To meet the education requirements for licensure under section 6 of the act (63 P.S. § 1206), an applicant shall complete the requirements for a doctoral degree in psychology or a field related to psychology as defined in § 41.1 (relating to definitions). The following documentation evidences compliance:

1. (1) For degree holders from a program in the United States, Canada or United States territories, a Verification of Doctoral Program Approval Status completed by the program’s director reflecting accreditation by the APA, CPA or PCSAS or designation by the ASPPB/National Register Designation Project within 1 year from the award of the doctoral degree, and an official transcript from the registrar.
2. (2) For degree holders from a foreign college or university, an evaluation completed by the National Register evidencing compliance with the educational requirements for degree holders from foreign colleges or universities in § 41.1. The Board will make a determination regarding the applicant’s compliance based upon the evaluation.
3. (3) An applicant who does not meet the criteria in paragraph (2) shall complete supplemental education or training, or both, from a program accredited by the APA, CPA or PCSAS or designated by ASPPB/National Register Designation Project based upon an evaluation of the deficiency by the program. The program director shall certify that the supplemental coursework or experience, or both, makes the applicant equivalent to a graduate of that program.
4. (4) First-time applicants who enroll in a graduate degree program in psychology or a field related to psychology on or after July 1, 2008, will be evaluated under these regulations. Applicants enrolled prior to this date will be evaluated under regulations in effect at the time of enrollment. Reapplicants under § 41.42(b) (relating to reexamination) will be evaluated under regulations in effect at the time of reapplication.
5. (5) First time applicants who were enrolled in a doctoral degree program prior to March 23, 1991, will have their education credentials evaluated under regulations in effect at that time. Applicants who apply under § 41.42(b) will have their credentials evaluated under regulations in effect at the time of reapplication.

Authority

The provisions of this § 41.31 amended under section 812.1 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.3a); and sections 3.2(1) and (2), 3.3, 6, 6(a) and 8(a)(6) of the Professional Psychologists Practice Act (63 P.S. § § 1203.2(1) and (2), 1203.3, 1206, 1206(a)(2) and 1208(a)(6)).

Source

The provisions of this § 41.31 adopted February 6, 1976, effective February 7, 1976, 6 Pa.B. 229; amended March 17, 1978, effective March 18, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 756; amended September 8, 1978, effective September 9, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 2530; amended April 13, 1990, effective April 14, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 2034; corrected April 27, 1990, effective April 14, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 2286; amended March 22, 1991, effective March 23, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 1171; amended November 15, 1991, effective November 16, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 5343; amended January 25, 2002, effective January 26, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 424; amended June 2, 2006, effective June 3, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2680; amended July 21, 2006, effective July 22, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3813; amended June 4, 2010, effective June 5, 2010, 40 Pa.B. 2947; amended August 1, 2025, effective August 2, 2025, 55 Pa.B. 5116. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (417337) to (417338).

Cross References

This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 41.1 (relating to definitions); 49 Pa. Code § 41.8 (relating to Department of Health licensing of substance abuse services provided by psychology practices—statement of policy); 49 Pa. Code § 41.11 (relating to licenses); 49 Pa. Code § 41.30 (relating to qualifications and documentation necessary for licensure); 49 Pa. Code § 41.41 (relating to examinations); and 49 Pa. Code § 41.52a (relating to licensure by endorsement).