To work as a psychologist in Australia you are legally required to be registered, in the same way medical practitioners and solicitors must register to practise.

Being a member of the APS is not the same as being registered. Registration is the province of the State and Territory Psychologists Registration Boards. Each Board determines the requirements for registration in that State or Territory. These requirements differ slightly, but all require the completion of four full-time years of academic study in psychology plus two additional full-time years of either postgraduate training in psychology or supervised workplace experience as a probationary/conditional registered psychologist.

Registration with one of these Boards is legally required before you can practice as a psychologist. View contact details for all Registration Boards.

 

Back to top

Psychology qualifications obtained overseas

Some Registration Boards do not have the resources to assess applicants with overseas qualifications, and refer people to the APS to determine the equivalence of their qualifications in Australian terms. For more information on the APS Assessment Service, see Assessing Psychology Qualifications.

To view current psychology jobs available in Australia, go to our PsychXchange website: http://www.psychxchange.com.au/.

Back to top

Frequently asked questions about registration

1. Does the APS register psychologists?

No, the APS is not involved in the registration process. APS membership is separate from registration. Entry to the APS generally requires more university training than the amount necessary for registration, and offers a range of benefits and services. See 'Applying for APS membership'.

2. What do I need to do to register as a psychologist?

The requirements for registering as a Psychologist are prescribed by State and Territory Acts. While the requirements differ slightly between each State and Territory, as a rule the requirement is the completion of four full-time years of academic study in psychology plus two additional full-time years of either postgraduate training or supervised experience. See contact details for all Registration Boards.

3. How do I know whether the content of my academic study conforms to the Registration Board's requirements?

The exact requirements should be checked with the appropriate Registration Board: see contact details for all Registration Boards.

4. I plan to gain registration by completing a Masters degree. Should I register with a Registration Board as a probationary psychologist?

Individuals who are completing a coursework Masters degree, for example a Master of Forensic Psychology, may be required to register this with their State or Territory Registration Board in order to complete their placements. You should check with the appropriate Registration Board when you enrol in your course of study: see APAC accredited course list.

5. I am completing a period of supervised experience as part of my requirements for registration. How do I get this recognised?

You should submit your proposed program to the appropriate Registration Board for approval before you begin supervised experience.

6. What types of work activities allow me to be supervised for registration?

The types of work activities that involve the application of psychological knowledge are broad. These include providing counselling to clients, human resource management or personnel services, and conducting intellectual assessments. You should check with the Registration Board or a potential supervisor if you are unsure.

7. Do I have to be employed to register, and should this employment be full-time?

Individuals do not have to be employed by an organisation or self-employed to undertake supervision for registration. You may be able to engage in voluntary work and still gain registration. Supervised practice can be undertaken on either a full- or part-time basis – usually at least two days per week.

8. What does supervision entail? How do I find a supervisor? How much will supervision cost?

These are complex issues and should be referred to your State or Territory Registration Board. The cost will vary but you may be able to find a supervisor using the APS Referral Service – call 1800 333 497 or email referral@psychology.org.au.

9. If I have registered a supervision program with a Registration Board, can I call myself a psychologist?

Not in most cases. Individuals who have completed four or more years of study and are undergoing supervision for registration may be entitled to call themselves Probationary Psychologist or Psychologist Under Supervision, depending on the State or Territory. However, individuals registered in Queensland can use the title 'Psychologist' and practise psychology under supervision once they have been conditionally registered.

10. If I am registered in one State or Territory, can I set up practice in another?

You must be registered in each State and Territory in which you are practising, however mutual recognition of registration applies across all States and Territories of Australia. This means that if you are registered in one State or Territory, you can gain registration more easily in another.

11. Can I register as a 'Specialist' psychologist?

Only Western Australia currently allows psychologists who have gained qualifications and/or substantial experience in 'specialist' fields of psychology (for example, sport psychology) to be registered in this way. The requirements for this type of registration usually involve completion of at least a six-year sequence of study (including an appropriate Master's degree or equivalent) and supervised experience.

12. Can I be registered if my qualifications were obtained overseas?

Registration Boards do register psychologists who have been trained overseas. This involves having an assessment to determine whether your qualifications are the equivalent of those required for registration in Australia. See Assessing Psychology Qualifications for more information.

13. If I am a registered psychologist, can I become a member of the APS?

All registered psychologists are eligible to apply for a grade of membership with the Australian Psychological Society. Registered psychologists with a minimum of six years of study in programs accredited by the APS are eligible for full Membership of the Society. View Services and benefits of APS membership, or find out about Applying for membership.

Back to top

Further information

For further information, please contact the Membership Team at the APS National Office:

The Australian Psychological Society Ltd
PO Box 38
Flinders Lane
MELBOURNE VIC 8009

Tel: (03) 8662 3300
1800 333 497
Fax: (03) 9663 6177

Email: membership@psychology.org.au

Back to top