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How to become a licensed psychologist in District of Columbia. EPPP required. PSYPACT member state. Postdoctoral hours: 2000. Total initial fees: $1020. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Licensed Psychologist
Yes
EPPP Required
Yes
PSYPACT Member
No
Prescriptive Auth.
2,000 hrs
Postdoctoral Hours
30 hrs
CE Hours
$1020
Total Initial Fees
Doctoral Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Doctoral
APA Accreditation
Required
Accepted Degree Types
Accepted Program Types
Dissertation Required
Yes
Psychologists must earn a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in psychology from an accredited program. APA-accredited programs are preferred or required in most states. The doctoral program includes coursework, practicum experience, and typically a dissertation or doctoral project.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedEPPP Required
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
500
Passing Score
$687.50
EPPP Fee
No
State Exam
No
Jurisprudence
Format: Computer-based at Pearson VUE; 225 multiple-choice questions (175 scored, 50 pilot); 4 hours 15 minutes; 8 content domains
Retake Policy
May retake up to 4 times per 12-month period; must re-register and pay full $600 fee each attempt
The EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) is a 225-question computer-based exam with a standard passing score of 500 (on a scale of 200-800). Most states require the EPPP, and some also require a separate state jurisprudence or oral exam. California requires the CPLEE (California Psychology Laws and Ethics Examination).
Pre- & Post-Doctoral Experience
Verified1,500 hrs
Predoctoral Hours
2,000 hrs
Postdoctoral Hours
3,500 hrs
Total Supervised
Supervision Type
Individual and group supervision
Supervisor Qualifications
Licensed psychologist with at least 2 years post-licensure experience
Most states require both predoctoral (internship) and postdoctoral supervised experience. Postdoctoral hours range from 0 (Colorado) to 2,000+ hours in many states. Supervision must typically be provided by a licensed psychologist with appropriate credentials.
Practice Scope & Prescriptive Authority
VerifiedYes
Psychological Testing
Yes
Psychotherapy
Yes
Neuropsychological Assessment
Yes
Forensic Psychology
No
Prescriptive Authority
Yes
Telehealth Permitted
Restricted Activities
Psychologists' scope of practice includes psychological testing, psychotherapy, neuropsychological assessment, and forensic evaluations. Prescriptive authority (the ability to prescribe psychotropic medications) is currently available in only a handful of states including Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Telehealth provisions vary by state.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $185 |
EPPP Fee EPPP Part 1 (Knowledge) fee to ASPPB; +Prometric test center fee (~$91.88) | $687.50 |
License Fee | $185 |
Renewal Fee | $185 |
Background Check Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, EPPP, license fee, and background check | $1020 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$185
Regulatory Board
Psychology licenses must be renewed on a regular cycle, typically every 1-3 years depending on the state. Most states require 20-50 continuing education hours per renewal cycle, with required topics often including ethics, cultural competency, and suicide prevention.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
PSYPACT Member
Member State
Endorsement Available
Yes
PSYPACT Privileges
Telepsychology via APIT (Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) and temporary in-person practice via TAP (up to 30 days/year per state). Requires E.Passport from ASPPB.
Reciprocity Requirements
PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact) allows licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person, face-to-face practice in other PSYPACT member states without obtaining additional licenses. Non-PSYPACT states require license by endorsement with credential verification.
District of Columbia follows standard psychologist licensure requirements with EPPP and postdoctoral experience.
District of Columbia requires a doctoral degree from an accredited program for psychologist licensure.
The EPPP is required with a minimum passing score of 500.
District of Columbia is a PSYPACT member state, allowing telepsychology across member states.
Prescriptive authority is not available for psychologists in District of Columbia.
30 continuing education hours are required per 2 years renewal cycle.
EPPP Part 2-Skills REQUIRED in District of Columbia (one of only 3 US jurisdictions: DC, GA, NV).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in District of Columbia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Cost
#17 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 364–468 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: District of Columbia Board of Psychology — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: District of Columbia Board of Psychology — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the EPPP psychology licensing exam.
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District of Columbia requires a doctoral degree and passing the EPPP for psychologist licensure. As a PSYPACT member state, District of Columbia offers telepsychology practice privileges. All licensing is managed through the District of Columbia Board of Psychology.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.