How to Become a Psychologist in Arkansas
To become a licensed psychologist in Arkansas, you’ll need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from an accredited program, a 2,000-hour pre-doctoral internship, and at least 2,000 additional hours of postdoctoral supervised experience. You’ll also need to pass the EPPP and a state jurisprudence exam before the Arkansas Psychology Board issues your license.
Arkansas has a need for mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas. Many areas, particularly rural communities, have limited access to psychological services, and the practitioners who work here fill that gap in schools, hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practice.
The path to licensure in Arkansas runs through the Arkansas Psychology Board, which oversees two license types: the Licensed Psychological Examiner (LPE) for master’s-level practitioners, and the Licensed Psychologist for those with a doctorate. If you’re weighing psychology against a counseling credential, see our guide to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arkansas for a comparison of the two paths. Here’s what each psychology license requires.
Two License Tiers in Arkansas
Arkansas recognizes two distinct levels of psychology practice. The right path depends on where you are in your education and what kind of work you want to do.
| License | Education Required | Supervised Hours | Exam | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Psychological Examiner (LPE) | Master’s in psychology | 600 clock hours (pre-license). An additional 3,000 hours are required to reach independent practice | EPPP (master’s level) | Supervised practice. Independent practice requires additional board approval |
| Licensed Psychologist | Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) | 2,000-hour pre-doctoral internship + 2,000 postdoctoral hours | EPPP (doctoral level) + jurisprudence exam | Independent practice within the scope defined by Arkansas law and professional training |
Licensed Psychological Examiner (Master’s Level)
If you hold a master’s degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution, you can apply for the Licensed Psychological Examiner (LPE) credential. This license allows you to practice psychology under supervision, with a path toward independent practice once you’ve accumulated enough supervised hours. If you’re still selecting a graduate program, our guide to master’s degree programs in Arkansas covers graduate options across the human services field.
To qualify for the LPE, you’ll need to meet the following requirements set by the Arkansas Psychology Board:
- A master’s degree in psychology with coursework in psychological assessment and treatment
- A minimum of 600 clock hours of supervised experience directly related to the intended use of the license
- Supervised experience or internship as defined by the Arkansas Psychology Board. Find current requirements at the Arkansas Psychology Board’s licensees page
- Four references, including three from licensed psychologists and one from the director of your academic program
- A passing score on the EPPP at the master’s level
LPEs licensed after December 31, 1997, who want to move toward independent practice must complete 3,000 additional hours of supervised experience and receive board approval before practicing independently. That process requires submitting a Supervision Agreement and Plan, and you can’t begin accruing those hours until the board formally approves your request.
Licensed Psychologist (Doctoral Level)
Full independent licensure as a psychologist in Arkansas requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association or one that meets the board’s equivalent standards.
Education
Your doctoral program needs to cover the areas of competency outlined in the Arkansas Psychology Board’s rules. When you apply for licensure, the board will ask you to submit a Statement of Intent identifying the specific areas you’re qualified to practice in. Since the Arkansas psychology license is generic, that statement carries real weight. It defines what you can actually do.
Pre-Doctoral Internship
During your doctoral program, you’ll need to complete a 2,000-hour internship at an APA-accredited site. You can find approved programs at the APA accreditation directory. The internship can be completed in one full-time year or spread across two part-time years, and must meet board requirements for supervision hours and structured training activities.
Postdoctoral Supervised Experience
After earning your doctorate, you’ll need at least 2,000 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience. Part-time arrangements are acceptable if pre-approved by the board. During this period, you’ll use a title like “resident” to communicate your status to clients and the public. You’ll also need to submit proof of your education and your supervision plan to the board before you begin accumulating these hours.
Examination
Arkansas requires two exams for full licensure as a psychologist. The first is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). The EPPP consists of 225 multiple-choice questions covering the core knowledge areas of psychological practice. The second is a state jurisprudence exam covering Arkansas-specific laws and professional standards.
Application Process
To request an application, email the Arkansas Psychology Board directly. Once you receive the application packet, complete it and mail it back to the board office with the required application fee (verify the current amount with the board). Applications must be received by the first of the month to be placed on the board’s agenda. Incomplete applications are typically not reviewed until complete, so confirm all materials before submitting.
For the most current requirements and coursework lists, refer to the Arkansas Psychology Board’s licensees page. Licensing rules do change, and the board’s published rules are the authoritative source.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Arkansas psychology licenses are renewed annually, with an active period running from July 1 to June 30. The board currently requires 20 CE hours annually, including ethics training. At least three hours must cover topics like professional conduct, ethical decision-making, and legal issues in practice. Verify current requirements with the board, as CE rules are subject to change.
Acceptable CE activities include workshops, seminars, webinars, and other board-approved educational programs. You’ll need to keep records of your CE activities, including certificates of completion and course descriptions, in case the board audits your compliance. The Arkansas Psychological Association offers CE programming throughout the year and is a useful resource for meeting your renewal requirements.
Reciprocity and License Mobility
Arkansas does not offer full reciprocity but provides license mobility pathways for certain applicants. You may be eligible to apply through an expedited route if you fall into one of these categories:
- Military members or spouses
- National Register of Health Service Psychologists members who have practiced for five or more years
- Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ) holders who have practiced for five or more years
- Licensed psychologists with 20 or more years of experience and a clean disciplinary record (senior psychologist mobility plan)
Psychologists licensed for fewer than five years will need to apply through the standard licensure pathway. All mobility applicants must have a record free of substantiated complaints.
Psychologist Salary in Arkansas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, school psychologists in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $59,050. Salaries for other psychology specialties may differ. Clinical and counseling psychologists working in hospitals or private practice settings typically fall in a different range. For a broader look at human services careers and compensation in the state, see our Arkansas human services career and program resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice psychology in Arkansas with a master’s degree?
Yes, but within limits. A master’s degree qualifies you for the Licensed Psychological Examiner (LPE) credential, which allows supervised practice. To reach independent practice as an LPE, you’ll need to complete an additional 3,000 hours of supervised experience and receive board approval. Full independent licensure as a psychologist requires a doctoral degree.
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in Arkansas?
Plan for roughly seven to ten years total. Doctoral programs in psychology typically take five to seven years, including the required pre-doctoral internship. After graduation, you’ll need to complete at least 2,000 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience before you can sit for the EPPP and apply for licensure.
What is the EPPP, and how do I register for it?
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the national licensing exam for psychologists, administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). It consists of 225 multiple-choice questions. To register, apply through the Arkansas Psychology Board, and arrange for your scores to be sent directly to the board. More information is available at asppb.net.
Does Arkansas have a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. In addition to the EPPP, applicants for full psychologist licensure in Arkansas must pass a state jurisprudence exam covering Arkansas psychology laws and professional standards. The LPE credential requires only the EPPP.
How do I contact the Arkansas Psychology Board?
You can reach the board’s licensing coordinator by phone at 501-682-6167 or submit an application request by email. The board’s website at psychologyboard.arkansas.gov has current rules, forms, and CE requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Two license tiers: Arkansas offers the Licensed Psychological Examiner (LPE) for master’s-level practitioners and full Licensed Psychologist licensure for those with a doctoral degree.
- Doctoral path requires two experience phases: a 2,000-hour APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship and a separate 2,000-hour postdoctoral supervised experience period after graduation.
- Two exams for doctoral licensure: the EPPP at the doctoral level plus a state jurisprudence exam covering Arkansas law and professional standards.
- Annual renewal with CE requirements: the board currently requires 20 CE hours per year, including ethics training. Verify current requirements at renewal time.
- License mobility is limited but available: expedited pathways exist for military, National Register members, CPQ holders, and senior psychologists with 20+ years of experience.
Ready to explore psychology programs in Arkansas? Our state guide covers degree options and program resources to help you find the right fit for your goals.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024. Salary figures for School Psychologists. Salaries based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.