories and models of memory and their application
    • KN9. Major research‐based theories and models of motivation and their application
    • KN10. Major research-based theories and models of emotion and their application
    • KN11. Elements of cognition, including sensation and perception, attention, language, information processing, visual-spatial processing, executive functioning
    • KN12. Relations among cognitions/beliefs, behavior, affect, temperament, and mood
    • KN13. Influence of psychosocial factors on cognitions/beliefs and behaviors
  • Domain 3. Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior (11%)
    • KN14. Major research‐based theories and models of social cognition (e.g., person perception, development of stereotypes, prejudice)
    • KN15. Social interaction and relationships (e.g., attraction, aggression, altruism, organizational justice, verbal and non‐verbal communication, internet communication, mate selection, empathy)
    • KN16. Group and systems processes (e.g., school, work, and family systems, job satisfaction, team functioning, conformity, persuasion) and social influences on functioning
    • KN17. Major research‐based personality theories and models
    • KN18. Cultural and sociopolitical psychology (e.g., privilege, cross‐cultural comparisons, political differences, international and global awareness, religiosity and spirituality, acculturation)
    • KN19. Identity diversity and intersectionality (e.g., psychological impact of diversity on individuals, families, and systems)
    • KN20. Causes, manifestations, and effects of oppression
  • Domain 4. Growth and Lifespan Development (12%)
    • KN21. Normal growth and development across the lifespan
    • KN22. Influence of individual‐environment interaction on development over time (e.g., the relationship between the individual and the social, academic, work, community environment)
    • KN23. Major research‐based theories and models of development
    • KN24. Influence of diverse identities on development
    • KN25. Family development, configuration, and functioning and their impact on the individual across the lifespan
    • KN26. Life events that can influence the course of development across the lifespan
    • KN27. Risk and protective factors that may impact a developmental course (e.g., nutrition, prenatal care, health care, social support, socioeconomic status, abuse, victimization, and resiliency)
    • KN28. Disorders and diseases that impact the expected course of development over the lifespan
  • Domain 5. Assessment and Diagnosis (16%)
    • KN29. Psychometric theories, item and test characteristics, test construction and standardization procedures, reliability and validity, sensitivity and specificity, and test fairness and bias
    • KN30. Assessment theories and models (e.g., developmental, behavioral, ecological, neuropsychological)
    • KN31. Assessment methods and their strengths and limitations (e.g., self‐report, multi-informant reports, psychophysiological measures, work samples, assessment centers, direct observation, structured and semi‐structured interviews)
    • KN32. Commonly used instruments for the measurement of characteristics and behaviors of individuals and their appropriate use with various populations
    • KN33. Issues of differential diagnosis and integration of non‐psychological information into psychological assessment
    • KN34. Instruments and methods appropriate for the assessment of groups and organizations (e.g., program evaluation, needs assessment, organizational and personnel assessment)
    • KN35. Criteria for selection and adaptation of assessment methods (e.g., evidenced-based knowledge of assessment limitations, cultural appropriateness, trans‐cultural adaptation, and language accommodations)
    • KN36. Classification systems and their underlying rationales and limitations for evaluating client functioning; dimensional vs. categorical approaches to diagnosis
    • KN37. Factors influencing evidence-based interpretation of data and decision‐making (e.g., base rates, group differences, cultural biases and differences, heuristics)
    • KN38. Constructs of epidemiology and base rates of psychological and behavioral disorders
    • KN39. Major research-based theories and models of psychopathology
    • KN40. Measurement of outcomes and changes due to prevention or intervention efforts with individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations
    • KN41. Use of technology in implementing tests, surveys, and other forms of assessment and diagnostic evaluation (e.g., validity, cost-effectiveness, consumer acceptability)
  • Domain 6. Treatment, Intervention, and Prevention and Supervision (15%)
    • KN42. Factors related to treatment or intervention decision-making (e.g., relevant research, matching treatment to assessment/diagnosis, matching client or patient with psychologist characteristics, knowledge and use of allied services, cost and benefit, readiness to change)
    • KN43. Contemporary research-based theories and models of treatment, intervention, and prevention
    • KN44. Treatment techniques and interventions and the evidence for their comparative efficacy and effectiveness
    • KN45. Methods and their evidence base for prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation with diverse and special populations
    • KN46. Interventions to enhance growth and performance of individuals, couples, families, groups, systems, and organizations
    • KN47. Research-based consultation models and processes
    • KN48. Research-based models of vocational and career development
    • KN49. Telepsychology and technology‐assisted psychological services
    • KN50. Healthcare systems, structures, and economics, and how these impact intervention choice
    • KN51. Approaches to health promotion, risk reduction, resilience, and wellness
    • KN52. Contemporary theories and models of supervision and their evidence base
  • Domain 7. Research Methods and Statistics (7%)
    • KN53. Sampling and data collection methods
    • KN54. Design of case, correlational, quasi‐experimental, and experimental studies
    • KN55. Analytic methods, including qualitative (e.g., thematic, phenomenological) and quantitative (e.g., probability theory; descriptive, inferential, and parametric statistics; meta-analysis; factor analysis; causal modeling)
    • KN56. Statistical interpretation (e.g., power, effect size, causation vs. association, clinical vs. statistical significance)
    • KN57. Critical appraisal and application of research findings (e.g., adequacy of design and statistics, limitations to generalizability, threats to internal and external validity, design flaws, level of evidence)
    • KN58. Evaluation strategies and techniques (e.g., needs assessment, process and implementation evaluation, formative and summative program evaluation, outcome evaluation, cost‐benefit analysis)
    • KN59. Considerations regarding community involvement and participation in research
    • KN60. Dissemination and presentation of research findings
  • Domain 8. Ethical/Legal/Professional Issues (16%)
    • KN61. Current ethical principles and codes for psychologists (APA, CPA)
    • KN62. Professional standards and relevant guidelines for the practice of psychology (e.g., standards for educational and psychological testing)
    • KN63. Laws, statutes, and judicial decisions that affect psychological practice
    • KN64. Identification and management of potential ethical issues
    • KN65. Models of ethical decision‐making
    • KN66. Approaches for continuing professional development
    • KN67. Emerging social, legal, ethical, and policy issues and their impact on psychological practice
    • KN68. Client and patient rights
    • KN69. Ethical issues in the conduct of research
    • KN70. Ethical issues in supervision
    • KN71. Ethical issues in technology-assisted psychological services
Examination sources

Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists

Provider
Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB); administered on computer at Kryterion Testing Network centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination requiring recall of information, analysis, and judgment; offered in person at Kryterion test centers, not online
Exam questions
200 multiple-choice items: 150 scored and 50 experimental (pretest) items
Time limit
4 hours
Passing score
Criterion-referenced cut score set by a modified Angoff approach; the score is the number of items answered correctly represented as a percentage
Exam fee
$700 exam fee plus $125 test center fee
Examination outline
  • Content Area 1: Integrating Clinical Psychopharmacology with the Practice of Psychology — Refers to integrating clinical psychopharmacology with the practice of psychology (7.3%)
    • Knowledge of biopsychosocial variables as determinants of medication utilization and effects (e.g., age, gender, family history, patient belief systems/ culture, economics/ poverty, social support, current environmental circumstances).
    • Knowledge of limitations and benefits, patient perceptions (including help-seeking attitudes), and treatment expectations regarding psychopharmacological and psychological interventions as sole, additive, or interactive treatments for given disorders and functional impairments.
    • Knowledge of practitioner-patient partnership for case and medication management, including the impact on patient education, medication adherence, the effectiveness of treatment, adverse effects and response to side effects, and implications for the relationship when psychosocial and pharmacological interventions are utilized (e.g., ethnicity/culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic factors, religion, refugee status).
    • Knowledge of the development and implementation of a coherent and organized integrated treatment plan of psychosocial, cultural (including the participation of traditional healers when appropriate), and pharmacological interventions with attention to comorbidities, as well as evidence-based developments in psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
  • Content Area 2: Neuroscience — Refers to the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the nervous system and its interfaces with other major body systems. (6.7%)
    • Knowledge of cellular and molecular nervous system biology and regulatory processes (e.g., neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems, up and down-regulation, tolerance/cross-tolerance) needed to understand the pharmacological effect of medications.
    • Knowledge of the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
    • Knowledge of neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity.
    • Knowledge of the major neuronal pathways and their functions, and associated messenger systems.
  • Content Area 3: Nervous System Pathology — Refers to disorders of the nervous system resulting in abnormal function or behavioral/ mood disruption. Includes biochemical, structural (congenital or acquired), or neurophysiological abnormalities and their impact on other body systems. (11.3%)
    • Knowledge of etiological factors and diagnosis of dementia, delirium, and other cognitive and neurological disorders.
    • Knowledge of etiological factors and diagnosis of chronic pain, including headache (e.g., migrainous vs. non-migrainous headache), neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia; and the role of the CNS in pain experience and management.
    • Knowledge of etiological factors and diagnosis of sleep disorders.
    • Knowledge of common idiopathic movement disorders, their etiological factors, signs, symptoms, and diagnosis (e.g., Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Tourette’s syndrome).
    • Knowledge of common iatrogenic or drug-induced movement disorders, their etiological factors, signs, symptoms, and diagnosis (e.g., extrapyramidal symptoms, dystonias, dyskinesias, akathisia, Dystonic Tremors (DTs)).
    • Knowledge of etiological factors and categories of seizure disorders.
    • Knowledge of traumatic brain injury and post-concussive or post-concussion syndrome and its impact on prescriptive decisions.
    • Knowledge of nervous system pathology (e.g., multiple sclerosis, infectious diseases, exposure to environmental neurotoxins, neoplasms, intellectual/developmental disabilities).
    • Knowledge of basic indications for neurodiagnostic imaging and testing (e.g., EEG, CT, MRI, neuropsychological).
  • Content Area 4: Physiology and Pathophysiology — Refers to normal physiology and pathophysiology across the life span, and their impact on psychological functioning and psychopharmacology. (16%)
    • Knowledge of indications for referral to other health care providers for assessment or treatment when organ system pathology is indicated.
    • Knowledge at a functional level of cardiovascular system physiology and pathophysiology across the life span (e.g., rhythm and rate disorders such as prolonged QT interval), and their relationship to psychopharmacology and psychopathology (e.g., blood pressure changes secondary to psychotropic medication; mitral valve prolapse related to panic disorder).
    • Knowledge at a functional level of pulmonary system physiology and pathophysiology across the life span, and their relationships to psychopharmacology and psychopathology (e.g., beta blockers and asthma, respiratory suppression with CNS depressants).
    • Knowledge of etiological factors and diagnosis of central nervous system vascular disorders (e.g., cerebral vascular accidents, transient ischemic attacks).
    • Knowledge at a functional level of renal/genitourinary system physiology and pathophysiology across the life span, and their relationships to psychopharmacology and psychopathology (e.g., the effect of psychotropic substances on urinary/sexual functioning; role in excretion of wastes and medications; valproic acid and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); lithium and renal functioning).
  • Content Area 5: Biopsychosocial and Pharmacologic Assessment and Monitoring — Refers to a range of biopsychosocial (psychological, neurological, behavioral, physical, biomedical) and pharmacologic assessment techniques and procedures for baseline and ongoing evaluation of the individual’s physical and psychological health status as well as the assessment of therapeutic efficacy, adverse effects, contraindications for drug usage, drug interactions, and appropriateness for medication continuation, modification, or discontinuation. (6%)
    • Knowledge of individual and family history-taking procedures and psychological assessments that provide information relevant to prescribing (e.g., review of systems, dietary habits, mental status, behavioral observations, developmental history, social history, academic history, family medical and psychiatric history (including knowledge of diversity-related variations in the incidence/ prevalence of disorders), history of sexually transmitted disease and history of the general level of functioning).
    • Knowledge of basic physical and neurological examination procedures (e.g., history and physical examination (HPE); review of systems (ROS)) and variations in these procedures for special populations (e.g., ethnicity and estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR)).
    • Knowledge of appropriate laboratory tests and assessment procedures before prescribing particular medications (e.g., the implication of disease states, gender, ethnicity, sample timing, and potential effects of medications on those values) and ongoing during treatment (e.g., therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for lithium blood levels, white blood cell monitoring with clozapine use).
    • Knowledge of behavioral assessment methods (e.g., rating scales, direct observation of behaviors, parent/ teacher/self-report) at baseline and ongoing monitoring for therapeutic effectiveness, quality of life, and adverse effects of psychopharmacological agents (e.g., akathisia with antipsychotics and SSRIs; rating scales for ADHD; Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) for cognitive function; Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale for global response to treatment).
  • Content Area 6: Differential Diagnosis — Refers to the use of comprehensive diagnostic information about a patient to establish an accurate diagnosis from among possible medical and psychological diagnoses to select appropriate treatment modalities and determine the appropriateness of referral to other health care providers. (10%)
    • Knowledge of medical disorders and their most common symptoms that may also present with psychological symptoms (e.g., ADHD versus PKU versus autism, anxiety versus Graves’ disease, dementia versus depression in the elderly; depression as a primary disorder vs. a prodromal sign of underlying cancer; personality changes in the elderly vs. dementia).
    • Knowledge of psychological signs and symptoms (e.g., mental status changes, memory dysfunction, depression, psychosis) secondary to substances of abuse, prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, most commonly used herbal remedies that have psychological effects, and dietary supplements.
    • Knowledge of the psychopharmacological treatment implications related to mental health disorders with multiple symptoms (e.g., one disorder with multiple symptoms vs. comorbid disorders with related symptoms: major depressive disorder with psychotic features vs. major depressive disorder and schizophrenia; anxious depression vs. anxiety disorder and dysthymia; bipolar vs. psychotic depression; behavioral health disorders and substance use disorders).
    • Knowledge of iatrogenic effects of medication versus primary symptoms of disease course (e.g., akathisia versus anxiety; anticholinergic effects versus dementia; medication-induced tremor versus idiopathic movement disorders).
  • Content Area 7: Pharmacology — Refers to the interactions of drugs with biophysiological systems; encompasses pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, and the epidemiology of various medications such as psychotropics, adjunctive agents, and other medications used in the practice of medicine, as well as substances of abuse, OTC products, and food and dietary supplements. The influence of cultural/ethnic factors, environmental factors, and responses of special populations are considered. (12.7%)
    • Knowledge of drug classifications for psychotropic and adjunctive medications (e.g., stimulants, sedatives, antidepressants, anticholinergics), major drug categories used to treat common medical disorders (e.g., antibiotics), OTC medications, herbals, and substances of abuse.
    • Knowledge of pharmacokinetic parameters (e.g., absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) and how each phase affects drug action (e.g., delayed-release preparations, routes of administration, area under the curve, lipophilicity and drug transit across membrane barriers, CYP enzymes, drug/drug and drug/food interactions, routes of clearance).
    • Knowledge of pharmacodynamic changes caused by medications (receptor up/down regulation; transcription).
    • Knowledge of the importance of biological half-life in determining steady state drug concentrations, dosing schedules, accumulation, and toxicity.
    • Knowledge of drug properties and characteristics (e.g., therapeutic index, therapeutic blood levels/ prescription doses, potency, bioavailability, efficacy, cognitive and behavioral manifestations of toxicity, dose response relationships).
    • Knowledge of types of drugs/receptor interactions (e.g., direct and indirect agonists, antagonists, partial agonists, inverse agonists, competitive vs. non-competitive antagonism and agonism).
    • Knowledge of the relationship between neurotransmitters and their receptor targets and the behavioral effects of stimulation vs. inhibition (e.g., 5HT1A and anxiety, beta blockers and performance anxiety, D2 and psychosis; histamine and sedation; ACh and memory).
    • Knowledge of the mechanism of action of common therapeutic agents (e.g., receptor stimulation/inhibition; receptor up/down regulation; tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal).
    • Knowledge of the theoretical relationship between neurotransmitter systems and psycho-pathological conditions (e.g., serotonin and norepinephrine in depression, dopamine in psychosis and substance abuse; dopamine in Parkinson’s disease; acetylcholine in Alzheimer’s disease).
    • Knowledge of the factors (e.g., biological, ethnic, pharmacodynamic, genetic, pharmacokinetic) related to intra- and inter-individual responses to medications (e.g., variation of blood levels to the same dose across individuals, change in responsiveness within the same individual across administrations of same drug [e.g., pregnancy, obesity, age]).
    • Knowledge of drug-induced disease, dysfunction, and adverse reactions (e.g., hepatotoxicity, agranulocytosis, dystonias).
  • Content Area 8: Clinical Psychopharmacology — Refers to the application of pharmacology to the management of psychological/behavioral disorders. This includes indications, contradictions, dosing, adverse effects and toxicities of psychotropic and adjunctive medications, interactions with other medications (including other drugs used in medicine for recreational purposes, and available for OTC purchase) as well as the management of adverse reactions, overdoses, and toxicities. (16%)
    • Knowledge of indications and contraindications for various psychotropic medications, including use of multiple medications both on and off label.
    • Knowledge of decision-making strategies for psychotropic medication selection (e.g., risk-benefit analysis, practice guidelines, genetics, ethnicity, cost, pregnancy, disease status, limitations of current diagnostic systems [e.g., DSM, ICD]).
    • Knowledge of dosing, time course of therapeutic action, and adverse effects of medication based on patient factors (e.g., weight, gender, ethnicity, culture, age, trauma, pregnancy, concurrent disease).
    • Knowledge of dosing strategies (e.g., augmentation, titration, cross taper, discontinuation).
    • Knowledge of common signs and symptoms of drug toxicity and the management of adverse reactions to drugs (e.g., referral for appropriate medical care, use of appropriate medications).
    • Knowledge of the management of at-risk patients (e.g., relapse prevention, adherence, suicide prevention, patients seeking medication inappropriate or inconsistent with treatment plan).
    • Knowledge of potential adverse psychological and physiological signs of drugs used for common medical conditions (e.g., steroids, beta blockers, antibiotics, antivirals), OTCs, and herbals/dietary supplements.
    • Knowledge of psychological and physiological signs of common recreational substances and the management of intoxication or addiction, including strategies for assisted withdrawal, maintenance, and relapse prevention.
    • Knowledge of how to recognize and manage tolerance, cross-tolerance, dependence, and abstinence syndromes, sensitization/cross-sensitization with respect to specific medications.
    • Knowledge of the patient factors (e.g., culture, literacy, stage of change) that need to be considered when informing patients about drug utilization, risks, benefits, potential complications, and alternatives to pharmacotherapy.
  • Content Area 9: Research — Refers to the methodology, standards, and conduct of research on psychoactive substances. The knowledge base facilitates research design and implementation, accurate data interpretation and communication, effective utilization of findings, the accumulation of scientific knowledge, and the improvement of the practice of clinical psychology. (7.3%)
    • Knowledge of research designs and analytic techniques used in psychopharmacological research (e.g., open label, single vs double blind, random assignment, placebo control, drug washout, dose response relationships, intent-to-treat analyses, within-subject and group designs, concurrent administration of other drugs, FDA drug development process).
    • Knowledge of how to critically review clinical research data including non-evidence-based therapies and emerging research methodologies and use the information for making treatment decisions (e.g., Number needed to treat (NNT), Number needed to harm (NNH), Odds ratio (OR), Risk ratio (RR), effect size).
    • Knowledge of influential, non-industry sponsored multi-site research studies relating to psychopharmacology (e.g., CATIE, STAR-D, CUTLASS, MTA).
    • Knowledge of evidence-based research regarding complementary and alternative medicines (e.g., Omega-3, folate, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), St. John’s Wort, melatonin).
  • Content Area 10: Professional, Legal, Ethical, and Interprofessional Issues — Refers to the knowledge of ethics, standards of care, laws, and regulations relevant to the practice of psychology involving psychopharmacology. (6.7%)
    • Knowledge of relevant legal and ethical codes and standards that pertain to pharmacological practice; and laws and statutes for prescribing psychotropic medications (e.g., DEA regulations, telehealth).
    • Knowledge of practice guidelines and standards of care for prescribing psychotropic medications (including a relationship with referring psychologist).
    • Knowledge of patients’ rights related to medication treatments and therapy (e.g., informed consent, right to refuse treatment, right to treatment within the least restrictive environment, inappropriate psychotropic restraints, duty to warn, privileged communication, alternative decision maker, living will, durable power of attorney, advance directives).
    • Knowledge of ethical issues regarding relationships with pharmaceutical companies (e.g., acceptance of gifts and samples, revealing sources of funding and affiliations, interactions with pharmaceutical reps).
Examination sources