Registration requirements are determined by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
General registration requires a minimum six-year sequence of education and training. This typically includes a four-year Board-approved accredited sequence of study in psychology, followed by one of the below pathways.
Fourth-year graduates can choose from:
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the higher degree pathway, which is an approved postgraduate degree accredited at the fifth and sixth year level (eg. two-year Masters) or higher (eg. three or four year Doctorate), or
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the 5+1 internship pathway. This requires you to pass the national psychology exam before applying for general registration.
The below diagram shows the study pathways you can follow to become a registered psychologist.
Pathways to registration as a psychologist
Download study pathways diagram
Note: The 4+2 internship pathway closed to new applicants on 30 June 2022. For information on the hard retirement deadlines see the 4+2 retirement page.
For additional information on registration requirements, please visit:
https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration/General.aspx
https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Standards-and-Guidelines/Registration-Standards.aspx
Our membership team is also available to support you in discussing your options.
Each of these steps are outlined in further detail below.