Registering as a psychologist

Psychology is a regulated profession, like medicine, psychiatry and law.

To call yourself a psychologist and to practise as one, you need to register with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), which is part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), formed in July 2010.

Becoming a psychologist begins when you are a student. Students must select their study pathway carefully, opting for courses accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) - or seeking assessment by the Australian Psychological Society for courses completed overseas.

More information about registration - such as additional training, continuing professional development, area of practice endorsement and criminal checks is available on the Psychology Board of Australia website.

The site also includes guidance for those who require provisional registration before completing the requirements for general registration:

• Psychology Board of Australia codes, guidelines and policies
• Psychology Board of Australia registrations standards