Can I practice psychology while I am an applicant?

Applicants must be under supervision in their provision of psychological services, as per the Psychologists Regulation and the Code of Conduct. Effective January 1, 2008, all applicants will be required to submit a supervision plan for their provision of psychological services in B.C. while moving through the application process.


How long does the application process take?

Although the length of time for an application to proceed varies from applicant to applicant, straightforward regular applicants typically complete all aspects of the application process in 6-7 months. A timeframe of 3-4 months is typical for mobility and reciprocal applications. Applicants can avoid delays by responding promptly to any questions about their qualifications or course work at the file review stage of the application process. The timeframe to registration increases when an applicant is not successful in an examination and must retake the exam, or when a referee is not prompt in providing a requested reference to the College. Applicants whose training or education is unusual may also require additional time to complete the application process.


How long do I have to complete an application before it expires?

The 2-year period in which you have to complete all the requirements for registration commences on the date that an application is submitted. Check the registration requirements document available on the College website.


How are application fees determined?

The application process operates on a cost recovery basis. Application fees are set to cover the cost of processing applications.


How do I communicate my status as an applicant to clients?

Applicants for registration are welcome to inform their clients that they have applied for registration. However, the Code of Conduct, Section 9.7 (g) states “Applicants for registration or registrants awaiting the awarding of a degree must not describe themselves as ‘candidate for degree’ or ‘candidate for registration’.


What is an appropriate way to communicate my credentials if I am neither registered with the College nor an applicant, but have training in psychology?

The Psychologists Regulation outlines the parameters for regulation of the provision of psychological services in British Columbia. Terms such as intern, counsellor, therapist, and consultant may be used by those not registered with the College. Registration or licensure in another jurisdiction may not be used to describe expertise in psychology in B.C.


What are the Mutual Recognition Agreement and reciprocal registration?

The Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) is an outcome of the federal government’s Agreement on Internal Trade, created to facilitate the recognition of credentials across Canadian provinces for a wide variety of professions. All Canadian psychology jurisdictions are signatories to the MRA for Psychology, which identifies “core competencies” for the practice of psychology. As of July 1, 2003, all of the Canadian psychology regulatory bodies have agreed to evaluate all new applicants for registration according to these core competencies. As a result, standards for registration have become much more consistent across Canadian jurisdictions, and the process of applying for registration in a new province, called a “reciprocal application,” has been streamlined. 


What are mobility applications, and how are they different from reciprocal applications?

An applicant for reciprocal registration is one who is currently registered or licensed to practice psychology in a jurisdiction with which the College has a reciprocal registration agreement, which includes all Canadian jurisdictions. Applicants who are licensed to practice psychology in other jurisdictions are considered mobility applicants for registration. The College Bylaws stipulate the conditions that must be satisfied for both reciprocal and mobility applications. 


What is the CPQ?

The CPQ is the Certificate of Professional Qualifications. The CPQ is issued by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). The Registration Committee accepts reciprocal applications from American psychologists who have a CPQ or who are currently listed with the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.


Do psychologists registered in other jurisdictions need to be registered in B.C. in order to provide expert testimony?

Psychologists registered in other jurisdictions who give testimony in B.C. cannot refer to themselves as “psychologists”, “registered psychologists” or use other words to describe themselves which imply training, experience or expertise as a psychologists (See section 3 of the Psychologists Regulation for a list and description of prohibited terms). A psychologist registered in another jurisdiction who wishes to give testimony in B.C. may apply for “temporary registration”. Temporary registration permits a psychologist to practice in B.C. for two 15 day periods a year. Additional information is available on the College website.


Can I register as a specific type of psychologist? (eg. "Registered Counselling Psychologist")

Registration in B.C. is generic. Registrants are either “registered psychological associates” or “registered psychologists,”. Registrants can self-declare an area of practice, for example counselling psychology, but should not use the title “counselling psychologist”. For standards related to credential presentation, see the Code of Conduct, Standards 9.3 and 9.7(f)


Does the College have a list of acceptable psychology programs?

The Registration Committee does not list specific courses, programs, or universities that meet registration criteria, but has criteria which will be used to determine if a program is acceptable. These criteria are contained in the “Registration Requirements” document on the College website.


Will the College accept a transcript prior to convocation?

For applicants who have completed their academic training but have not yet convocated, the Registration Committee will accept a pre-convocation transcript for purposes of reviewing the application, if the transcript is accompanied by a signed letter from the Senate or Registrar of the university where the applicant completed the doctoral degree indicating that all degree requirements have been fulfilled. Applicants are required to submit a post-convocation transcript indicating that the doctorate degree has been granted before being approved for registration.


What if my degree is from outside Canada or the United States?

Applicants with foreign credentials (excluding the United States) must have their degree evaluated for Canadian equivalency as part of the application process.


Why can`t I submit parts of my application for review? 

The Registration Committee has decided that an application must be complete before it can be reviewed. This means that the graduate degree must be complete (and listed as such on your transcript), and all supporting documents received. It is extremely difficult to review an application with some but not all relevant information. 


When can I write the written jurisprudence exam?

The schedule for the written jurisprudence examination is posted on the College website.


Where and when can I write the EPPP?

The EPPP can be taken at a variety of sites across Canada and the United States. However, one needs to be an applicant for registration with a regulatory body in order to be eligible to write the examination. A completed file review for credentials and consistency is forwarded to the Registration Committee for approval prior to an applicant being granted permission to proceed to the EPPP. Please see the section of our website entitled Regular Applications for further information.


How many times can I write the EPPP?

Within an application, the EPPP may be written 3 times.


What is the process of the oral examination?

The oral exam is a standardized scenario-based exam with specific criteria for scoring. There are three possible outcomes: (1) full pass; (2) pass with recommended limitations; and (3) fail. The entire exam may be repeated if failed. More information about the oral examination is available on the College website.


Are oral examinations audiotaped?

No. The exam is standardized and scored on specific criteria, and feedback is provided regarding areas in which deficiencies are identified. There is no appeal of the examination results, although submissions may be made to the Registration Committee on any procedural concerns.


What does it mean if someone is on the Limited Register?

The Bylaws differentiate between registrants on the Full Register and registrants on the Limited Register of the College. Registrants on the Full Register are working in psychology without any restrictions or limitations on their practice. Registrants on the Limited Register have limitations or conditions placed on their practice. Registrants on the Limited Register may be on the Register for a number of reasons including temporary absences from their practice, incomplete coursework, disciplinary sanctions or agreements, or competency concerns. For example, an individual may have a restriction on their practice based on a decision of either the Registration or the Inquiry Committee, a registrant may be limited in their practice areas by voluntary agreement due to a competency complaint, and new registrants may have conditions placed on their practice because they require additional supervision prior to being placed on the Full Register. Other examples include that registrant may be on the Limited Register because they are on sabbatical, maternity leave, or are temporarily out of the province.

Registrants are placed on the Limited Register for a variety of reasons. One reason is that an individual has a restriction on their practice based on a decision of either the Registration or the Inquiry Committee. Examples include registrants who have voluntarily agreed not to practice in a certain area subsequent to a complaint, or new registrants who require additional supervision prior to being placed on the Full Register. Another main reason is that currently, registrants may place themselves on the Limited Register because they are on sabbatical, maternity leave, or are temporarily out of the province.

What is the difference in training and scope of practice between registered psychologists and registered psychological associates?

Individuals who have completed training in psychology at the doctorate level are eligible to become “registered psychologists”. Individuals who have completed training at the master’s level in psychology are eligible to become “registered psychological associates.” The registration criteria for psychological associates include three years of post-degree supervised experience in psychology. There is no difference in scope of practice between a registered psychological associate and a registered psychologist.


Does the College offer employment services?

The College is a regulatory body and does not offer employment services. Please address queries about employment to the appropriate agencies at the provincial and federal governmental level. The following website may also be useful: www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/work-1.html


Is there any differentiation between registered psychologists and psychological associates when it comes to insurance billings?

The College will continue to work with individual insurance providers to help them understand scope of practice and how this is related to title. Registrants who encounter misunderstandings of these issues with insurers are encouraged to contact the College in writing.


What is the extraordinary registration period?

The introduction of new bylaws in February 2002, which allowed the College to register individuals at the master’s level (Psychological Associates) as well as at the doctoral level (Psychologists), in combination with the Health Professions Council recommendation to remove the exemptions in the Psychologists Regulation, resulted in the College offering registration to psychology practitioners who were not previously registered with the College with some accommodations during the period from January to May, 2003. All extraordinary applicants completed the Written Jurisprudence Examination and Part A of the Oral Examination before being placed on the Limited Register for a maximum of five years while they complete outstanding registration requirements (i.e., internship equivalence, EPPP, and Part B of the Oral Examination). The extraordinary applicants, once registered, are limited to the psychology practice they were doing at the time of initial registration (i.e., limited to setting, area of practice, services and activities, and client populations). 


What do I need to know to immigrate to Canada?

Check the website for the Citizenship and Immigration Canada department at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp


How do I find a job in BC?

Check the websites for the Canadian Psychological Association, (http://www.cpa.ca/careers/) and the British Columbia health authorities (http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/socsec/index.html), both of which will have career openings listed. The College of Psychologists does not have any information on job openings.


Where do I find out about training in psychology?

Check the following psychology organizations for more information: Canadian Psychological Association (www.cpa.ca); and American Psychological Association (www.apa.org).


Do all individuals with a graduate degree in psychology need to be registered?

Registration with the College of Psychologists is required for the practice of psychology in B.C., with some exceptions as listed in the Psychologists Regulation.


Do I have to register if I am working within the organizational field (e.g., Human Resources, training, assessment centre)?

Please see the Psychologists Regulation on our website.


What is my status here? What can I call myself here?

As per the Psychologists Regulation, only those who are registered with the College of Psychologists can use any title that contains the word “psychology” or any of its derivatives. Words such as “consultant,” “counsellor,” and “mental health” are not regulated terms. 


What is the first step in having my foreign credentials evaluated? 

Appendix H of the Registration Requirements document provides details regarding credentialing services.  It includes various links to websites such as:  Foreign Credentials Referral Office (http://www.credentials.gc.ca/); Human Resources and Social Development Canada Foreign Credential Recognition Program (http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/credential_recognition/index.html); and The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) (http://www.cicic.ca/en/index.aspx).

What are the names of credentialing agencies recommended by the College?

The College recommends the following credentialing agencies: University of Toronto Comparative Education Service (CES) http://www.adm.utoronto.ca/ces/; and BCIT International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) (http://www.bcit.ca/ices/).


If I have been supervised by a non-psychologist as part of my practica or post degree work, will the College accept these supervised hours?

In the context of professional psychology training, it is expected that a licensed/registered psychologist will oversee and have primary responsibility for practica and that the majority of the supervision will be provided by a psychologist so that the training received is primarily psychological in nature.   While it is recognized that some diversity of supervision can provide a valuable learning experience, the Registration Committee expects that the majority of an applicant’s supervised practica and post degree supervised work, will be provided by a psychologist who is licensed to practice psychology in the province/state in which the supervision takes place.


Will you accept my online degree(s)? Are my internship plans ok? Can you look at my cv and comment on the likelihood that I will qualify for registration?

The College does not have a pre-approval process. We receive many letters with questions like these from people interested in applying. However, we do not provide feedback of this nature. Your education, training and experience will be carefully reviewed after a formal application has been made. Individuals are encouraged to closely study the Registration Requirements document and make an application when their education, training, and experience meet the registration requirements.


What does it mean that a supervisor must be a psychologist who is licensed (certified or registered) and in good standing with a psychology regulatory body for a minimum of two years?

This means that the supervisor must be licensed to practice psychology in the province/state in which the supervision takes place. A listing of state, provincial and territorial agencies responsible for the licensure and certification of psychologists throughout the U.S. and Canada can be found on the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards website (www.asppb.net).


If I do not meet the _____ requirement can I still be registered? If I have less hours of supervision than what the requirements stipulate, is that ok? Can I do ____ in lieu of what the requirements ask for?

If an applicant wishes to become a registrant of the College, they must meet all of the registration requirements in effect at the time of their application.


I do not understand what some of these internship, program characteristics, supervised experience, etc. requirements mean.

The College`s registration requirements for education, training and experience are based on accredited, North American, training models. Applicants who are unfamiliar with accredited training standards, are encouraged to visit the websites of the following associations: Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), American Psychological Association (APA) and Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC).


If I am making a `Regular` application, and am a graduate of an APA or CPA accredited doctoral program, do I need to complete the Coursework and Practica sections of the application form?

Yes.  All applicants are required to complete the coursework and practica sections of the application form.  This information is used to evaluate the suitability of an applicant`s self-declared area of practice and/or intention to engage in specialized work (e.g., neuropsychology, working with children, forensics, etc).


I understand that I must be under supervision while an applicant, how many hours of supervision are required?

This is a reporting requirement only and does not involve a prescribed number of supervised hours. Applicants are not required to complete a certain number of hours nor is the College tracking the number of hours applicants complete. The requirement is that the applicant is under supervision for the duration of the application period until the point of registration.


As an applicant, how frequently am I required to meet with my supervisor? Do we have to meet face to face? Is the supervisor required to co-sign my reports, notes or correspondence?

The College only requires a supervisor on record with a description of the plan appropriate to the activities supervised. The supervision should be provided in a fashion and at a frequency sufficient to ensure that services are provided according to the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct.


My supervisor has asked if they have to complete any paperwork as part of their role?

When the applicant is scheduled to take their final examination, supervisors will be sent a short form to indicate whether the supervision took place according to the plan submitted.


How do I learn more about the practice of psychology in Canada?

Check the following psychology organizations for more information:  Canadian Psychological Association (http://www.cpa.ca/aboutcpa/); B.C. Psychological Association (http://www.psychologists.bc.ca/); and American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org)


I am a graduate of a non-APA/CPA accredited graduate program, what do I need to submit?

The Registration Committee accepts graduate programs that in its view meet the criteria outlined in Appendix B of the Registration Requirements document. Please submit, with your application, an attachment which outlines how your program meets the criteria listed in Appendix B. If you hold multiple degrees and wish to have the coursework from various graduate programs considered, you must submit an outline for each program. Please note, the outline(s) must describe how the program(s) met the criteria at the time you attended


My internship was not accredited by APA or CPA, nor was it listed in APPIC or CAPIC. What do I need to submit?

The Registration Committee accepts an internship that in its view meets the criteria outlined in Appendix C of the Registration Requirements document. Please submit, with your application, an attachment which outlines how your internship meets the criteria listed in Appendix C.


My application expiry date is approaching and I will not be able to complete my examinations before that date. What should I do?

It is the policy of the Registration Committee to grant, upon request, a maximum of three consecutive, four month application deadline extensions. Each extension is subject to a $400 fee. Fees may be waived in extenuating circumstances such as an applicant`s serious medical condition with confirming documentation or where the applicant has spent significant time, actively responding to College generated queries or directives.

The College has found that two years is a sufficient amount of time for the overwhelming majority of applicants to complete the process. It is possible for applicants, who completed an APA or CPA accredited graduate program and internship, to achieve registration in 6-9 months.

I am considering enrolling in a degree program.  Can the College review information about the program and tell me whether I’m likely to be eligible for registration?

No.  The College does not have a pre-approval process. We receive many letters with questions like these from people interested in applying. However, we do not provide feedback of this nature. Your education, training and experience will be carefully reviewed after a formal application has been made. Individuals are encouraged to closely study the Registration Requirements document and make an application when their education, training, and experience meet the registration requirements.

Will ­____training program prepare me for registration with the College?

 

 

The College does not approve programs.  Aside from APA/CPA accredited programs, the College does not have a list of acceptable programs or degrees.  If you are interested in knowing what type of career a program will prepare you for, we recommend that you speak with the program’s director. 

Can the College tell me if any of the current registrants graduated from University of ­­­_____ in the _____ degree program?  I’d like to understand if I’m likely to be registered with a degree from there.

 

There are many aspects to professional psychology training and successful registration with the College; a graduate degree is only part of it.  The strength of an application depends on many things.  This is why each application is considered on its own merit.  Aside from APA/CPA accredited programs, the College does not have a list of acceptable programs or degrees.  Please visit the APA and CPA websites for a list of accredited graduate programs.

What kinds of graduate degrees will the College accept?  Can I be registered on the basis of an M.Ed.?  Do I have to have a Ph.D. or is a Psy.D. acceptable?

 

Registration can be based on a graduate degree at either the Masters or Doctoral level.  There are, however, additional criteria that would need to be met in terms of institutional characteristics and program characteristics.  Please see the Registration Requirements document for more detail. 

I am concerned that my degree will not be acceptable for registration with the College.  What can you tell me?

 

The College does not have a pre-approval process. We receive many letters with questions like these from people interested in applying. However, we do not provide feedback of this nature. Your education, training and experience will be carefully reviewed after a formal application has been made. Individuals are encouraged to closely study the Registration Requirements document and make an application when their education, training, and experience meet the registration requirements.