How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Colorado
To become a licensed psychologist in Colorado, you need a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program, registration as a Licensed Psychologist Candidate (PSYC), 1,500 hours of post-doctoral supervised experience, and passing scores on both the EPPP and the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination. The full process typically takes 8–10 years.
Colorado has significant mental health needs. A substantial share of adults report symptoms of anxiety or depression, and many face barriers to accessing care. The state has been reported among those with higher rates of mental illness and limited mental health provider availability. That gap is part of why trained psychologists are in demand here.
The state employs psychologists across hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, correctional facilities, and private practices. Cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder all have strong demand. Rural communities have an even greater need. If you’re drawn to this work, the job market reflects the state’s need.
Educational Requirements
A licensed psychologist in Colorado must hold a doctorate in psychology. This is the minimum requirement. A master’s degree, no matter how specialized, does not meet licensure requirements in Colorado.
Most applicants come in with either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The program must include at least three full academic years of graduate study and must include supervised practicum experience as defined by the Board. Colorado also accepts programs deemed substantially equivalent to APA accreditation, but applicants must demonstrate equivalency.
Here’s how the educational path breaks down at each level:
| Degree | Typical Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s in Psychology | 4 years | Foundation for graduate study and entry-level human services roles |
| Master’s in Psychology | 2–3 years | Required as part of doctoral preparation. Does not meet licensure requirements in Colorado on its own. |
| Doctorate (PhD or PsyD) | 4–7 years | Minimum requirement for psychology licensure in Colorado. Must be APA-accredited. |
The bachelor’s degree is where most students begin forming a sense of the populations and settings that interest them. This can help inform your choice of doctoral specialization, as clinical, school, forensic, and neuropsychology tracks all lead to different day-to-day work.
Registering as a Licensed Psychologist Candidate
Before you can start accumulating post-doctoral hours, you must apply to become a Licensed Psychologist Candidate (PSYC) through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). This limited license is valid for four years and gives you the legal standing to practice under supervision while completing your requirements.
This step is required because post-doctoral hours only count toward your licensure application if you’ve earned them while registered as a PSYC. Hours accumulated outside that status won’t be accepted by the Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners.
Field Experience
Once you’re registered as a PSYC, you can begin your supervised post-doctoral work. Colorado requires at least 12 months of experience totaling a minimum of 1,500 hours. Candidates must meet Board requirements for supervision hours and training, which include:
- Supervision with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, meeting Board requirements for total hours and direct contact
- Training in racial and ethnic bases of behavior, including supervised hours in that area as specified by the Board
- Submission of an Affidavit of Eligibility to the Board
Colorado’s regulations for supervised experience are updated periodically. Review current requirements directly with the Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners before beginning your post-doctoral placement.
Examinations
Colorado requires two exams before issuing a full psychology license.
The first is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). It’s a standardized multiple-choice exam covering eight content domains, from biological bases of behavior to ethical and legal standards. Colorado requires a passing score as determined by the Board and ASPPB. Candidates typically take the EPPP after completing their post-doctoral experience.
The second is the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination. This state-specific exam tests your knowledge of Colorado law and the regulations governing psychology practice in the state. Passing it is mandatory for all candidates, including those applying by endorsement from another state.
Licensure by Endorsement
Colorado does not have formal reciprocity agreements for out-of-state licensed psychologists. If you’re already licensed elsewhere, you can apply for Licensure by Endorsement, but you’ll still need to demonstrate that your education, experience, and exam history meet Colorado’s requirements. All endorsement applicants must pass the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination regardless of other credentials they hold. If you were licensed in another jurisdiction without sitting for the EPPP, Colorado may evaluate eligibility based on experience and credentials.
Other Mental Health Career Paths in Colorado
The full path to psychology licensure in Colorado, from bachelor’s through post-doc, typically takes 8 to 10 years. This represents a significant time commitment, and it’s worth knowing what the alternatives look like for those who want to enter the mental health field sooner.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Colorado, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) requirements in Colorado, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) pathways all lead to clinical mental health work with a master’s degree and supervised hours, usually 6 to 7 years of total preparation. The scope of practice is narrower than that of a licensed psychologist’s. Psychologists have broader authority for comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological testing, as well as diagnosing complex conditions across more settings. But these master’s-level paths lead to meaningful clinical work and are a viable pathway for many individuals drawn to this field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What score do I need to pass the EPPP in Colorado?
Colorado requires a passing score as determined by the Board and ASPPB. The exam covers eight foundational content areas in psychology. Contact the ASPPB directly for current scoring standards and scheduling information.
Can I start post-doctoral hours before registering as a PSYC?
No. You must be registered as a Licensed Psychologist Candidate (PSYC) before your hours will count toward licensure. The Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners won’t accept hours accumulated outside that status, no matter when or where they were earned.
Does Colorado accept PsyD degrees for licensure?
Yes. Colorado accepts both PhD and PsyD degrees from APA-accredited programs. The program must include at least three academic years of full-time graduate study and supervised practicum experience as defined by the Board. If your degree is from a non-APA program, you may still qualify if the program meets substantially equivalent standards, but you’ll need to document that equivalency.
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in Colorado?
The full process typically takes 8 to 10 years. That includes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 4 to 7 years for a doctoral program (PhD programs tend to run longer than PsyD programs), and at least 1 year of supervised post-doctoral experience. Some candidates move faster with accelerated programs or prior graduate credits.
What is the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination?
It’s a state-specific exam that tests your knowledge of Colorado’s laws and regulations governing psychology practice. All candidates for licensure, including those applying by endorsement, must pass it. It’s separate from the EPPP and is administered through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
Key Takeaways
- A doctorate is the minimum. Colorado requires a PhD or PsyD from an APA-accredited program. A master’s degree does not meet licensure requirements in this state.
- Register as a PSYC candidate first. Post-doctoral hours only count toward licensure if you’ve earned them while registered as a Licensed Psychologist Candidate through DORA.
- Two exams are required. You must pass both the EPPP and the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination before receiving a full license.
- No formal reciprocity, but endorsement is available. Out-of-state licensees can apply for Licensure by Endorsement if they meet Colorado’s education, experience, and exam standards.
- Faster paths exist. LPC, LCSW, and LMFT licensure typically requires a master’s degree and 6 to 7 years of total preparation for those drawn to clinical mental health work.
Ready to explore doctoral programs in Colorado? Our state guide covers degree options, career paths, and human services roles across the state.
Salary data for clinical and counseling psychologists reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures. Data reflects state salary information, not school-specific outcomes. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.