Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
1. How long do I have to inform the Board of an address change?
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-2066(B), you must notify the Board of your new address in writing within 30 days or be subject to a civil penalty of up to $100.00.
2. If I am on inactive status, how do I return to active status?
Changing from inactive to active status outside of the renewal period currently requires:
1) A written request from licensee to the Board.
2) Completion of the 2009-2011 Application for License Renewal indicating your request for re-activation of your license.
3) Proof of completion of pro-rated continuing education hours since May 1, 2009. (60 CE hours are required every two years, therefore these hours are pro-rated at the rate of 2.5 hours/month).
4) Verification that any licenses in other jurisdictions are in good standing and that you have had no disciplinary actions in those jurisdictions.
5) Payment of the $400 renewal fee.Once the Board receives the required documentation, your CE is reviewed by members of the Continuing Education Committee. Once the CE is approved, your request for re-activation of your license will be placed on the Board's agenda for approval. If your request is approved, the $400 renewal fee will provide you with an active license until April 30, 2011.
APPLICATIONS - GENERAL
1. I am licensed in another state. Can I practice in Arizona for limited periods without being licensed in Arizona?
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-2075(A)(4), if you reside in another state, you may practice for up to 20 days per year if the activities and services conducted in Arizona are within your customary area of practice and are not otherwise in violation of Board statutes and rules and the client, public and the consumer is notified of the limited nature of these activities and services and that you are not licensed in Arizona.
2. How much time do I have to complete the application process?
Pursuant to R4-26-208(B)(2), the license application must be completed within 8 months (240 days) from the issuance of a written notice from the Board specifying missing documents or incomplete information or the application will be closed.
3. If I decide to withdraw my application or fail to complete it may I get a refund of the application fee?
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-2067(C), the Board cannot refund fees.
4. I plan to attend one institution and then take the last semester for my doctorate degree at another institution. Is that okay?
Pursuant to A.R.S. §32-2071(A)(5), at least two of the three years of academic years of graduate study required for the doctoral degree must be at the institution from which the doctoral degree is granted.
5. Will the college I am attending (or planning to attend) qualify for Board approval?
The Board does not pre-approve institutions of higher education in clinical or counseling psychology. The institution must be accredited by one of the following associations of colleges and schools: New England, Middle States, North Central, Northwest, Southern, or Western and the psychology program must meet the requirements of A.R.S. § 32-2071.
CORE PROGRAM
1. If I am deficient in one of the required content areas, can this
requirement be satisfied through comprehensive exams?
Pursuant to A.R.S. §32-2071(A)(4) and A.A.C. R4-26-202(C) it is possible to satisfy a single core content area requirement through your comprehensive examination. Documentation provided directly to the Board by the your graduate school that demonstrates how your comprehensive examination was constructed, lists the criteria for passing, and provides the information used to determine that you passed, could serve as verification that you have satisfied one of these course requirements.
2. Can I get a letter from my professor saying I was examined in more than one content area?
The comprehensive exam can only count for one core content area deficiency. [A.A.C. R4-26-202(E).]
3. How many deficiencies am I allowed to make up?
Pursuant to A.R.S. §32-2071(K), no more than two core program course deficiencies can be made up.
4. Must my application file include the transcript of my master's degree?
Pursuant to R4-26-203(B)(1), an applicant must have a transcript from each university or college at which they received a graduate degree submitted directly to the Board.
SUPERVISION
1. What are the Board's requirements for employment supervision (not
internship or post-doc) for applicants who are not yet licensed?
You may not practice psychology or use the title "psychologist" or any derivative of the root word "psycho" without a license, unless you fall into one of the exemptions from licensure listed in A.R.S. §32-2075. Those who are continuing their postdoctoral experience prior to licensure may only do so up to 36 consecutive months [A.R.S. §32-2071(E)(6)], and provided that their "services or activities are provided under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist, clients are informed of the training nature of the services provided and the supervisee has a title that designates that person's training status" [A.R.S. §32-2075(A)(6)].
2. What are the requirements for amount of supervision?
Pursuant to A.R.S. §32-2071(D)(6), a minimum of one hour of face-to-face supervision for each 20 hours of experience (i.e., 75 hours minimum for a 1500 hours experience) the first 1500 hours with a minimum of 25% of time in direct client contact and the second 1500 hours with a minimum of 600 hours in direct client contact.
3. Will supervision by masters level psychologist or psychiatrist substitute for requirement that supervision be provided by licensed psychologist?
Pursuant to A.R.S. §32-2071(D)(1) for the first 1500 hours supervision must be conducted by a "psychologist who is licensed or certified to practice psychology at the independent level by any licensing jurisdiction of the United States or Canada in which the program exists." During the second 1500 hours of experience, supervision must be conducted by a "psychologist who is licensed or certified to practice psychology at the independent level in any licensing jurisdiction of the United States or Canada in which the supervision occurs or by a psychologist who is on full-time active duty in the United States armed services and who is licensed or certified by a board of psychologist examiners in a United States jurisdiction. [A.R.S. §32-2071(E)(1)]
4. I completed my course curriculum and dissertation in May, but my degree was not conferred until August. Do my hours of supervision after May count toward the required second 1500 hours of supervision?
You may begin to accrue your second 1500 hours of supervision only after written certification (which can be a letter from doctoral advisor or department chair) that you have met all requirements and your first 1500 hours of supervised internship is completed.
FOR EXPERIENCED PSYCHOLOGISTS INTERESTED IN LICENSURE IN AZ
1. Do I need to fill out the entire application and have my
supervision hours verified on the Board's forms and provide
transcripts and so forth?
Yes. The Board requires all of the above, with possible exceptions as explained below.
2. Does the Board have reciprocity?
The Board does not currently have reciprocity agreements with any other state. However, the Board has an expedited licensure procedure called "licensure by credential" for psychologists who hold a CPQ, NRHSPP, or ABPP credential, and who are licensed in good standing in another state for at least 5 years. [A.R.S. §32-2071.01(B)]
3. When I earned my doctorate degree, the curriculum did not include a course which was titled as ethics. Ethics was included in other courses. Will those other courses satisfy this requirement?
Pursuant to A.R.S. §32-2071(A)(4)(a), an applicant must have minimum of one 3 semester hour, or equivalent quarter or trimester hours, ethics course or verification of comprehensive examination in ethics from the academic department or advisor.
4. I have been a licensed practitioner for 12 years, but I never had supervised professional experience after earning my doctoral degree. Is there any exception to this requirement?
If you have been a licensed practitioner for 10 years or more, the Board may waive the post doctoral supervised professional experience requirement. [A.R.S. §32-2071(H)]
5. Will I be required to retake the Exam for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)?
If you have previously taken the EPPP, you may apply as a "waiver candidate" if your passing scores fulfill the requirements of A.R.S. § 32-2072(A) and A.A.C. R4-26-204(B). A waiver candidate completes the Application for Examination and Licensure application on this website. The only exemptions from the examination requirement are for (1) ABPP diplomats; or (3) those holding a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology (CPQ).
6. My internship was 1,500 hours and APA approved, but original verification is no longer available because my supervisor is deceased. How can I satisfy this requirement?
A psychologist knowledgeable of your internship training program may also provide verification of your internship training program. In addition, the hospital, site, or program administrator may have records of your internship on site; Applicants may contact the facility and inquire about previous internship records or contracts. The Board may consider copies of documentation on file with another state's licensing board so long as the information provided answers questions asked on our form. The Board may request additional information as necessary.
7. I have been a licensed psychologist for many years. I never did an internship, but have at least 3,000 hours of post doctoral supervised experience. Will that satisfy the requirements for the first and second 1,500 hours?
Of the 3,000 hour requirement for supervised experience, the first 1,500 hours can be either pre or post doctoral. This supervised experience must meet more restrictive requirements than the second 1,500 hours and cannot be waived as may the less restrictive supervision requirements of the second 1,500 hours. Also the first 1,500 hours must be completed within 24 consecutive months and the second 1,500 hours must be completed within 36 consecutive months.
8. My doctorate degree was in an area other than applied psychology but I have been practicing as a psychologist in another state. Can I qualify for licensure in Arizona?
In order to qualify under the requirements of A.R.S. § 32-2071(J) Qualifications of applicant; training; definition, you must show an identified and labeled respecialization program.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
1. What is the process for taking the national Examination for
Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)?
You must submit an application for licensure and examination in order to be approved by the Board prior to taking the EPPP. Once an applicant is approved, Board staff will submit the applicant's name and pertinent information to the Professional Examination Service (PES). PES will email an application packet to the applicant to complete and return, with payment, directly to PES.
2. How soon must I take the EPPP once approved by the Board?
Pursuant to A.A.C. R4-26-204(A)(2), applicant's for licensure must schedule and take the EPPP within one year of being approved by the Board to sit for the exam. However, once an applicant submits their PES application to test back to the Professional Examination Service (PES) (see question #1 above), applicants must sit for the examination within 60 days of the date on the "authorization-to-test" letter provided by PES.
3. When, how often and where is the EPPP given?
The computerized EPPP allows candidates to take the exam any time during the year, up to four times in any 12-month period, at a Prometric Testing Center of their choice. Prometric has over 300 testing centers across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) website, www.asppb.org. The ASPPB is the developer of the EPPP.
4. Does Arizona have an oral examination or other state exam?
Not at this time.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
1. How many hours of continuing education hours are required?
Pursuant to A.A.C. R4-26-207, a minimum of 60 hours of continuing education must be completed during each two year license renewal period.
2. I am newly licensed. How many hours of continuing education are required?
For those who are newly licensed, continuing education is pro-rated from the date of licensure. See A.A.C. R4-26-207(A)(2) for method of computation.
3. What if a licensee cannot complete continuing education requirements by April 30 of a renewal year?
Pursuant to A.A.C. R4-26-207(I), a licensee who cannot meet the continuing education requirement for good cause may submit a written request to the Board, with all appropriate fees, seeking an extension of time to complete the continuing education requirement.
1. Good cause shall be limited to licensee illness, military service, or residence in a foreign country for at least 12 months of the license renewal period.
2. Requests for extensions shall be submitted on or before the expiration of a license, as provided by statute. A time extension shall not exceed one year.
3. Licensees who cannot complete the continuing education requirement within the time extension may apply to the Board for inactive status.
4. How are continuing education credits for appointments as Board or committee members or election to offices of psychological societies or associations measured?Pursuant to A.A.C. R4-26-207(A) and R4-26-207(F), licensees receive one credit hour for each clock hour of work contributed for up to a maximum of 10 hours per two year renewal period.
5. If I earn more than 60 hours in a renewal cycle, may I carry it over to the next renewal cycle?
Pursuant to A.A.C. R4-26-207(J), the Board does not allow continuing education hours in excess of the 60 hours required to be carried beyond the two-year renewal period in which the hours were accrued.
6. Can I get CE credit for attending Board meetings?
Pursuant to A.A.C. R4-26-207(C)(b), licensees may obtain 4 CE hours for attending a full-day Board meeting and 2 CE hours for attending a half-day meeting. A maximum of 10 CE hours may be obtained this way for each two year renewal period.
RENEWAL INFORMATION
1. Am I required to submit my business address and my home address
to the Board?
Pursuant to A.A.C. R4-26-205(B)(1) licensees must submit a business and home address, and designate which address they want used as the directory address on the Board's public information website. The directory address is a public information and will be published on the Board's web-page and provided upon request to the general public. Home addresses remain confidential unless a licensee specifies that they are to be used as the directory address or if no other address is provided to the Board.
2. Do I submit continuing education documentation with my renewal form?
It is not necessary to submit proof of CE completion with your license renewal. Pursuant to A.A.C. R4-26-207(H), each renewal cycle the Board conducts a random audit of continuing education credits. If you are audited, you will mailed a letter, and asked to provide proof of CE completion at that time.
3. What responsibilities, other than renewing every two years, does a licensee have toward the Board?
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-2066(B), you are required to notify the Board within 30 days of any change of address or phone number for either work or home. The Board may assess a civil penalty of up to $100 for failure to do so.
REGULATION
1. How do I file a complaint against a psychologist?
It may be necessary to contact the Board office and confirm that the psychologist is a licensee of the Board of Psychologist Examiners. You may then download a copy of the Request for Investigation (RFI) from the Board's website, complete it, and submit it to the Board office along with any supporting documentation you may have regarding the allegations. If you cannot download the form from the website, contact the Board office and request that a form be mailed to you.
2. Will the psychologist know who has filed the complaint against him or her?
Yes. A copy of all documentation submitted by you will be provided to the psychologist in order for them to appropriately respond to the allegations.
3. What is the process once I file my complaint?
Once your complaint (RFI) is received by the Board, you will promptly receive a letter acknowledging the receipt of the complaint (RFI). A copy of the complaint (RFI) along with a letter will be sent to the licensee for their review and response to the allegations.
4. May I see the doctor's response to my complaint?
No. The psychologist's response is confidential by law, is part of the investigative file, and thus may not be viewed by the complainant or the public.
5. What happens when the Board receives the psychologist's response?
Once the licensee's response to the allegation is received and reviewed by the Board's investigator, the complaint (RFI) will be provided to the Complaint Screening Committee (CSC) members for review, discussion, and recommendation. This initial review of the complaint (RFI) will be held during a public meeting to which the complainant or their representative and licensee or their representative will be able to address the CSC members with a brief statement. CSC members may ask questions; however there is generally no other interaction with CSC members at this time. Please be aware, this is NOT a hearing. The objective of this CSC is to review the complaint and to make a determination to either dismiss the complaint if there are no statute or rule violations; refer to the complaint to the full Board for review at the next Board meeting; or request additional information from either the complainant or licensee and review the complaint again at the next CSC meeting.
6. What happens if my complaint gets dismissed, will the CSC review it again?
Once the complaint (RFI) has been reviewed by the CSC and has been dismissed, the decision is final and there is no appeal process. If the CSC members require additional information to be considered in order to make a determination, both the licensee and the complainant will receive notification by mail of any additional information or documentation needed and the complaint (RFI) will be re-scheduled and placed on the agenda of the next monthly CSC meeting.
7. What will happen if the CSC refers the Complaint (RFI) to the full Board for review?
When a complaint (RFI) is forwarded to the full Board for review, the complaint, which is now referred to as a "Case" and no longer referred to as an "RFI," is placed on the agenda to be discussed at the next full Board meeting. The full Board meets in person to discuss Cases and other matters every other month. Prior to the initial review of the Case by the full Board, the investigation remains open and in progress.
8. May I address the full Board regarding my complaint/case?
A complainant, licensee, or a representative of either may make a brief presentation before the Board when the Case is reviewed by the Board.
9. What action can the Board take regarding my Case?
After review and discussion, the Board may vote to dismiss the case; take a non-disciplinary action such as issue a letter of concern or offer the licensee a non-disciplinary consent agreement; vote to take disciplinary actions such as enter into a disciplinary consent agreement, invite the licensee to an informal interview, or vote the matter to a formal hearing for summary suspension or license revocation.
10. If the Board dismissed my Case, as a complainant, can I appeal?
The Board's dismissal of a Case closes the file and ends the Board's consideration of the Case. According to Board rules A.A.C. R4-26-308, only a party may file a motion for rehearing or review of a Board decision. A party means the Board, an applicant for licensure, or a licensee and does not include a complainant.
11. What is an Informal Interview or Formal Hearing?
Pursuant to A.R.S. §32-2081(G), after the initial review of a Case, the Board may vote to invite that psychologist to attend an Informal Interview. The Board's statutes use the term "Informal Interview" for the interview before the full Board that may result in resolution of the Case other than through a "Formal Hearing." [A.R.S. §32-2081(H)] A Formal Hearing is a trial-type proceeding, which may be conducted by the Office of Administrative Hearings or by the Board itself. The "Informal Interview" is not "Informal" in the common use of the word.
12. What are the Board's options at the end of the Informal Interview?
At the end of the interview, the Board may vote to continue the investigation to obtain additional information, dismiss the matter, issue an advisory letter of concern, take disciplinary action, enter into an agreement to restrict or limit the psychologist's practice, or refer the case to Formal Hearing if the Board believes that grounds exist to revoke or suspend the psychologist's license for more than twelve months. Disciplinary action may include censure, probation, and temporary suspension for a period not to exceed twelve months, restitution of fees, or a civil monetary penalty. [A.R.S. §32-2081(G)]
13. What information/documentation can I obtain regarding complaints/RFI's/Cases?
The Board meeting minutes and final resolution of a complaint (i.e. dismissal letter, Letter of Concern, or a Board Order) are public documents. According to Board rules, "All materials relating to an investigation by the Board, including the complaint, response, client record, witness statement, investigative report, or any other confidential information relating to a client's diagnosis, treatment, or a personal or family life are confidential." [A.A.C. R4-26-101]