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Tennessee Psychologist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Psychologist

Psychologist license; Health Service Provider is a designation displayed on the renewal certificate, and retired status is a status of this license.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology

Licensure by endorsement with HSP designation
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Attestation
Submit the Board attestation of a passing written-examination score and generally equivalent training, license verifications and background check.
Evidence substitution
At least five years of continuous good-standing licensure permits current ABPP certification, National Register listing or ASPPB CPQ instead of the attestation form.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Prior practice
Hold a valid license or certificate and have practiced in another state at least ten of the last fifteen years; prior licensure required equivalent doctoral, internship and postdoctoral training, permitted HSP practice, and has never been disciplined.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
HSP designation of an existing Tennessee psychologist license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Hold a current Tennessee Psychologist license; this route changes the HSP designation on the existing license rather than issues an initial psychology license.
Training
Complete a qualifying one-year internship of at least 1,900 hours at an APA-accredited, APPIC-listed or Board-approved health-service training site, with the required HSP supervision and internship director attestation. Complete at least 1,900 hours of qualifying postdoctoral supervised experience, ordinarily under a provisional license, with at least one hour of weekly individual supervision by a psychologist with HSP designation. The rule states the APA/APPIC postdoctoral training exception.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination with HSP designation
Academic training
Meet Rule 1180-02-.02(1): qualifying designated or APA-accredited doctoral program, or the Board’s stated program-equivalency criteria.
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Internship
Complete a qualifying one-year internship of at least 1,900 hours at an APA-accredited, APPIC-listed or Board-approved health-service training site, with the required HSP supervision and internship director attestation.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Postdoctoral experience
Complete at least 1,900 hours of qualifying postdoctoral supervised experience, ordinarily under a provisional license, with at least one hour of weekly individual supervision by a psychologist with HSP designation. The rule states the APA/APPIC postdoctoral training exception.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Recommendations
For HSP designation, include two recommendation letters from licensed psychologists with HSP designation and the internship director letter.
Scope
Provide health services only with HSP designation.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Initial licensure by examination without HSP designation
Academic training
Meet Rule 1180-02-.02(1): qualifying designated or APA-accredited doctoral program, or the Board’s stated program-equivalency criteria.
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Scope
Provide health services only with HSP designation.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Reinstatement of a license expired more than five years
Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination
Expiration
The license has been expired more than five years.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal, regulatory and late fees specified for this lifecycle route.
Supervision
Obtain six months of supervision, comply with CE and register supervisors when required.
Reinstatement of a license expired no more than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
The license has been expired for no more than five years; Rule 1180-01-.05(2)(a) specifies the examination only for expiration longer than five years.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal, regulatory and late fees specified for this lifecycle route.
Requirements
Apply for reinstatement, meet CE requirements and register a supervisor when required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed signed renewal application by expiration, comply with the biennial CE requirements and register required supervisors.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal, regulatory and late fees specified for this lifecycle route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from retirement after continuous licensed practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
The Tennessee license is retired, but the holder has remained continuously practicing under a license in good standing in another state.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal, regulatory and late fees specified for this lifecycle route.
Fitness
Have no criminal or practice-act violations that would prohibit initial licensure.
Request
Submit a written reinstatement request.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from retirement after up to two years without practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
The retired license holder has not practiced for up to two years.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal, regulatory and late fees specified for this lifecycle route.
Fitness
Have no criminal or practice-act violations that would prohibit initial licensure.
Request
Submit a written reinstatement request.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from retirement after more than five years without practice
Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination
Eligibility
Retired and without practice for more than five years; no criminal or practice-act violations that prohibit initial licensure.
Exam discretion
Rule 1180-01-.07(6) requires passage of the jurisprudence/ethics examination if required; that conditional application is retained as a condition, with the identified examination as a leaf.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal, regulatory and late fees specified for this lifecycle route.
Request
Submit a written reinstatement request, proof of forty CE hours and register supervisors when required.
Supervision
Obtain six months of supervision.
Restoration from retirement after two to five years without practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Retired and without practice for two years up to five years; no criminal or practice-act violations that prohibit initial licensure.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal, regulatory and late fees specified for this lifecycle route.
Request
Submit a written reinstatement request and proof of forty hours of qualifying CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion to retired license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal fee
A retired license holder need not pay a renewal fee.
Status
Hold a current license and intend not to practice; file the completed affidavit of retirement and required documents.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Statutory reciprocity for a psychologist first licensed during the specified 1995 period
EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge)
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Board jurisprudence demand
The lower-ranked Board rule 1180-02-.04(2) states: All applicants for licensure must successfully complete the Board’s ethics and jurisprudence examination as a prerequisite to licensure. Rule 1180-02-.03(14) states: Under no circumstances shall the ethics and jurisprudence examination be waived. The statutory exception controls this route; these Board demands are disclosed as applicant conditions.
Eligibility
Public Chapter 878, codified in 63-11-211(b), requires licensure or certification in good standing elsewhere, national EPPP passage at Tennessee’s level, reasonable proof of available Tennessee employment, and a psychologist license received after January 1 and before June 1, 1995.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Statutory exam exception
The statute directs issuance without an assembled written or oral examination; prior passage of the currently offered EPPP remains the leaf.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Licensure by reciprocity with HSP designation
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Evidence substitution
After at least five years of continuous licensure in good standing, current ABPP certification, National Register listing or an ASPPB CPQ may substitute for the specified academic and examination-score documentation. For HSP, qualifying internship and postdoctoral requirements remain.
Internship
Complete a qualifying one-year internship of at least 1,900 hours at an APA-accredited, APPIC-listed or Board-approved health-service training site, with the required HSP supervision and internship director attestation.
License elsewhere
Hold a valid psychology license in good standing in another jurisdiction and meet the criteria of T.C.A. 63-11-211; provide licensing-agency verification, background check and academic/training evidence under Rule 1180-02-.03(12).
Military member expedition
PH-4279 permits expedited processing for qualifying active-duty members or specified former members (including discharge, retirement or reserve service within the stated 180-day period); the declaration accompanies a completed ordinary application.
Military spouse expedition
PH-4280 permits expedited processing for the spouse of a military member transferred to Tennessee, upon the form’s four affirmative declarations and a completed ordinary application.
Passing score
Provide proof of an EPPP written-examination score meeting Tennessee standards; the score remains a current examination requirement even when passed before applying.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Postdoctoral experience
Complete at least 1,900 hours of qualifying postdoctoral supervised experience, ordinarily under a provisional license, with at least one hour of weekly individual supervision by a psychologist with HSP designation. The rule states the APA/APPIC postdoctoral training exception.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Recommendations
For HSP designation, include two recommendation letters from licensed psychologists with HSP designation and the internship director letter.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Licensure by reciprocity without HSP designation
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Evidence substitution
After at least five years of continuous licensure in good standing, current ABPP certification, National Register listing or an ASPPB CPQ may substitute for the specified academic and examination-score documentation. For HSP, qualifying internship and postdoctoral requirements remain.
License elsewhere
Hold a valid psychology license in good standing in another jurisdiction and meet the criteria of T.C.A. 63-11-211; provide licensing-agency verification, background check and academic/training evidence under Rule 1180-02-.03(12).
Military member expedition
PH-4279 permits expedited processing for qualifying active-duty members or specified former members (including discharge, retirement or reserve service within the stated 180-day period); the declaration accompanies a completed ordinary application.
Military spouse expedition
PH-4280 permits expedited processing for the spouse of a military member transferred to Tennessee, upon the form’s four affirmative declarations and a completed ordinary application.
Passing score
Provide proof of an EPPP written-examination score meeting Tennessee standards; the score remains a current examination requirement even when passed before applying.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Restricted HSP designation of an existing Tennessee psychologist license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department certification
The department must describe proposed facility functions and certify adequate training, inability to recruit otherwise qualified psychologists and resulting threat to services.
Existing license
Hold a current Tennessee psychologist license and a doctorate in psychology from a regionally accredited institution.
Restriction
Practice as HSP is restricted to recipients in the specified intellectual-disabilities facility; surrender the designation when employment ends.
Specialist experience
Have academic training and at least five years of postdoctoral clinical experience in intellectual disability.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity with restricted intellectual disabilities facility HSP designation
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Evidence substitution
After at least five years of continuous licensure in good standing, current ABPP certification, National Register listing or an ASPPB CPQ may substitute for the specified academic and examination-score documentation. For HSP, qualifying internship and postdoctoral requirements remain.
License elsewhere
Hold a valid psychology license in good standing in another jurisdiction and meet the criteria of T.C.A. 63-11-211; provide licensing-agency verification, background check and academic/training evidence under Rule 1180-02-.03(12).
Military member expedition
PH-4279 permits expedited processing for qualifying active-duty members or specified former members (including discharge, retirement or reserve service within the stated 180-day period); the declaration accompanies a completed ordinary application.
Military spouse expedition
PH-4280 permits expedited processing for the spouse of a military member transferred to Tennessee, upon the form’s four affirmative declarations and a completed ordinary application.
Passing score
Provide proof of an EPPP written-examination score meeting Tennessee standards; the score remains a current examination requirement even when passed before applying.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Restricted designation
Meet all six criteria in 63-11-208(e), including a regional psychology doctorate, current licensure in at least one state, intellectual-disability academic training and five years of postdoctoral clinical experience, department function description and necessity/training certification, and surrender of designation on termination.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.

Provisional Psychologist License with HSP Designation

Supervised provisional license while completing postdoctoral experience for Health Service Provider designation.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology

Extension beyond the second year for documented disability
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Duration
Initial validity is one year to obtain 1,900 hours of postdoctoral experience; request any extension in writing with a new provisional application and required fee.
Eppp timing
Pass the EPPP at Tennessee’s score within one year unless already passed; two failures or failure to pass within one year invalidates the provisional license.
Extension condition
Document the disability described in Rule 1180-02-.06(3): complete the required nineteen hundred (1900) hours of postdoctoral supervised experience required for HSP designation. The Board may approve an extension beyond the second year for those applicants who are tenure-track faculty in a department of psychology that has a graduate psychology-training program. The faculty appointment must be confirmed in a letter from the chair of that psychology department. The Board may approve an extension beyond the second year for those applicants who can document a disability that prohibits less than half-time practice. A written request must be sent to the Board for any extension of the provisional license.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
State exam timing
Pass the Board ethics/jurisprudence examination within two years; a second failure invalidates the provisional license. T.C.A. 63-11-206(h) refers to oral or jurisprudence examinations or both; current implementing rules identify the ethics/jurisprudence examination, and identify no separate oral examination.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Training
Complete the psychology doctorate and qualifying internship but not the postdoctoral supervised experience; register qualified HSP supervision and complete the criminal background check.
Extension beyond the second year for tenure track faculty
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Duration
Initial validity is one year to obtain 1,900 hours of postdoctoral experience; request any extension in writing with a new provisional application and required fee.
Eppp timing
Pass the EPPP at Tennessee’s score within one year unless already passed; two failures or failure to pass within one year invalidates the provisional license.
Extension condition
Provide a psychology department chair letter confirming a tenure-track faculty position in a department with a graduate psychology training program.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
State exam timing
Pass the Board ethics/jurisprudence examination within two years; a second failure invalidates the provisional license. T.C.A. 63-11-206(h) refers to oral or jurisprudence examinations or both; current implementing rules identify the ethics/jurisprudence examination, and identify no separate oral examination.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Training
Complete the psychology doctorate and qualifying internship but not the postdoctoral supervised experience; register qualified HSP supervision and complete the criminal background check.
Initial provisional licensure for supervised postdoctoral HSP experience
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Duration
Initial validity is one year to obtain 1,900 hours of postdoctoral experience; request any extension in writing with a new provisional application and required fee.
Eppp timing
Pass the EPPP at Tennessee’s score within one year unless already passed; two failures or failure to pass within one year invalidates the provisional license.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
State exam timing
Pass the Board ethics/jurisprudence examination within two years; a second failure invalidates the provisional license. T.C.A. 63-11-206(h) refers to oral or jurisprudence examinations or both; current implementing rules identify the ethics/jurisprudence examination, and identify no separate oral examination.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Training
Complete the psychology doctorate and qualifying internship but not the postdoctoral supervised experience; register qualified HSP supervision and complete the criminal background check.
Extension to complete supervised experience
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Duration
Initial validity is one year to obtain 1,900 hours of postdoctoral experience; request any extension in writing with a new provisional application and required fee.
Eppp timing
Pass the EPPP at Tennessee’s score within one year unless already passed; two failures or failure to pass within one year invalidates the provisional license.
Extension condition
Request a written extension to complete the required 1,900 postdoctoral hours.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
State exam timing
Pass the Board ethics/jurisprudence examination within two years; a second failure invalidates the provisional license. T.C.A. 63-11-206(h) refers to oral or jurisprudence examinations or both; current implementing rules identify the ethics/jurisprudence examination, and identify no separate oral examination.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Training
Complete the psychology doctorate and qualifying internship but not the postdoctoral supervised experience; register qualified HSP supervision and complete the criminal background check.

Temporary Psychologist License

Temporary license pending full Psychologist licensure, with or without Health Service Provider designation.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology

Temporary license pending initial licensure with HSP designation
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Completed training
Complete the academic coursework and training for the full license sought; HSP applicants must already have completed the qualifying internship and postdoctoral supervised year.
Duration
The temporary license cannot exceed twelve months; it ends on full license issuance or Board denial and is available only once.
Exam deadline
Obtain initial approval for the written examination and take it within 120 days; written-examination failure or a second ethics/jurisprudence failure invalidates the temporary license.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Supervision
Register a Tennessee licensed psychologist supervisor; HSP applicants require supervision by a psychologist with HSP designation.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Temporary license pending initial licensure without HSP designation
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Completed training
Complete the academic coursework and training for the full license sought; HSP applicants must already have completed the qualifying internship and postdoctoral supervised year.
Duration
The temporary license cannot exceed twelve months; it ends on full license issuance or Board denial and is available only once.
Exam deadline
Obtain initial approval for the written examination and take it within 120 days; written-examination failure or a second ethics/jurisprudence failure invalidates the temporary license.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Supervision
Register a Tennessee licensed psychologist supervisor; HSP applicants require supervision by a psychologist with HSP designation.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Temporary license for a psychologist licensed elsewhere with HSP designation
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Completed training
Complete the academic coursework and training for the full license sought; HSP applicants must already have completed the qualifying internship and postdoctoral supervised year.
Duration
The temporary license cannot exceed twelve months; it ends on full license issuance or Board denial and is available only once.
Existing license
Be continuously practicing in good standing under another jurisdiction’s license, not subject to disclosable current investigation or criminal, professional or ethical litigation.
Passing score
Have already passed the EPPP at the Tennessee required score.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Supervision
Register a Tennessee licensed psychologist supervisor; HSP applicants require supervision by a psychologist with HSP designation.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.
Temporary license for a psychologist licensed elsewhere without HSP designation
Application
Submit the completed Board application and required fees; respond truthfully to all questions; provide a recent signed passport photograph, citizenship or lawful-presence evidence, official transcripts, three psychologist recommendation letters including two licensed psychologists, license verifications, disclosures and vendor criminal background check under Rule 1180-02-.03.
Completed training
Complete the academic coursework and training for the full license sought; HSP applicants must already have completed the qualifying internship and postdoctoral supervised year.
Duration
The temporary license cannot exceed twelve months; it ends on full license issuance or Board denial and is available only once.
Existing license
Be continuously practicing in good standing under another jurisdiction’s license, not subject to disclosable current investigation or criminal, professional or ethical litigation.
Passing score
Have already passed the EPPP at the Tennessee required score.
Pending authorization
Rule 1180-01-.04(6) permits a temporary authorization after a Board reviewer determines the complete file satisfies the underlying initial, renewal or reinstatement requirements; it lasts until the final Board decision, at most six months.
Prior degree waiver
For a doctorate received before 1982, continuous licensed practice in good standing elsewhere may permit the Board to exercise its stated discretion concerning academic or HSP training requirements.
Supervision
Register a Tennessee licensed psychologist supervisor; HSP applicants require supervision by a psychologist with HSP designation.
Telepsychology
Telepsychology uses the existing current Tennessee psychology license under Rule 1180-02-.27; practice is limited to the populations, services and Tennessee locations the rule authorizes.

Special Volunteer License — Psychologist

License for uncompensated psychology services at a specified free health clinic.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology

Special Volunteer License conversion from a Tennessee license
Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination
Application
Submit the Special Volunteer application. No application or issuance fee applies.
Jurisprudence
The credential-specific checklist does not expressly waive the general requirement: Rule 1180-02-.04(2) applies to all licensure applicants, and Rule 1180-02-.03(14) prohibits waiver. The examination is therefore retained; previous license status is a condition.
Prior license
Previously hold a psychology license in Tennessee; the license has never been disciplined or encumbered. Obtain direct fitness verification from every licensing jurisdiction.
Setting
Provide uncompensated professional services solely at the specified private not-for-profit free health clinic; submit clinic location and not-for-profit proof.
Reinstatement of a license expired more than five years
Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination
Expiration
The license has been expired more than five years.
Fees
Fees otherwise required by Rules 1180-01-.05 and .07 are waived for Special Volunteer Licenses.
Supervision
Obtain six months of supervision, comply with CE and register supervisors when required.
Reinstatement of a license expired no more than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
The license has been expired for no more than five years; Rule 1180-01-.05(2)(a) specifies the examination only for expiration longer than five years.
Fees
Fees otherwise required by Rules 1180-01-.05 and .07 are waived for Special Volunteer Licenses.
Requirements
Apply for reinstatement, meet CE requirements and register a supervisor when required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Special Volunteer License issuance to a psychologist licensed elsewhere
Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination
Application
Submit the Special Volunteer application, recent photograph, recommendation letters, citizenship/legal-presence evidence, required disclosure history and practitioner profile information. No application or issuance fee applies.
Jurisprudence
The credential-specific checklist does not expressly waive the general requirement: Rule 1180-02-.04(2) applies to all licensure applicants, and Rule 1180-02-.03(14) prohibits waiver. The examination is therefore retained; previous license status is a condition.
Prior license
Previously hold a psychology license in another state; the license has never been disciplined or encumbered. Obtain direct fitness verification from every licensing jurisdiction.
Setting
Provide uncompensated professional services solely at the specified private not-for-profit free health clinic; submit clinic location and not-for-profit proof.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed signed renewal application by expiration, comply with the biennial CE requirements and register required supervisors.
Fees
Fees otherwise required by Rules 1180-01-.05 and .07 are waived for Special Volunteer Licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from retirement after continuous licensed practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
The Tennessee license is retired, but the holder has remained continuously practicing under a license in good standing in another state.
Fees
Fees otherwise required by Rules 1180-01-.05 and .07 are waived for Special Volunteer Licenses.
Fitness
Have no criminal or practice-act violations that would prohibit initial licensure.
Request
Submit a written reinstatement request.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from retirement after up to two years without practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
The retired license holder has not practiced for up to two years.
Fees
Fees otherwise required by Rules 1180-01-.05 and .07 are waived for Special Volunteer Licenses.
Fitness
Have no criminal or practice-act violations that would prohibit initial licensure.
Request
Submit a written reinstatement request.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from retirement after more than five years without practice
Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination
Eligibility
Retired and without practice for more than five years; no criminal or practice-act violations that prohibit initial licensure.
Exam discretion
Rule 1180-01-.07(6) requires passage of the jurisprudence/ethics examination if required; that conditional application is retained as a condition, with the identified examination as a leaf.
Fees
Fees otherwise required by Rules 1180-01-.05 and .07 are waived for Special Volunteer Licenses.
Request
Submit a written reinstatement request, proof of forty CE hours and register supervisors when required.
Supervision
Obtain six months of supervision.
Restoration from retirement after two to five years without practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Retired and without practice for two years up to five years; no criminal or practice-act violations that prohibit initial licensure.
Fees
Fees otherwise required by Rules 1180-01-.05 and .07 are waived for Special Volunteer Licenses.
Request
Submit a written reinstatement request and proof of forty hours of qualifying CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion to retired license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal fee
A retired license holder need not pay a renewal fee.
Status
Hold a current license and intend not to practice; file the completed affidavit of retirement and required documents.

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

Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology
Format
Open-book written examination at the Board administrative office
Time limit
Two hours
Passing score
Ninety percent of questions answered correctly
Examination outline
  • Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, Chapter 3, Parts 1 and 2
  • Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, Chapter 6, Part 4
  • Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 37-1-403
  • Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 2
  • Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 11
  • Chapter 1180-01 — General Rules Governing the Practice of Psychology
  • Chapter 1180-02 — Rules Governing Psychologists
  • Chapter 1180-03 — Rules Governing Psychological Examiners and Senior Psychological Examiners
  • Chapter 1180-04 — Rules Governing Certified Psychological Assistants
  • APA Ethical Standards approved August 21, 2002, effective June 1, 2003
Examination sources