Looking to practice psychology in Maryland? To receive a Maryland psychologist’s license, all applicants must complete a doctoral degree, two years worth of experience, and pass the relevant exams. This license is then valid for two years, before it will require renewal.
Learn more about the Maryland psychologist license, and the steps to obtain one, with this guide.
Anyone wishing to practice psychology in Maryland must receive a license from the Maryland Department of Health. A successful applicant must show they have passed the education, experience, and examination requirements set by the Maryland Department of Health.
The Maryland Department of Health also issues psychology associate licenses, and school psychologist licenses. As with general psychologist licenses, all applicants must demonstrate a set level of education and experience, and pass certain examinations.
Any applicant looking to practice psychology in Maryland must complete a series of steps before they can receive their license. These steps are as follows:
The Maryland Department of Health requires the completion of three key steps before you can receive your license: education, experience, and examination.
You will need to provide documentation proving your successful completion of these steps, including references from licensed psychologists responsible for observing your experience.
Maryland doesn’t have a reciprocity agreement with other states, so license holders from outside jurisdictions will have to submit an application to practice in Maryland.
Psychologists in good standing can be granted a Limited Reciprocity license, allowing them to practice while waiting to take the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination.
All applicants looking to practice in Maryland will be required to take the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam. They will also need to submit a statement outlining why they want to practice in Maryland.
Those who hold an American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) certification, or National Register of Health Service Psychologist (NRHSP) credentials are permitted to submit a reduced application.
Limited Reciprocity is also granted to applicants who have completed the education and experience stages, and are waiting for the next Maryland Jurisprudence Exam.
Maryland requires psychologists to renew their license every two years. Before renewal, you must complete a Renewal Application and Licensure Form. You must also complete at least 40 hours of continuing education (CE) during this two-year period.
At least three of the eligible continuing education hours must be focused on the laws, ethics, and risks of practicing psychology. A further three hours must be focused on providing culturally sensitive practice to a diverse client population.
The Maryland board completes random audits on renewal applicants, who are then required to provide proof of their continuing education hours.
There is a standard fee for license renewal.
The overall process of becoming a licensed psychologist in Maryland can take upwards of 10 years.
Including the bachelor’s degree (4 years), a master’s degree (another potential 2 years), a doctoral degree (2 to 4 years), and 3,250 hours of experience (roughly 2 years), it is a long process.
However, when the requirements are all complete, the actual application phase can be relatively quick.
Yes, there is a set, non-refundable fee when applying for a psychologist license in Maryland. If your application is refused, you can not reclaim the fee.
There is also a fee when applying for the limited reciprocity license, and to sit both the EPPP and the Jurisprudence Examination.
No, Maryland does not offer licenses by endorsement. However, if you have a valid license to practice psychology in another state, you can apply for a limited reciprocity license. This can be used while you plan to take the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam.
The Maryland Department of Health requires all psychologists to have a license when practicing in the state. This license can be obtained with the completion of a doctoral degree, 3,250 hours of supervised experience, and the completion of the EPPP and Maryland Jurisprudence Examination.
Once you have your license, it will need to be renewed periodically, and each renewal must be supported by several hours of continuing education.
