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New Mexico Psychologist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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Psychologist associate

Psychologist associate licensure for supervised practice, requiring the EPPP and an online jurisprudence examination.

Licensing authority: New Mexico State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Reapplication after denial, restriction or suspension
Current qualifications
A new application must meet the applicable current licensure requirements; prior scores, disciplinary history and any Board order affect the individual applicant’s conditions.
Waiting period
More than two years must have elapsed from termination of the restriction or suspension under § 61-9-13(B).
Psychologist associate licensure by examination
Age
The applicant has reached the age of majority and complies with the Act and rules.
Application
Submit a signed application, fee, official transcripts and three reference letters, with documentation received at least 60 days before EPPP.
Background
Initial applicants in every category must submit fingerprints and pay the national criminal-history screening charge under 16.22.5.8(C). Applications not completed and approved within 24 months become void.
Culture
Show awareness and knowledge of New Mexico cultures; the rule places this during the first year of licensure.
Education
The Act requires a master’s degree in psychology. The rule distinguishes degrees before and after July 1, 1985, requires specified graduate coursework in three of nine content areas and two semesters of practicum, and names psychology, counseling psychology and school psychology programs.
Examination sequence
Take online jurisprudence after the Board receives a passing EPPP score. Three EPPP attempts are allowed within 18 months of application approval; otherwise a new application is required.
Passing score
§ 61-9-11.1(A)(3) requires the statistical mean for master’s-level EPPP candidates. 16.22.12.11(B)(1) instead states the pre-1993 raw score or ASPPB-recommended passing score. The statute controls; the implementing demand is disclosed as an applicant condition.
Supervision
Practice is supervised under 16.22.12.8 with a filed supervisory agreement and at least two hours of individual supervision each month. Testing requires psychologist supervision.
Honorary retirement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Request
Notify the Board in writing before license expiration of the decision permanently to retire.
Status
Honorary retirement is a non-disciplinary revocation, not an authorization to practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after impairment proceedings
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may restore the authorization on a general or limited basis upon the committee’s written recommendation.
Fitness assessment
An examining committee assesses fitness to practice and may order mental or physical examination. These clinical fitness assessments are conditions, not professional licensing examination identities.
Petition
Petition in writing on the Board’s form at a reasonable interval and demonstrate capacity to resume competent practice with reasonable skill and patient safety.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Associate reinstatement from inactive status after three years
Examination of Ethics and New Mexico Jurisprudence
Application
Submit the reinstatement form, continuing-education evidence and fee, comply with the Act and rules, and pass online jurisprudence.
Inactive period
Request reinstatement after more than three years.
Supervision
Active associate practice remains subject to 16.22.12.8 supervision and agreement requirements.
Associate reinstatement from inactive status within three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reinstatement form, continuing-education evidence and fee and comply with the Act and rules.
Inactive period
Request reinstatement within three years.
Supervision
Active associate practice remains subject to 16.22.12.8 supervision and agreement requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal within one year after suspension for nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and active-status renewal fee.
Deadline
Renew biennially on or before July 1 of the applicable year.
Education
Document the continuing professional education required by 16.22.9.
Late status
The license is suspended for nonrenewal and the application is made within one year; pay the renewal and late fees and provide satisfactory continuing-education proof. No practice is permitted during suspension.
Supervision
Submit supervision records and the updated supervisory agreement or signed confirmation of no change under 16.22.12.8.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after revocation for nonrenewal
Board discretion
§ 61-9-7 permits a full or partial examination of a former licensee. The implementing rule requires all current licensure requirements, including the identified examinations; the Board’s individual application of full or partial retesting is a condition.
Lapse
The license was not renewed within one year after suspension and has been revoked.
New application
Make a new application satisfying the licensing requirements in effect when filed.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and active-status renewal fee.
Deadline
Renew biennially on or before July 1 of the applicable year.
Education
Document the continuing professional education required by 16.22.9.
Supervision
Submit supervision records and the updated supervisory agreement or signed confirmation of no change under 16.22.12.8.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conditional prescription certificate

Certificate permitting a psychologist to administer or prescribe drugs or medicines under supervision.

Licensing authority: Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Conditional certification for a Defense demonstration project graduate
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Adapted supervision
The Board determines additional training and a supervised-practice period of three months to two years.
Application
Submit the application, training/practicum certifications, PEP passing-score evidence, signed proposed supervisory plan and fee.
Clinical training
Complete the 80-hour clinical-assessment/pathophysiology practicum and 400-hour practicum treating at least 100 separate patients, with the required supervision and certifications.
Dod training
Graduate from the Department of Defense psychopharmacology demonstration project and have actively prescribed psychotropic medication for at least two of the five years immediately before application.
Education
Complete Board-approved psychopharmacology training, including at least 450 didactic hours and the specified scientific, assessment, treatment and cultural-competence subjects; at least three quarters of the hours come from one credential-granting institution or program.
Insurance
Maintain malpractice coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate and submit the declaration or binder.
Law training
Complete the three-hour New Mexico prescribing-rules-and-laws course offered by SPA or NMPA. A course is not a separate state examination even where a rule heading calls it jurisprudence examination.
Pep attempts
The ASPPB-recommended PEP passing score applies. A second attempt requires 90 days; a third requires one year after the second; after a third failure Board-approved remedial didactic work is required.
Psychologist license
Hold an active unrestricted New Mexico psychologist license and the required doctoral qualification.
Recency
The required didactic instruction and clinical experience must satisfy the five-year application window and the practicum-duration limits; approved extensions and qualifying prior training are applicant conditions.
Special rule
The special rule does not repeat PEP, but the statutory conditional-certificate examination requirement and 16.22.23.8(F) still identify it.
Supervised practice
The conditional certificate ordinarily lasts two years. Follow the approved supervision plan; see at least 50 separate patients, with the prescribed individual supervision and certifications.
Extension of conditional supervised practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board approval
The Board may approve an extension when the conditional period was not successfully completed; submit a plan for the extended supervision and maintain malpractice insurance.
Peer review pending
A certificate may be extended up to 60 days pending peer review if a complete prescription-certificate application was timely received.
Practice
Do not prescribe without a valid conditional certificate, responsible supervising clinician and malpractice insurance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial conditional prescription certification
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Application
Submit the application, training/practicum certifications, PEP passing-score evidence, signed proposed supervisory plan and fee.
Clinical training
Complete the 80-hour clinical-assessment/pathophysiology practicum and 400-hour practicum treating at least 100 separate patients, with the required supervision and certifications.
Education
Complete Board-approved psychopharmacology training, including at least 450 didactic hours and the specified scientific, assessment, treatment and cultural-competence subjects; at least three quarters of the hours come from one credential-granting institution or program.
Insurance
Maintain malpractice coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate and submit the declaration or binder.
Law training
Complete the three-hour New Mexico prescribing-rules-and-laws course offered by SPA or NMPA. A course is not a separate state examination even where a rule heading calls it jurisprudence examination.
Pep attempts
The ASPPB-recommended PEP passing score applies. A second attempt requires 90 days; a third requires one year after the second; after a third failure Board-approved remedial didactic work is required.
Psychologist license
Hold an active unrestricted New Mexico psychologist license and the required doctoral qualification.
Recency
The required didactic instruction and clinical experience must satisfy the five-year application window and the practicum-duration limits; approved extensions and qualifying prior training are applicant conditions.
Supervised practice
The conditional certificate ordinarily lasts two years. Follow the approved supervision plan; see at least 50 separate patients, with the prescribed individual supervision and certifications.
Conditional certification after prescribing licensure elsewhere
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Academic equivalency
Demonstrate required academic coursework to the Board’s satisfaction.
Adapted supervision
The Board determines additional training and supervision; the supervised conditional period is at least three months and no more than two years.
Application
Submit the application, training/practicum certifications, PEP passing-score evidence, signed proposed supervisory plan and fee.
Board specific text
16.22.25.11 lists the special pathway’s conditions without repeating the national examination; 16.22.23.8(F) and § 61-9-17.1(A)(4) retain the PEP requirement.
Clinical training
Complete the 80-hour clinical-assessment/pathophysiology practicum and 400-hour practicum treating at least 100 separate patients, with the required supervision and certifications.
Education
Complete Board-approved psychopharmacology training, including at least 450 didactic hours and the specified scientific, assessment, treatment and cultural-competence subjects; at least three quarters of the hours come from one credential-granting institution or program.
Insurance
Maintain malpractice coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate and submit the declaration or binder.
Law training
Complete the three-hour New Mexico prescribing-rules-and-laws course offered by SPA or NMPA. A course is not a separate state examination even where a rule heading calls it jurisprudence examination.
Pep attempts
The ASPPB-recommended PEP passing score applies. A second attempt requires 90 days; a third requires one year after the second; after a third failure Board-approved remedial didactic work is required.
Prior prescribing
Be licensed or certified as a prescribing psychologist elsewhere for at least two years.
Psychologist license
Hold an active unrestricted New Mexico psychologist license and the required doctoral qualification.
Recency
The required didactic instruction and clinical experience must satisfy the five-year application window and the practicum-duration limits; approved extensions and qualifying prior training are applicant conditions.
Supervised practice
The conditional certificate ordinarily lasts two years. Follow the approved supervision plan; see at least 50 separate patients, with the prescribed individual supervision and certifications.
Reapplication for a conditional prescription certificate
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Application
Submit the application, training/practicum certifications, PEP passing-score evidence, signed proposed supervisory plan and fee.
Clinical training
Complete the 80-hour clinical-assessment/pathophysiology practicum and 400-hour practicum treating at least 100 separate patients, with the required supervision and certifications.
Education
Complete Board-approved psychopharmacology training, including at least 450 didactic hours and the specified scientific, assessment, treatment and cultural-competence subjects; at least three quarters of the hours come from one credential-granting institution or program.
Expiration
At the end of the two-year conditional certificate the holder may apply again under § 61-9-17.1(A). The current education, training, supervision and recency requirements still apply.
Insurance
Maintain malpractice coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate and submit the declaration or binder.
Law training
Complete the three-hour New Mexico prescribing-rules-and-laws course offered by SPA or NMPA. A course is not a separate state examination even where a rule heading calls it jurisprudence examination.
Pep attempts
The ASPPB-recommended PEP passing score applies. A second attempt requires 90 days; a third requires one year after the second; after a third failure Board-approved remedial didactic work is required.
Psychologist license
Hold an active unrestricted New Mexico psychologist license and the required doctoral qualification.
Recency
The required didactic instruction and clinical experience must satisfy the five-year application window and the practicum-duration limits; approved extensions and qualifying prior training are applicant conditions.
Supervised practice
The conditional certificate ordinarily lasts two years. Follow the approved supervision plan; see at least 50 separate patients, with the prescribed individual supervision and certifications.

Expedited license

A provisional license that confers the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as a regular license issued by the board.

Licensing authority: Psychologist Examiners Board · Application information

Expedited licensure with American Board of Professional Psychology credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed application, licensing verification, required fee, two years of practice and national criminal-history screening; an eligible complete application is processed within 30 days.
Board disciplinary history
16.22.5.10 requires no pending disciplinary action, no formal action in the preceding two years and no past suspension or revocation. The Board FAQ states different longer licensure/discipline lookbacks; the current statute and implementing rules govern.
Board eppp demand
16.22.5.11(A) states: In addition, the applicant shall have passed the EPPP with a minimum score required for licensure as set forth in Paragraph (6) of Subsection A of Section 61-9-11 NMSA 1978, of the act, have no disciplinary actions within two years immediately preceding the date of application, and shall have no prior license suspensions or revocations in any jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
Board jurisprudence demand
16.22.5.10(B) directs application under 16.22.5.9, whose subsection D states: D. The applicant shall take and pass a jurisprudence examination as defined in 16.22.7 NMAC.
Controlling examination rule
NMSA 1978 § 61-9-10(A) requires issuance without written or oral examination. Older implementing demands are shown below as Board-stated applicant conditions, rather than overriding that statute.
Education
Training and education must be equivalent to the doctoral requirements of the Professional Psychologist Act.
Jurisdiction
An eligible licensing jurisdiction and the Board’s applicant-specific equivalency determination are required under 16.22.14.7–9. No foreign country is approved by 16.22.14.9.
Prior license
The applicant must have been licensed or certified as a psychologist or prescribing psychologist for two years, hold a valid unrestricted license in good standing, and have practiced psychology for the two years immediately preceding the application.
Professional credential
Hold a current American Board of Professional Psychology credential at the doctoral level; 16.22.5.11 also requires two years of licensure in good standing, no discipline in the preceding two years and no prior suspensions or revocations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited licensure with ASPPB Certification of Professional Qualification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed application, licensing verification, required fee, two years of practice and national criminal-history screening; an eligible complete application is processed within 30 days.
Board disciplinary history
16.22.5.10 requires no pending disciplinary action, no formal action in the preceding two years and no past suspension or revocation. The Board FAQ states different longer licensure/discipline lookbacks; the current statute and implementing rules govern.
Board eppp demand
16.22.5.11(A) states: In addition, the applicant shall have passed the EPPP with a minimum score required for licensure as set forth in Paragraph (6) of Subsection A of Section 61-9-11 NMSA 1978, of the act, have no disciplinary actions within two years immediately preceding the date of application, and shall have no prior license suspensions or revocations in any jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
Board jurisprudence demand
16.22.5.10(B) directs application under 16.22.5.9, whose subsection D states: D. The applicant shall take and pass a jurisprudence examination as defined in 16.22.7 NMAC.
Controlling examination rule
NMSA 1978 § 61-9-10(A) requires issuance without written or oral examination. Older implementing demands are shown below as Board-stated applicant conditions, rather than overriding that statute.
Education
Training and education must be equivalent to the doctoral requirements of the Professional Psychologist Act.
Jurisdiction
An eligible licensing jurisdiction and the Board’s applicant-specific equivalency determination are required under 16.22.14.7–9. No foreign country is approved by 16.22.14.9.
Prior license
The applicant must have been licensed or certified as a psychologist or prescribing psychologist for two years, hold a valid unrestricted license in good standing, and have practiced psychology for the two years immediately preceding the application.
Professional credential
Hold a current ASPPB Certification of Professional Qualification at the doctoral level; 16.22.5.11 also requires two years of licensure in good standing, no discipline in the preceding two years and no prior suspensions or revocations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited licensure from another jurisdiction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed application, licensing verification, required fee, two years of practice and national criminal-history screening; an eligible complete application is processed within 30 days.
Board disciplinary history
16.22.5.10 requires no pending disciplinary action, no formal action in the preceding two years and no past suspension or revocation. The Board FAQ states different longer licensure/discipline lookbacks; the current statute and implementing rules govern.
Board eppp demand
16.22.5.10(A)(5) states: (5) The applicant shall have obtained a passing score on the EPPP as defined in 16.22.7 NMAC.
Board jurisprudence demand
16.22.5.10(B) directs application under 16.22.5.9, whose subsection D states: D. The applicant shall take and pass a jurisprudence examination as defined in 16.22.7 NMAC.
Controlling examination rule
NMSA 1978 § 61-9-10(A) requires issuance without written or oral examination. Older implementing demands are shown below as Board-stated applicant conditions, rather than overriding that statute.
Education
Training and education must be equivalent to the doctoral requirements of the Professional Psychologist Act.
Jurisdiction
An eligible licensing jurisdiction and the Board’s applicant-specific equivalency determination are required under 16.22.14.7–9. No foreign country is approved by 16.22.14.9.
Prior license
The applicant must have been licensed or certified as a psychologist or prescribing psychologist for two years, hold a valid unrestricted license in good standing, and have practiced psychology for the two years immediately preceding the application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited licensure with National Register Health Service Provider in Psychology credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed application, licensing verification, required fee, two years of practice and national criminal-history screening; an eligible complete application is processed within 30 days.
Board disciplinary history
16.22.5.10 requires no pending disciplinary action, no formal action in the preceding two years and no past suspension or revocation. The Board FAQ states different longer licensure/discipline lookbacks; the current statute and implementing rules govern.
Board eppp demand
16.22.5.11(A) states: In addition, the applicant shall have passed the EPPP with a minimum score required for licensure as set forth in Paragraph (6) of Subsection A of Section 61-9-11 NMSA 1978, of the act, have no disciplinary actions within two years immediately preceding the date of application, and shall have no prior license suspensions or revocations in any jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
Board jurisprudence demand
16.22.5.10(B) directs application under 16.22.5.9, whose subsection D states: D. The applicant shall take and pass a jurisprudence examination as defined in 16.22.7 NMAC.
Controlling examination rule
NMSA 1978 § 61-9-10(A) requires issuance without written or oral examination. Older implementing demands are shown below as Board-stated applicant conditions, rather than overriding that statute.
Education
Training and education must be equivalent to the doctoral requirements of the Professional Psychologist Act.
Jurisdiction
An eligible licensing jurisdiction and the Board’s applicant-specific equivalency determination are required under 16.22.14.7–9. No foreign country is approved by 16.22.14.9.
Prior license
The applicant must have been licensed or certified as a psychologist or prescribing psychologist for two years, hold a valid unrestricted license in good standing, and have practiced psychology for the two years immediately preceding the application.
Professional credential
Hold a current National Register Health Service Provider in Psychology credential at the doctoral level; 16.22.5.11 also requires two years of licensure in good standing, no discipline in the preceding two years and no prior suspensions or revocations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited licensure for military service members, veterans and qualifying family members
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Provide the applicable military orders, marriage documentation, dependent-child documentation, or honorable-discharge documentation specified in 16.22.14.11(A).
Examination
Expedited initial issuance is without examination under § 61-9-10; any examination requirement before renewal is preserved in the renewal route.
Fees
16.22.14.11(E) exempts a military service member or veteran from licensing fees for the first three years.
Prior license
Provide a current license in good standing in another jurisdiction, including a branch of the United States armed forces; military service members and veterans are excepted from the ordinary eligible-jurisdiction limitation by 16.22.14.7(G).
Processing
A complete qualifying application is processed within 30 days; a potentially disqualifying conviction or other cause for denial is referred to the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited licensure as a prescribing psychologist
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed application, licensing verification, required fee, two years of practice and national criminal-history screening; an eligible complete application is processed within 30 days.
Authorization
The prior authorization is as a prescribing psychologist. Applicant-specific prescribing education, supervision and experience equivalency and the Board’s disapproved-jurisdiction rule in 16.22.14.8(C) apply. The expedited authorization confers the corresponding regular authorization’s rights.
Controlling examination rule
NMSA 1978 § 61-9-10(A) requires issuance without written or oral examination. Older implementing demands are shown below as Board-stated applicant conditions, rather than overriding that statute.
Education
Training and education must be equivalent to the doctoral requirements of the Professional Psychologist Act.
Jurisdiction
An eligible licensing jurisdiction and the Board’s applicant-specific equivalency determination are required under 16.22.14.7–9. No foreign country is approved by 16.22.14.9.
Prior license
The applicant must have been licensed or certified as a psychologist or prescribing psychologist for two years, hold a valid unrestricted license in good standing, and have practiced psychology for the two years immediately preceding the application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military expedited licensure as a prescribing psychologist
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Provide the applicable military orders, marriage documentation, dependent-child documentation, or honorable-discharge documentation specified in 16.22.14.11(A).
Examination
Expedited initial issuance is without examination under § 61-9-10; any examination requirement before renewal is preserved in the renewal route.
Fees
16.22.14.11(E) exempts a military service member or veteran from licensing fees for the first three years.
Prior authorization
The current license or certification is as a prescribing psychologist; applicable prescribing qualifications must be established.
Prior license
Provide a current license in good standing in another jurisdiction, including a branch of the United States armed forces; military service members and veterans are excepted from the ordinary eligible-jurisdiction limitation by 16.22.14.7(G).
Processing
A complete qualifying application is processed within 30 days; a potentially disqualifying conviction or other cause for denial is referred to the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive psychologist license

Inactive status for a current license in good standing, requiring written notice before expiration and payment of the board-established fee; practicing psychology in New Mexico is prohibited.

Licensing authority: State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Placement of a current license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current license
The license must be current and in good standing; a lapsed license must first be renewed under Part 8.
Practice
No practice is allowed during inactive status; applicable conduct and confidentiality obligations continue.
Request
Notify the administrator in writing before expiration and pay the inactive-status fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal in inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
16.22.9.9(B)(1) states that retirement or inactive status is not exempt from continuing professional education.
Status
Maintain inactive status without practicing and pay the appropriate renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive psychologist associate license

Inactive status requires a current license in good standing, written notice to the board administrator before expiration, and payment of board-established fees; practicing psychology in New Mexico is prohibited while inactive.

Licensing authority: New Mexico State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Placement of a current associate license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current license
The psychologist associate license must be current and in good standing; a lapsed license must first be renewed.
Practice
No psychology practice is permitted while inactive.
Request
Notify the administrator in writing before expiration and pay the inactive-status fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of an inactive associate license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
Do not practice while inactive.
Status
Renew the inactive license with applicable fees and continuing-education evidence; inactive status is not exempt from continuing professional education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive prescription certificate

A prescription certificate may be renewed to inactive status concurrently with an inactive psychologist license.

Licensing authority: Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Concurrent inactive certificate and psychologist license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License
The corresponding psychologist license is inactive under Part 10.
Status
The certificate may be renewed concurrently to inactive status; inactive status does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Concurrent renewal of an inactive prescription certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
No prescribing or psychology practice is authorized by inactive status.
Status
Maintain concurrent inactive psychologist-license and prescription-certificate status, applicable fees and continuing-education obligations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

registered psychology interns

Registration for psychology interns enrolled in an approved supervision program in New Mexico.

Licensing authority: New Mexico State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Registration for an approved supervised training program
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Registration covers the formal training term, not more than two years total unless approved by the Board.
Supervision
Work under approved supervision and do not directly charge the patient or third-party payor.
Training
Be enrolled in the appropriate approved internship or postdoctoral supervision program; an accredited program is documented, and an otherwise qualifying program requires formal Board approval.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

post-doctoral psychology trainees

Registration for post-doctoral psychology trainees training in New Mexico and enrolled in an approved supervision program.

Licensing authority: New Mexico State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Registration for an approved supervised training program
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Registration covers the formal training term, not more than two years total unless approved by the Board.
Supervision
Work under approved supervision and do not directly charge the patient or third-party payor.
Training
Be enrolled in the appropriate approved internship or postdoctoral supervision program; an accredited program is documented, and an otherwise qualifying program requires formal Board approval.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Prescription certificate

Certificate for prescribing psychologists, renewed concurrently with an active unrestricted psychologist license.

Licensing authority: Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Renewal converting an expedited prescribing authorization
Conditional examinations
If the original jurisdiction did not require the Act’s applicable examinations, 16.22.14.12(B) requires them before renewal; psychologist licensure involves EPPP and online jurisprudence, and prescribing certification involves PEP. The individual’s prior compliance determines which must be taken.
Prior license
Hold the expedited prescribing psychologist authorization.
Renewal
Maintain an active unrestricted psychologist license, malpractice coverage and the required continuing education; submit concurrent renewal applications and fees.
Prescription certification for a Defense demonstration project graduate
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Application window
Begin the application no sooner than 60 days and no later than 10 days before conditional-certificate expiration, with application, fee, signed patient and supervision logs and insurance declaration. A later application following successful completion must still meet the statutory training/time limits under 16.22.24.11(D).
Conditional practice
Have held a conditional certificate and successfully completed two years of supervised prescribing certified by the primary supervising clinician; applicable extensions and remediation are applicant conditions.
Continuing education
Maintain the required prescribing continuing education after certification.
Controlling requirements
Section 61-9-17.1(D) remains controlling for full certification. The special rule’s shorter documentation statement does not erase the general 16.22.23.8(F) PEP requirement; any individual exemption is reflected in applicant conditions.
Dod certificate
Hold a valid certificate as a Department of Defense prescribing psychologist and an active unrestricted New Mexico psychologist license.
Insurance
Maintain malpractice coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate and submit the declaration or binder.
Peer review
Successfully complete independent peer review of at least 10 randomly selected patient charts under 16.22.25.9. The chart-review process is a condition, not an applicant examination.
Pep
16.22.23.8(F) expressly requires passing PEP for a conditional prescription or prescription certificate. A prior passing score satisfies this currently offered examination requirement.
Psychologist license
Maintain an active unrestricted New Mexico psychologist license.
Remediation
Deficiencies may result in remediation of up to six months and further peer review; after three peer reviews the applicant must retrain and obtain another conditional certificate.
Special rule
16.22.26.8(B) states: B. Prescription certificate. Graduates of the department of defense psychopharmacology demonstration project shall be issued a prescription certificate if they hold an active unrestricted New Mexico license as a psychologist and present to the board evidence that they hold a valid certificate as a department of defense prescribing psychologist.
Concurrent reactivation after three years
Examination of Ethics and New Mexico Jurisprudence
Application
After more than three years, submit the reinstatement application, continuing-education proof and fee, comply with the Act and rules, and pass online jurisprudence; maintain prescribing insurance.
Concurrency
Reactivate the underlying psychologist license and its inactive certificate concurrently under Part 10.
Concurrent reactivation within three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Within three years, submit the reinstatement form, continuing-education proof and fee and demonstrate compliance with the Act and rules; maintain the required prescribing insurance.
Concurrency
Reactivate the underlying psychologist license and its inactive certificate concurrently under the Part 10 procedure referenced by 16.22.29.9(B).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Prescription certification following conditional supervised practice
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Application window
Begin the application no sooner than 60 days and no later than 10 days before conditional-certificate expiration, with application, fee, signed patient and supervision logs and insurance declaration. A later application following successful completion must still meet the statutory training/time limits under 16.22.24.11(D).
Conditional practice
Have held a conditional certificate and successfully completed two years of supervised prescribing certified by the primary supervising clinician; applicable extensions and remediation are applicant conditions.
Continuing education
Maintain the required prescribing continuing education after certification.
Insurance
Maintain malpractice coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate and submit the declaration or binder.
Peer review
Successfully complete independent peer review of at least 10 randomly selected patient charts under 16.22.25.9. The chart-review process is a condition, not an applicant examination.
Pep
16.22.23.8(F) expressly requires passing PEP for a conditional prescription or prescription certificate. A prior passing score satisfies this currently offered examination requirement.
Psychologist license
Maintain an active unrestricted New Mexico psychologist license.
Remediation
Deficiencies may result in remediation of up to six months and further peer review; after three peer reviews the applicant must retrain and obtain another conditional certificate.
Renewal within one year of suspension for nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay the renewal and late fees and provide malpractice-insurance and additional continuing-education evidence.
Time limit
Apply within one year after suspension for failure to renew.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New prescription certificate application after nonrenewal revocation
Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists
Application window
Begin the application no sooner than 60 days and no later than 10 days before conditional-certificate expiration, with application, fee, signed patient and supervision logs and insurance declaration. A later application following successful completion must still meet the statutory training/time limits under 16.22.24.11(D).
Conditional practice
Have held a conditional certificate and successfully completed two years of supervised prescribing certified by the primary supervising clinician; applicable extensions and remediation are applicant conditions.
Continuing education
Maintain the required prescribing continuing education after certification.
Insurance
Maintain malpractice coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate and submit the declaration or binder.
Peer review
Successfully complete independent peer review of at least 10 randomly selected patient charts under 16.22.25.9. The chart-review process is a condition, not an applicant examination.
Pep
16.22.23.8(F) expressly requires passing PEP for a conditional prescription or prescription certificate. A prior passing score satisfies this currently offered examination requirement.
Psychologist license
Maintain an active unrestricted New Mexico psychologist license.
Remediation
Deficiencies may result in remediation of up to six months and further peer review; after three peer reviews the applicant must retrain and obtain another conditional certificate.
Revocation
The certificate was not renewed within one year of suspension; make a new application satisfying all prescription-certificate requirements in effect when filed.
Concurrent prescription certificate renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the certificate-renewal application, malpractice-insurance evidence, required additional continuing education and certificate-renewal fee.
License
Renew concurrently with the active unrestricted psychologist license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retirement from prescribing practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Request
Notify the Board in writing before certificate expiration of the decision permanently to retire.
Status
Retirement is a status ending prescribing practice, not a new prescribing authorization.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Voluntary surrender of the prescription certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Good standing
A licensee in good standing may voluntarily surrender the prescription certificate.
Status
The surrendered certificate does not authorize prescribing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional psychologist license

A provisional category of psychologist licensure subject to regulation by the board.

Licensing authority: New Mexico State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Provisional licensure pending supervised experience
Background
Initial applicants in every category must submit fingerprints and pay the national criminal-history screening charge under 16.22.5.8(C). Applications not completed and approved within 24 months become void.
Duration
The provisional license lasts 18 months without ordinary extension or renewal. A qualifying public-health emergency extends it for that emergency and six additional months.
Education training
The applicant meets education and training criteria but has not completed the required experience.
Examinations
The experience exception in § 61-9-10.1(C) is not an examination waiver; 16.22.7 applies to all licensure applicants. Passing EPPP and online jurisprudence requirements are retained.
Prior license
The applicant has never previously been licensed.
Supervision
Practice must be supervised by a New Mexico licensed psychologist until full licensure.
Statutory extension during a public health emergency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Emergency
A declared federal or state public-health emergency under the Public Health Emergency Response Act must directly affect the applicant.
Extension
The current temporary or provisional license is automatically extended through the emergency and for six months after it ends.
Scope
The existing license’s practice and supervision limits remain applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Psychologist

A doctoral-level psychologist license requiring qualifying education and supervised experience.

Licensing authority: New Mexico State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Discretionary licensing of an ABPP certified applicant
Age
The applicant must have reached the age of majority.
Application
Submit a signed application, fees, official transcripts, verification of supervision and three reference letters dated within two years, including two from practicing psychologists familiar with the applicant’s clinical work.
Background
Initial applicants in every category must submit fingerprints and pay the national criminal-history screening charge under 16.22.5.8(C). Applications not completed and approved within 24 months become void.
Board discretion
The statutory written-examination waiver is discretionary. General implementing examination requirements therefore remain leaves unless the Board excuses the individual applicant.
Conduct
The applicant must not violate the Act or Board rules.
Culture
Evidence of awareness and knowledge of New Mexico cultures is required; the implementing rule requires it during the first year of licensure.
Education
A qualifying designated or accredited doctoral psychology degree with a major in clinical, counseling or school psychology is required; foreign equivalency is separately appraised.
Experience
At least two years (3,000 hours) of supervised psychological experience is required under 16.22.6.8; credit limits apply to practicum and internship experience, with the remainder obtained in postdoctoral work.
Oral reference
Section 61-9-9 refers to an oral examination under former § 61-9-11(A)(6)(b). The current § 61-9-11 has no such subparagraph; its official amendment history records the replacement of the former oral provision. This unresolved descriptive oral slot is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Passing scores
For EPPP taken before January 1, 1993 the stated raw passing score is 140; thereafter the ASPPB-recommended passing score applies. The Board FAQ states 500 for EPPP and 70% for jurisprudence. Previously passed examinations need not be retaken when only the other examination was failed.
Professional credential
NMSA 1978 § 61-9-9 permits the Board, at its discretion, to license a person certified by the American board of examiners in professional psychology without written examination.
Renewal converting an expedited psychologist license to a regular license
Conditional examination
If the original jurisdiction did not require examinations pursuant to the Act, 16.22.14.12(B) requires passing examinations before renewal. Section 61-9-10(C) authorizes the Board to impose that requirement. Applicants who already met the applicable examination requirement are excused according to their own history.
Prior license
Hold an expedited psychologist license.
Renewal
Complete the ordinary renewal application, fee and continuing-education requirements. A regular license is issued upon renewal.
Licensure with a foreign doctoral degree
Age
The applicant must have reached the age of majority.
Application
Submit a signed application, fees, official transcripts, verification of supervision and three reference letters dated within two years, including two from practicing psychologists familiar with the applicant’s clinical work.
Background
Initial applicants in every category must submit fingerprints and pay the national criminal-history screening charge under 16.22.5.8(C). Applications not completed and approved within 24 months become void.
Conduct
The applicant must not violate the Act or Board rules.
Culture
Evidence of awareness and knowledge of New Mexico cultures is required; the implementing rule requires it during the first year of licensure.
Education
A qualifying designated or accredited doctoral psychology degree with a major in clinical, counseling or school psychology is required; foreign equivalency is separately appraised.
Experience
At least two years (3,000 hours) of supervised psychological experience is required under 16.22.6.8; credit limits apply to practicum and internship experience, with the remainder obtained in postdoctoral work.
Foreign equivalency
Graduates of programs outside the United States and Canada must provide documents establishing an equivalent doctoral psychology program; a Board-approved foreign-credential agency reviews equivalency before Board acceptance and the EPPP and online jurisprudence examination.
Passing scores
For EPPP taken before January 1, 1993 the stated raw passing score is 140; thereafter the ASPPB-recommended passing score applies. The Board FAQ states 500 for EPPP and 70% for jurisprudence. Previously passed examinations need not be retaken when only the other examination was failed.
Reinstatement from inactive status after three years
Examination of Ethics and New Mexico Jurisprudence
Application
Submit the reinstatement application, continuing-education proof and fee, and have violated neither the Act nor Board rules.
Inactive period
Request reinstatement after more than three years.
Practice
Practice may resume only after issuance of the active license.
Reinstatement from inactive status within three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reinstatement application, satisfactory continuing-education proof and fee, and have violated neither the Act nor Board rules.
Inactive period
Request reinstatement within three years.
Practice
Practice may resume only after the Board issues the new active license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
Age
The applicant must have reached the age of majority.
Application
Submit a signed application, fees, official transcripts, verification of supervision and three reference letters dated within two years, including two from practicing psychologists familiar with the applicant’s clinical work.
Background
Initial applicants in every category must submit fingerprints and pay the national criminal-history screening charge under 16.22.5.8(C). Applications not completed and approved within 24 months become void.
Conduct
The applicant must not violate the Act or Board rules.
Culture
Evidence of awareness and knowledge of New Mexico cultures is required; the implementing rule requires it during the first year of licensure.
Education
A qualifying designated or accredited doctoral psychology degree with a major in clinical, counseling or school psychology is required; foreign equivalency is separately appraised.
Experience
At least two years (3,000 hours) of supervised psychological experience is required under 16.22.6.8; credit limits apply to practicum and internship experience, with the remainder obtained in postdoctoral work.
Passing scores
For EPPP taken before January 1, 1993 the stated raw passing score is 140; thereafter the ASPPB-recommended passing score applies. The Board FAQ states 500 for EPPP and 70% for jurisprudence. Previously passed examinations need not be retaken when only the other examination was failed.
Full licensure after supervised provisional practice
Age
The applicant must have reached the age of majority.
Application
Submit a signed application, fees, official transcripts, verification of supervision and three reference letters dated within two years, including two from practicing psychologists familiar with the applicant’s clinical work.
Background
Initial applicants in every category must submit fingerprints and pay the national criminal-history screening charge under 16.22.5.8(C). Applications not completed and approved within 24 months become void.
Conduct
The applicant must not violate the Act or Board rules.
Culture
Evidence of awareness and knowledge of New Mexico cultures is required; the implementing rule requires it during the first year of licensure.
Education
A qualifying designated or accredited doctoral psychology degree with a major in clinical, counseling or school psychology is required; foreign equivalency is separately appraised.
Experience
At least two years (3,000 hours) of supervised psychological experience is required under 16.22.6.8; credit limits apply to practicum and internship experience, with the remainder obtained in postdoctoral work.
Experience completion
Complete the experience that remained outstanding when provisional licensure was granted; provisional practice remains supervised until full licensure.
Passing scores
For EPPP taken before January 1, 1993 the stated raw passing score is 140; thereafter the ASPPB-recommended passing score applies. The Board FAQ states 500 for EPPP and 70% for jurisprudence. Previously passed examinations need not be retaken when only the other examination was failed.
Reapplication after denial, restriction or suspension
Current qualifications
A new application must meet the applicable current licensure requirements; prior scores, disciplinary history and any Board order affect the individual applicant’s conditions.
Waiting period
More than two years must have elapsed from termination of the restriction or suspension under § 61-9-13(B).
Honorary retirement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Request
Notify the Board in writing before license expiration of the decision permanently to retire.
Status
Honorary retirement is a non-disciplinary revocation, not an authorization to practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after impairment proceedings
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may restore the authorization on a general or limited basis upon the committee’s written recommendation.
Fitness assessment
An examining committee assesses fitness to practice and may order mental or physical examination. These clinical fitness assessments are conditions, not professional licensing examination identities.
Petition
Petition in writing on the Board’s form at a reasonable interval and demonstrate capacity to resume competent practice with reasonable skill and patient safety.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal within one year after suspension for nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and active-status renewal fee.
Deadline
Renew biennially on or before July 1 of the applicable year.
Education
Document the continuing professional education required by 16.22.9.
Late status
The license is suspended for nonrenewal and the application is made within one year; pay the renewal and late fees and provide satisfactory continuing-education proof. No practice is permitted during suspension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after revocation for nonrenewal
Board discretion
§ 61-9-7 permits a full or partial examination of a former licensee. The implementing rule requires all current licensure requirements, including the identified examinations; the Board’s individual application of full or partial retesting is a condition.
Lapse
The license was not renewed within one year after suspension and has been revoked.
New application
Make a new application satisfying the licensing requirements in effect when filed.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and active-status renewal fee.
Deadline
Renew biennially on or before July 1 of the applicable year.
Education
Document the continuing professional education required by 16.22.9.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Unrestricted licensure after a temporary license
Jurisprudence
16.22.5.13(B) expressly requires taking and passing online jurisprudence.
Ordinary requirements
Satisfy the applicable ordinary licensing requirements of § 61-9-11.
Prior eppp
The currently offered EPPP remains the statutory demonstration of competence; an already-passed examination need not be retaken under 16.22.7.8(A)(3).
Temporary license
Hold the temporary license and submit the Board-approved unrestricted-license application and fees.

Restricted or limited psychologist license

The license may reflect restrictions, limitations or conditions on the licensee's scope of practice.

Licensing authority: State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Renewal of a restricted license within one year after nonrenewal suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restriction
Existing limitations and Board-order conditions remain binding.
Time limit
Apply within one year after suspension for nonrenewal, paying renewal and late fees and providing satisfactory continuing-education proof.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal of a restricted license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application, fee and required continuing-education evidence by the applicable July 1 deadline.
Restriction
The existing restrictions, limitations and Board-order conditions remain binding; renewal does not lift them.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited restoration after impairment proceedings
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Assessment
The examining committee’s fitness evaluation, including any mental or physical examination, is an applicant condition.
Limitation
The Board may restore the license on a limited basis; the license reflects its restrictions, limitations or conditions.
Petition
Petition for reinstatement and demonstrate competent practice with reasonable skill and safety.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restricted or limited psychologist associate license

A license may reflect restrictions, limitations or conditions on the licensee's scope of practice.

Licensing authority: State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Renewal of a restricted license within one year after nonrenewal suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restriction
Existing limitations and Board-order conditions remain binding.
Time limit
Apply within one year after suspension for nonrenewal, paying renewal and late fees and providing satisfactory continuing-education proof.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal of a restricted license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application, fee and required continuing-education evidence by the applicable July 1 deadline.
Restriction
The existing restrictions, limitations and Board-order conditions remain binding; renewal does not lift them.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited restoration after impairment proceedings
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Assessment
The examining committee’s fitness evaluation, including any mental or physical examination, is an applicant condition.
Limitation
The Board may restore the license on a limited basis; the license reflects its restrictions, limitations or conditions.
Petition
Petition for reinstatement and demonstrate competent practice with reasonable skill and safety.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary psychologist license

A six-month temporary license for psychologists licensed in another jurisdiction and in good standing; specific licensing requirements cannot be waived.

Licensing authority: New Mexico State Board of Psychologist Examiners · Application information

Six month temporary licensure
Age
The applicant must have reached the age of majority.
Application
Submit a signed application, fees, official transcripts, verification of supervision and three reference letters dated within two years, including two from practicing psychologists familiar with the applicant’s clinical work.
Background
Initial applicants in every category must submit fingerprints and pay the national criminal-history screening charge under 16.22.5.8(C). Applications not completed and approved within 24 months become void.
Conduct
The applicant must not violate the Act or Board rules.
Culture
Evidence of awareness and knowledge of New Mexico cultures is required; the implementing rule requires it during the first year of licensure.
Duration
The license lasts six months without ordinary extension or renewal. A qualifying declared public-health emergency extends it for that emergency and six additional months under § 61-9-10.1(A).
Education
A qualifying designated or accredited doctoral psychology degree with a major in clinical, counseling or school psychology is required; foreign equivalency is separately appraised.
Experience
At least two years (3,000 hours) of supervised psychological experience is required under 16.22.6.8; credit limits apply to practicum and internship experience, with the remainder obtained in postdoctoral work.
Passing scores
For EPPP taken before January 1, 1993 the stated raw passing score is 140; thereafter the ASPPB-recommended passing score applies. The Board FAQ states 500 for EPPP and 70% for jurisprudence. Previously passed examinations need not be retaken when only the other examination was failed.
Prior license
A prior out-of-jurisdiction psychologist license in good standing must meet current New Mexico licensing criteria.
Reason
State the reason for the temporary license, including a court-ordered evaluation or disaster services when applicable.
Specific requirements
The Board may expedite processing but may not waive the specific licensing requirements. A temporary psychologist license does not itself grant a conditional prescription certificate.
Statutory extension during a public health emergency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Emergency
A declared federal or state public-health emergency under the Public Health Emergency Response Act must directly affect the applicant.
Extension
The current temporary or provisional license is automatically extended through the emergency and for six months after it ends.
Scope
The existing license’s practice and supervision limits remain applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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

Examination of Ethics and New Mexico Jurisprudence

Examination outline
  • Professional Psychologist Act
  • Impaired Health Care Provider Act
  • Pain Relief Act
  • 16.22.1 NMAC — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  • 16.22.2 NMAC — CODE OF CONDUCT
  • 16.22.3 NMAC — NON-LICENSED DOCTORAL STUDENTS, PSYCHOLOGY INTERNS AND POST- DOCTORAL TRAINEES; NON LICENSED EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS
  • 16.22.4 NMAC — PSYCHOLOGISTS: EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  • 16.22.5 NMAC — PSYCHOLOGISTS: APPLICATION PROCEDURES
  • 16.22.6 NMAC — PSYCHOLOGISTS: PRACTICUM, DOCTORAL INTERNSHIP AND POSTDOCTORAL SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE
  • 16.22.7 NMAC — EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
  • 16.22.8 NMAC — LICENSE EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL
  • 16.22.9 NMAC — CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  • 16.22.10 NMAC — INACTIVE STATUS AND REINSTATEMENT
  • 16.22.11 NMAC — COMPLAINT PROCEDURES; ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS
  • 16.22.12 NMAC — PSYCHOLOGIST ASSOCIATES: EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS OF PRACTICE
  • 16.22.14 NMAC — EXPEDITED LICENSURE
  • 16.22.20 NMAC — CONDITIONAL PRESCRIPTION CERTIFICATE; PRESCRIPTION CERTIFICATE: HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER COLLABORATION GUIDELINES
  • 16.22.21 NMAC — CONDITIONAL PRESCRIBING OR PRESCRIBING PSYCHOLOGISTS: LIMITS OF PRACTICE
  • 16.22.23 NMAC — REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATION AND CONDITIONAL PRESCRIPTION CERTIFICATE
  • 16.22.24 NMAC — APPLICATION PROCEDURES: TWO-YEAR SUPERVISED PRACTICE
  • 16.22.25 NMAC — PRESCRIPTION CERTIFICATE: APPLICATION; PEER REVIEW; EVALUATION OUTCOME
  • 16.22.26 NMAC — GRADUATES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
  • 16.22.27 NMAC — CONDITIONAL PRESCRIBING OR PRESCRIBING PSYCHOLOGISTS: FORMULARY
  • 16.22.28 NMAC — CONDITIONAL PRESCRIBING OR PRESCRIBING PSYCHOLOGISTS: COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
  • 16.22.29 NMAC — CONDITIONAL PRESCRIBING OR PRESCRIBING PSYCHOLOGISTS: CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATE RENEWAL
  • 16.22.30 NMAC — PRESCRIPTION MONITORING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
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