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South Carolina Psychologist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Psychologist

Psychologist license administered by the Board of Examiners in Psychology.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology · Application information

Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
At least 24 approved credits per biennium, at least 12 Category A and at most 12 Category B. Report completion, retain documentation and do not carry surplus forward.
Continuity of care
Affirm continuity-of-care duties and identify the designated representative under regulation 100-4(C)(8)(c).
Cost hardship
Section 40-1-170(D) permits conditional renewal for at most one year on financial hardship and a formal repayment agreement for unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
Existing license
Holds a South Carolina psychologist license subject to biennial renewal.
Military exemptions
Section 40-1-610 exempts continuing education during active military duty; section 40-1-620 exempts license fees for any calendar year containing active duty.
Renewal submission
Submit fee and Biennial Renewal Form, including current activities and supervised-person reports.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration following disciplinary restraint
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competence
Demonstrate adequate professional competence and comply with ordered training and supervision and the particular Board order; the provision identifies no particular examination.
Discipline
Board restraint or restriction under section 40-55-160.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Payment
Pay fees and penalties required by statute or regulation.
Prior suspension
Authorization was suspended under section 40-1-50(G) for a dishonored fee payment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure with discretionary examination waiver based on attainments
Application sequence
Obtain preliminary approval, submit formal materials and official transcripts, and complete requirements within three years of preliminary approval unless extended by the Board for hardship.
Attainments
Meets section 40-55-80 and satisfies the Board as to educational and professional attainments and the public interest.
Background checks
Submit state SLED and national FBI fingerprint-supported criminal-record checks; follow instructions sent after application. Results cannot transfer between agencies.
Education
Provide doctoral psychology degree and program qualifications in section 40-55-80(2): APA/CPA accreditation, ASPPB/National Register designation, or the statutory alternative graduate-study and coursework criteria, subject to Board evaluation.
Eppp score
The Board requires EPPP passing scaled score 500 and official ASPPB reporting for scores obtained elsewhere. This identifies the supplied registered Part 1-Knowledge examination; the state requirement materials name no separate Part 2 requirement.
Ethics and discipline
Provide evidence of ethical practice and document disciplinary action during psychology training or employment.
Examination failure wait
Section 40-55-80(6) requires no Board-examination failure within six months; regulation 100-2(B)(4) imposes a six-month wait after oral failure.
Fees
Pay applicable nonrefundable application and license fees; the preliminary application lists a $500 fee.
Lawful presence and identity
Provide lawful-presence affidavit, identity document, social security card, curriculum vitae and applicable name-change documentation.
Military training credit
Section 40-1-640 requires favorable application of qualifying military education, training and experience on satisfactory evidence; it does not automatically remove examinations.
Oral sequence
Preliminary approval and all formal materials, including a passing EPPP score, precede the oral examination; schedule with the assigned member.
References
Provide professional-competency references; Board instructions require three, two completed by psychologists.
Specialization
Board assigns one or more clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, community, school, social or experimental practice areas under section 40-55-180. Restrict practice and advertising accordingly.
Supervised experience
Two years of approved supervised experience; Board instructions specify at least 3,000 hours, including at least 1,500 postdoctorally. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits one predoctoral year, at least one hour weekly face-to-face supervision and at least 50 percent of supervision hours in person, with Board discretion to waive supervised experience.
Supervision approval
Submit and obtain approval of the postdoctoral supervision contract before supervision begins; earlier hours may be ineligible. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits a supervisor licensed here or holding an equivalent license in good standing elsewhere; the older Board licensure page describes a South Carolina specialty-matched supervisor.
Waiver discretion
Section 40-55-110 permits discretionary waiver of the assembled examination in the public interest. Implementing rules and Board instructions identify EPPP evidence and an oral examination; both remain leaves, with any applicant-specific waiver subject to the Board decision.
Initial licensure by examination
Application sequence
Obtain preliminary approval, submit formal materials and official transcripts, and complete requirements within three years of preliminary approval unless extended by the Board for hardship.
Background checks
Submit state SLED and national FBI fingerprint-supported criminal-record checks; follow instructions sent after application. Results cannot transfer between agencies.
Education
Provide doctoral psychology degree and program qualifications in section 40-55-80(2): APA/CPA accreditation, ASPPB/National Register designation, or the statutory alternative graduate-study and coursework criteria, subject to Board evaluation.
Eppp score
The Board requires EPPP passing scaled score 500 and official ASPPB reporting for scores obtained elsewhere. This identifies the supplied registered Part 1-Knowledge examination; the state requirement materials name no separate Part 2 requirement.
Ethics and discipline
Provide evidence of ethical practice and document disciplinary action during psychology training or employment.
Examination failure wait
Section 40-55-80(6) requires no Board-examination failure within six months; regulation 100-2(B)(4) imposes a six-month wait after oral failure.
Fees
Pay applicable nonrefundable application and license fees; the preliminary application lists a $500 fee.
Lawful presence and identity
Provide lawful-presence affidavit, identity document, social security card, curriculum vitae and applicable name-change documentation.
Military training credit
Section 40-1-640 requires favorable application of qualifying military education, training and experience on satisfactory evidence; it does not automatically remove examinations.
Oral sequence
Preliminary approval and all formal materials, including a passing EPPP score, precede the oral examination; schedule with the assigned member.
References
Provide professional-competency references; Board instructions require three, two completed by psychologists.
Specialization
Board assigns one or more clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, community, school, social or experimental practice areas under section 40-55-180. Restrict practice and advertising accordingly.
Supervised experience
Two years of approved supervised experience; Board instructions specify at least 3,000 hours, including at least 1,500 postdoctorally. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits one predoctoral year, at least one hour weekly face-to-face supervision and at least 50 percent of supervision hours in person, with Board discretion to waive supervised experience.
Supervision approval
Submit and obtain approval of the postdoctoral supervision contract before supervision begins; earlier hours may be ineligible. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits a supervisor licensed here or holding an equivalent license in good standing elsewhere; the older Board licensure page describes a South Carolina specialty-matched supervisor.
Reinstatement after license expiration
Application sequence
Obtain preliminary approval, submit formal materials and official transcripts, and complete requirements within three years of preliminary approval unless extended by the Board for hardship.
Background checks
Submit state SLED and national FBI fingerprint-supported criminal-record checks; follow instructions sent after application. Results cannot transfer between agencies.
Cost hardship
Section 40-1-170(D) permits conditional reinstatement for at most one year on financial hardship and agreement to repay unpaid investigation/prosecution costs within that year.
Education
Provide doctoral psychology degree and program qualifications in section 40-55-80(2): APA/CPA accreditation, ASPPB/National Register designation, or the statutory alternative graduate-study and coursework criteria, subject to Board evaluation.
Eppp score
The Board requires EPPP passing scaled score 500 and official ASPPB reporting for scores obtained elsewhere. This identifies the supplied registered Part 1-Knowledge examination; the state requirement materials name no separate Part 2 requirement.
Ethics and discipline
Provide evidence of ethical practice and document disciplinary action during psychology training or employment.
Examination failure wait
Section 40-55-80(6) requires no Board-examination failure within six months; regulation 100-2(B)(4) imposes a six-month wait after oral failure.
Fees
Pay applicable nonrefundable application and license fees; the preliminary application lists a $500 fee.
Lapse notice
Board renewal resource identifies February 1, 2026 as the lapse transition and requires a new application.
Lawful presence and identity
Provide lawful-presence affidavit, identity document, social security card, curriculum vitae and applicable name-change documentation.
Military training credit
Section 40-1-640 requires favorable application of qualifying military education, training and experience on satisfactory evidence; it does not automatically remove examinations.
New application
Regulation 100-3(C) requires a new licensure application except under extraordinary circumstances approved by the Board. The exception is Board discretion; identified examinations remain leaves.
Oral sequence
Preliminary approval and all formal materials, including a passing EPPP score, precede the oral examination; schedule with the assigned member.
Prior license
South Carolina license was not renewed within two months after the deadline.
References
Provide professional-competency references; Board instructions require three, two completed by psychologists.
Specialization
Board assigns one or more clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, community, school, social or experimental practice areas under section 40-55-180. Restrict practice and advertising accordingly.
Supervised experience
Two years of approved supervised experience; Board instructions specify at least 3,000 hours, including at least 1,500 postdoctorally. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits one predoctoral year, at least one hour weekly face-to-face supervision and at least 50 percent of supervision hours in person, with Board discretion to waive supervised experience.
Supervision approval
Submit and obtain approval of the postdoctoral supervision contract before supervision begins; earlier hours may be ineligible. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits a supervisor licensed here or holding an equivalent license in good standing elsewhere; the older Board licensure page describes a South Carolina specialty-matched supervisor.
Renewal with extreme hardship fee waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
At least 24 approved credits per biennium, at least 12 Category A and at most 12 Category B. Report completion, retain documentation and do not carry surplus forward.
Continuity of care
Affirm continuity-of-care duties and identify the designated representative under regulation 100-4(C)(8)(c).
Cost hardship
Section 40-1-170(D) permits conditional renewal for at most one year on financial hardship and a formal repayment agreement for unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
Existing license
Holds a South Carolina psychologist license subject to biennial renewal.
Hardship
Document extreme hardship for the discretionary fee waiver under regulation 100-3(D).
Military exemptions
Section 40-1-610 exempts continuing education during active military duty; section 40-1-620 exempts license fees for any calendar year containing active duty.
Renewal submission
Submit fee and Biennial Renewal Form, including current activities and supervised-person reports.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within two months after the deadline
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
At least 24 approved credits per biennium, at least 12 Category A and at most 12 Category B. Report completion, retain documentation and do not carry surplus forward.
Continuity of care
Affirm continuity-of-care duties and identify the designated representative under regulation 100-4(C)(8)(c).
Cost hardship
Section 40-1-170(D) permits conditional renewal for at most one year on financial hardship and a formal repayment agreement for unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
Existing license
Holds a South Carolina psychologist license subject to biennial renewal.
Late submission
Pay an additional late fee for materials received within two months after the deadline.
Military exemptions
Section 40-1-610 exempts continuing education during active military duty; section 40-1-620 exempts license fees for any calendar year containing active duty.
Renewal submission
Submit fee and Biennial Renewal Form, including current activities and supervised-person reports.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration following suspension for adjudicated mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Section 40-55-150(B) continues suspension until restoration to mental competency is adjudged by a competent court or another manner provided by law.
Suspension
Automatic suspension on adjudication of mental incompetence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited ordinary licensure for a military spouse
Application sequence
Obtain preliminary approval, submit formal materials and official transcripts, and complete requirements within three years of preliminary approval unless extended by the Board for hardship.
Background checks
Submit state SLED and national FBI fingerprint-supported criminal-record checks; follow instructions sent after application. Results cannot transfer between agencies.
Education
Provide doctoral psychology degree and program qualifications in section 40-55-80(2): APA/CPA accreditation, ASPPB/National Register designation, or the statutory alternative graduate-study and coursework criteria, subject to Board evaluation.
Eppp score
The Board requires EPPP passing scaled score 500 and official ASPPB reporting for scores obtained elsewhere. This identifies the supplied registered Part 1-Knowledge examination; the state requirement materials name no separate Part 2 requirement.
Ethics and discipline
Provide evidence of ethical practice and document disciplinary action during psychology training or employment.
Examination failure wait
Section 40-55-80(6) requires no Board-examination failure within six months; regulation 100-2(B)(4) imposes a six-month wait after oral failure.
Expedited request
Submit expedited request, military orders, marriage license and license verifications from every jurisdiction; LLR prioritizes the application.
Fees
Pay applicable nonrefundable application and license fees; the preliminary application lists a $500 fee.
Lawful presence and identity
Provide lawful-presence affidavit, identity document, social security card, curriculum vitae and applicable name-change documentation.
Military spouse
Hold an active license in good standing elsewhere; married to and living with an active-duty Armed Forces member relocated to and stationed in South Carolina under official orders.
Military training credit
Section 40-1-640 requires favorable application of qualifying military education, training and experience on satisfactory evidence; it does not automatically remove examinations.
Oral sequence
Preliminary approval and all formal materials, including a passing EPPP score, precede the oral examination; schedule with the assigned member.
References
Provide professional-competency references; Board instructions require three, two completed by psychologists.
Specialization
Board assigns one or more clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, community, school, social or experimental practice areas under section 40-55-180. Restrict practice and advertising accordingly.
Supervised experience
Two years of approved supervised experience; Board instructions specify at least 3,000 hours, including at least 1,500 postdoctorally. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits one predoctoral year, at least one hour weekly face-to-face supervision and at least 50 percent of supervision hours in person, with Board discretion to waive supervised experience.
Supervision approval
Submit and obtain approval of the postdoctoral supervision contract before supervision begins; earlier hours may be ineligible. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits a supervisor licensed here or holding an equivalent license in good standing elsewhere; the older Board licensure page describes a South Carolina specialty-matched supervisor.
Waiver discretion
Section 40-55-110 permits discretionary waiver of the assembled examination in the public interest. Implementing rules and Board instructions identify EPPP evidence and an oral examination; both remain leaves, with any applicant-specific waiver subject to the Board decision.
Licensure based on prior practice and equivalent qualifications
Application sequence
Obtain preliminary approval, submit formal materials and official transcripts, and complete requirements within three years of preliminary approval unless extended by the Board for hardship.
Background checks
Submit state SLED and national FBI fingerprint-supported criminal-record checks; follow instructions sent after application. Results cannot transfer between agencies.
Education
Provide doctoral psychology degree and program qualifications in section 40-55-80(2): APA/CPA accreditation, ASPPB/National Register designation, or the statutory alternative graduate-study and coursework criteria, subject to Board evaluation.
Eppp score
The Board requires EPPP passing scaled score 500 and official ASPPB reporting for scores obtained elsewhere. This identifies the supplied registered Part 1-Knowledge examination; the state requirement materials name no separate Part 2 requirement.
Ethics and discipline
Provide evidence of ethical practice and document disciplinary action during psychology training or employment.
Examination failure wait
Section 40-55-80(6) requires no Board-examination failure within six months; regulation 100-2(B)(4) imposes a six-month wait after oral failure.
Fees
Pay applicable nonrefundable application and license fees; the preliminary application lists a $500 fee.
Lawful presence and identity
Provide lawful-presence affidavit, identity document, social security card, curriculum vitae and applicable name-change documentation.
Military training credit
Section 40-1-640 requires favorable application of qualifying military education, training and experience on satisfactory evidence; it does not automatically remove examinations.
Oral sequence
Preliminary approval and all formal materials, including a passing EPPP score, precede the oral examination; schedule with the assigned member.
Prior practice
Resident or employed in this State; has practiced psychology elsewhere, has qualifications not lower than Chapter 55, and satisfies the Board that licensure is in the public interest.
References
Provide professional-competency references; Board instructions require three, two completed by psychologists.
Specialization
Board assigns one or more clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, community, school, social or experimental practice areas under section 40-55-180. Restrict practice and advertising accordingly.
Supervised experience
Two years of approved supervised experience; Board instructions specify at least 3,000 hours, including at least 1,500 postdoctorally. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits one predoctoral year, at least one hour weekly face-to-face supervision and at least 50 percent of supervision hours in person, with Board discretion to waive supervised experience.
Supervision approval
Submit and obtain approval of the postdoctoral supervision contract before supervision begins; earlier hours may be ineligible. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits a supervisor licensed here or holding an equivalent license in good standing elsewhere; the older Board licensure page describes a South Carolina specialty-matched supervisor.
Waiver discretion
Section 40-55-110 permits discretionary waiver of the assembled examination in the public interest. Implementing rules and Board instructions identify EPPP evidence and an oral examination; both remain leaves, with any applicant-specific waiver subject to the Board decision.
Licensure based on professional board certification
Application sequence
Obtain preliminary approval, submit formal materials and official transcripts, and complete requirements within three years of preliminary approval unless extended by the Board for hardship.
Background checks
Submit state SLED and national FBI fingerprint-supported criminal-record checks; follow instructions sent after application. Results cannot transfer between agencies.
Certification
Section 40-55-110 names certification by the American Board of Examiners in Professional Psychology. This is a credential condition; no separate examination is identified for this certification slot.
Education
Provide doctoral psychology degree and program qualifications in section 40-55-80(2): APA/CPA accreditation, ASPPB/National Register designation, or the statutory alternative graduate-study and coursework criteria, subject to Board evaluation.
Eppp score
The Board requires EPPP passing scaled score 500 and official ASPPB reporting for scores obtained elsewhere. This identifies the supplied registered Part 1-Knowledge examination; the state requirement materials name no separate Part 2 requirement.
Ethics and discipline
Provide evidence of ethical practice and document disciplinary action during psychology training or employment.
Examination failure wait
Section 40-55-80(6) requires no Board-examination failure within six months; regulation 100-2(B)(4) imposes a six-month wait after oral failure.
Fees
Pay applicable nonrefundable application and license fees; the preliminary application lists a $500 fee.
Lawful presence and identity
Provide lawful-presence affidavit, identity document, social security card, curriculum vitae and applicable name-change documentation.
Military training credit
Section 40-1-640 requires favorable application of qualifying military education, training and experience on satisfactory evidence; it does not automatically remove examinations.
Oral sequence
Preliminary approval and all formal materials, including a passing EPPP score, precede the oral examination; schedule with the assigned member.
References
Provide professional-competency references; Board instructions require three, two completed by psychologists.
Specialization
Board assigns one or more clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, community, school, social or experimental practice areas under section 40-55-180. Restrict practice and advertising accordingly.
Supervised experience
Two years of approved supervised experience; Board instructions specify at least 3,000 hours, including at least 1,500 postdoctorally. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits one predoctoral year, at least one hour weekly face-to-face supervision and at least 50 percent of supervision hours in person, with Board discretion to waive supervised experience.
Supervision approval
Submit and obtain approval of the postdoctoral supervision contract before supervision begins; earlier hours may be ineligible. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits a supervisor licensed here or holding an equivalent license in good standing elsewhere; the older Board licensure page describes a South Carolina specialty-matched supervisor.
Waiver discretion
Section 40-55-110 permits discretionary waiver of the assembled examination in the public interest. Implementing rules and Board instructions identify EPPP evidence and an oral examination; both remain leaves, with any applicant-specific waiver subject to the Board decision.
Licensure by reciprocity or out of state credentials
Application sequence
Obtain preliminary approval, submit formal materials and official transcripts, and complete requirements within three years of preliminary approval unless extended by the Board for hardship.
Background checks
Submit state SLED and national FBI fingerprint-supported criminal-record checks; follow instructions sent after application. Results cannot transfer between agencies.
Education
Provide doctoral psychology degree and program qualifications in section 40-55-80(2): APA/CPA accreditation, ASPPB/National Register designation, or the statutory alternative graduate-study and coursework criteria, subject to Board evaluation.
Eppp score
The Board requires EPPP passing scaled score 500 and official ASPPB reporting for scores obtained elsewhere. This identifies the supplied registered Part 1-Knowledge examination; the state requirement materials name no separate Part 2 requirement.
Ethics and discipline
Provide evidence of ethical practice and document disciplinary action during psychology training or employment.
Examination failure wait
Section 40-55-80(6) requires no Board-examination failure within six months; regulation 100-2(B)(4) imposes a six-month wait after oral failure.
Fees
Pay applicable nonrefundable application and license fees; the preliminary application lists a $500 fee.
Lawful presence and identity
Provide lawful-presence affidavit, identity document, social security card, curriculum vitae and applicable name-change documentation.
Military training credit
Section 40-1-640 requires favorable application of qualifying military education, training and experience on satisfactory evidence; it does not automatically remove examinations.
Oral sequence
Preliminary approval and all formal materials, including a passing EPPP score, precede the oral examination; schedule with the assigned member.
Prior license
Licensed elsewhere under standards equal to or more stringent than South Carolina standards; the statutory alternative requires residence or employment here. Regulation 100-1(C)(5) states there are no formal reciprocity agreements.
References
Provide professional-competency references; Board instructions require three, two completed by psychologists.
Specialization
Board assigns one or more clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, community, school, social or experimental practice areas under section 40-55-180. Restrict practice and advertising accordingly.
Supervised experience
Two years of approved supervised experience; Board instructions specify at least 3,000 hours, including at least 1,500 postdoctorally. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits one predoctoral year, at least one hour weekly face-to-face supervision and at least 50 percent of supervision hours in person, with Board discretion to waive supervised experience.
Supervision approval
Submit and obtain approval of the postdoctoral supervision contract before supervision begins; earlier hours may be ineligible. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits a supervisor licensed here or holding an equivalent license in good standing elsewhere; the older Board licensure page describes a South Carolina specialty-matched supervisor.
Waiver discretion
Section 40-55-110 permits discretionary waiver of the assembled examination in the public interest. Implementing rules and Board instructions identify EPPP evidence and an oral examination; both remain leaves, with any applicant-specific waiver subject to the Board decision.
Renewal after retirement from active practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
At least 24 approved credits per biennium, at least 12 Category A and at most 12 Category B. Report completion, retain documentation and do not carry surplus forward.
Continuity of care
Affirm continuity-of-care duties and identify the designated representative under regulation 100-4(C)(8)(c).
Cost hardship
Section 40-1-170(D) permits conditional renewal for at most one year on financial hardship and a formal repayment agreement for unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
Existing license
Holds a South Carolina psychologist license subject to biennial renewal.
Military exemptions
Section 40-1-610 exempts continuing education during active military duty; section 40-1-620 exempts license fees for any calendar year containing active duty.
Renewal submission
Submit fee and Biennial Renewal Form, including current activities and supervised-person reports.
Retirement
Regulation 100-3(D) allows the Board to waive renewal fees for retired psychologists; it creates no separate retired license and states no continuing-education exemption.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board vote
Majority Board vote to reinstate before practice resumes.
Conditions
Comply with Board conditions before reinstatement; section 40-1-150 identifies no particular examination.
Surrender
Voluntary surrender during an investigation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Professional License for a Military Spouse — Psychologist

Section 40-1-630 temporary psychologist license; expires one year after issuance and cannot be renewed. All state-law licensing requirements apply.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology · Application information

Temporary professional licensure for a military spouse
All state requirements
Section 40-1-630(A) preserves all state-law licensing requirements, including the identified examinations subject to any Board waiver.
Application sequence
Obtain preliminary approval, submit formal materials and official transcripts, and complete requirements within three years of preliminary approval unless extended by the Board for hardship.
Background checks
Submit state SLED and national FBI fingerprint-supported criminal-record checks; follow instructions sent after application. Results cannot transfer between agencies.
Duration
Expires one year after issuance; cannot be renewed.
Education
Provide doctoral psychology degree and program qualifications in section 40-55-80(2): APA/CPA accreditation, ASPPB/National Register designation, or the statutory alternative graduate-study and coursework criteria, subject to Board evaluation.
Eppp score
The Board requires EPPP passing scaled score 500 and official ASPPB reporting for scores obtained elsewhere. This identifies the supplied registered Part 1-Knowledge examination; the state requirement materials name no separate Part 2 requirement.
Ethics and discipline
Provide evidence of ethical practice and document disciplinary action during psychology training or employment.
Examination failure wait
Section 40-55-80(6) requires no Board-examination failure within six months; regulation 100-2(B)(4) imposes a six-month wait after oral failure.
Expedited request
Submit expedited request, military orders, marriage license and license verifications from every jurisdiction; LLR prioritizes the application.
Fees
Pay applicable nonrefundable application and license fees; the preliminary application lists a $500 fee.
Lawful presence and identity
Provide lawful-presence affidavit, identity document, social security card, curriculum vitae and applicable name-change documentation.
Military spouse
Hold an active license in good standing elsewhere; married to and living with an active-duty Armed Forces member relocated to and stationed in South Carolina under official orders.
Military training credit
Section 40-1-640 requires favorable application of qualifying military education, training and experience on satisfactory evidence; it does not automatically remove examinations.
Oral sequence
Preliminary approval and all formal materials, including a passing EPPP score, precede the oral examination; schedule with the assigned member.
References
Provide professional-competency references; Board instructions require three, two completed by psychologists.
Specialization
Board assigns one or more clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, community, school, social or experimental practice areas under section 40-55-180. Restrict practice and advertising accordingly.
Statutory conditions
Prove marriage, valid psychology license in good standing, spouse military assignment and required fingerprint background checks under section 40-1-630.
Supervised experience
Two years of approved supervised experience; Board instructions specify at least 3,000 hours, including at least 1,500 postdoctorally. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits one predoctoral year, at least one hour weekly face-to-face supervision and at least 50 percent of supervision hours in person, with Board discretion to waive supervised experience.
Supervision approval
Submit and obtain approval of the postdoctoral supervision contract before supervision begins; earlier hours may be ineligible. Regulation 100-1(A)(5) permits a supervisor licensed here or holding an equivalent license in good standing elsewhere; the older Board licensure page describes a South Carolina specialty-matched supervisor.
Waiver discretion
Section 40-55-110 permits discretionary waiver of the assembled examination in the public interest. Implementing rules and Board instructions identify EPPP evidence and an oral examination; both remain leaves, with any applicant-specific waiver subject to the Board decision.

Temporary Permit to Practice Psychology

Nonresident practice for at most 60 days per calendar year under section 40-55-110.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology · Application information

Temporary permit for a nonresident licensed psychologist
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documents
Submit application and affidavit, curriculum vitae, $250 fee, official doctoral transcript and direct license verification.
Existing license
Licensed or certified under standards the Board deems equivalent to Chapter 55; petition and pay the fee. Section 40-55-110 directs permit issuance on those conditions.
Lower ranked demand
Regulation 100-1(C)(8) states: "An applicant for a Temporary Permit must complete both the Preliminary Application for Licensure and Formal Application materials and submit these materials with the Temporary Permit fee." Regulation 100-1(C)(6)(b) includes EPPP passing-score documentation in formal materials. This lower-ranked demand is retained as a condition; the mandatory permit-issuance provision of section 40-55-110 controls the examination-free route. The current Board permit instructions list credential documentation.
Nonresident
Not licensed here and a nonresident seeking practice for at most 60 days per calendar year.

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

Structured Oral Examination

Provider
South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology
Format
Structured oral examination administered by Board members; may be delegated to an individual Board member
Passing score
Affirmative vote of a majority of Board members currently serving
Examination outline
  • Scope of Practice
  • Professional Ethics
  • Jurisprudence
Examination sources