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Psychology from ABD to Licensure
copyright 1999, 2000 Shoshana D. Kerewsky, Psy.D.
may be reproduced with this attribution only
The postdoctoral application process is much less formal than the predoctoral internship process. Postdocs are also less regulated, and do not have a required minimum salary/stipend like APA predoctoral sites.
What is a postdoc? Is it the only way to meet my post-degree, post-internship licensing requirements?
A postdoc, or postdoctoral placement, is supervised clinical work engaged in after you have graduated. If you have completed a predoctoral internship, your state may accept those hours toward its total requirement; however, you will still need to complete some postdoctoral hours as well. Though states' requirements vary, you will have to complete some supervised, postgraduate hours that meet the board's criteria.
Do all states require a formal postdoctoral placement?
Typically, you will either apply for formal postdoctoral placements, or, if your state allows, make arrangements with your workplace to receive supervision and meet your state's requirements. Some states allow you to meet this requirement through supervised private practice. Don't assume that even a formal postdoc will meet your state's requirements--check everything out with the board. APPIC has a brief article entitled Formal Postdoc Training versus Supervision on the Job.
Do all states acceptworkplace or private practice arrangements as postdoctoral hours?
No. States vary greatly (this is the refrain of this page). APPIC has condensed some of the requirements by state, but this information may be out of date. Check with your state board, and don't assume that states' requirements are similar.
Do all states have roughly the same postdoctoral practice requirements?
No. The number of clinical hours, types of activity engaged in, hours and delivery of your supervision, period from start to finish of the postdoc, and other important criteria vary greatly. Check with your state board.
How do I contact my state board?
Addresses, phone numbers, and in some cases websites can be found at ASPPB's roster.
Will I be able to transfer my postdoctoral hours to another state?
Possibly. Check with the board for the state to which you want to transfer. If your postdoc would not meet the second state's criteria (e.g., you are in a private practice postdoc), you should be especially careful about documenting all conversations about transferring your hours.
How do I find a postdoc?
Try these sources:
What else should I consider?
If you know you'd like to be licensed in a specific state, try to get a postdoc there. This will improve the chances of the postdoc actually meeting that state's requirements.
You will have to take the EPPP, the written licensing exam. Work backward from the EPPP administration date, to your state's deadline for signing up for the EPPP, to your state's schedule for evaluating and accepting your postdoctoral hours. Then begin your postdoc so that you'll be able to take the EPPP as soon as possible after you meet your state's criteria for admission to the exam.
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Please send me your comments, suggestions, and other postdoc resources. I'll review them for possible inclusion on this site. Thanks!