Your Requirements for Psychology Continuing Education

Apr 1
09:15

2011

Aloysius Aucoin

Aloysius Aucoin

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What are the psychology continuing education requirements? This article will outline a few of the basics that you need to know.

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As a part of your training in psychology,Your Requirements for Psychology Continuing Education Articles you are required to continue your education even after you have passed every exam and been certified by every board. Psychology continuing education requirements ensure that men and women practicing in the behavioral sciences stay current on recent advances in techniques and technology in psychology. Continuing education requirements can be met with a variety of formats such as lectures, seminars, online workshops, conferences, video conferences, and the traditional form of medical grand rounds. There are also a variety of independent learning opportunities that can make up to 75% of the required continued education.

With the exception of new licensees, all licensed psychologists must complete a minimum of 36 hours of continuing education each time they renew their license. As noted above, there are a variety of ways to meet this requirement and can focus on any of several topics. The only requirement of the American Board of Psychology is that the continuing education courses must be approved by the MCEPAA or be provided by the American Psychological Association approved sponsors.

It is important that you maintain confirmation and certification of all of the psychology continuing education requirements that you have completed. MCEPAA courses will report directly to the Board of Psychology, but many other courses, including independent learning, must be reported online via the MCEPAA website. The MCEPAA will keep track of how many hours you have accrued and will count them toward your psychology continuing education requirements.

As noted above, each renewal of a psychologist’s license requires 36 hours of continuing education credits. These must be accumulated within the 24 months immediately preceding the expiration of the psychologist’s license and extensions cannot be granted. If you are a psychologist that has not completed the psychology continuing education requirements, you are not eligible to renew your license.

There are a very few exemptions from the requirements for this type of license renewal. Psychologists that are exempt include those that have lived in another country or state for more than a year, those that were in active military service, those that have had a total physical or mental disability for at least a year, or those that have been caring for a family member that has a total physical or mental disability. If you fall under one of these categories, be sure to contact the MCEPAA or American Board of Psychologists to get more information about your exemption.

As a psychologist, it is your responsibility to ensure you are familiar with these requirements and stay up-to-date when you are trying to renew your license. Your medical practice requires you to comply with these guidelines and your patients will appreciate it.