Steps to becoming a neuropsychologist in the United States. Required steps include graduating from high school, obtaining a bachelor’s degree, obtaining a doctoral degree like a PhD, PsyD, or EdD, completing a postdoctoral fellowship, and licensure. Optional steps include obtaining an associate’s degree, taking a gap year, and board certification. You are on the step licensure and board certification

Licensure

All neuropsychologists in clinical practice in the US must become licensed psychologists in their states. Licensure requirements vary by state by typically include completing a doctoral degree in psychology, accruing a specified number of hours of supervision by a licensed psychologist, completing a postdoctoral fellowship, passing a comprehensive examination known as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and sometimes also passing a “Jurisprudence” exam. 

Board Certification

Board certification in Clinical Neuropsychology is strongly recommended! 

As of 2020, over 1000 neuropsychologists in the US obtained board certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology/American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABPP/ABCN; see here). Board certification through ABPP/ABCN is a three-part process including passing a written exam, practice sample review, and oral exam. There are also over 400 neuropsychologists boarded by the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABN; see here).

Board certification in pediatric neuropsychology is available through ABPP/ABCN (see here) or through the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology (ABPdN; see here).

Sweet, J. J., Klipfel, K. M., Nelson, N. W., & Moberg, P. J. (2021). Professional practices, beliefs, and incomes of U.S. neuropsychologists: The AACN, NAN, SCN 2020 practice and “salary survey.” The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 35:1,7-80. https://doi.org/10.1080/13854046.2020.1849803 

To learn about additional steps in becoming a neuropsychologist, click below:

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