How to Become a Psychologist in Delaware
Licensed psychologists in Delaware must earn a doctoral degree in psychology, complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists oversees licensure. Most applicants complete the full path in six to nine years after starting a doctoral program.
Delaware is a small state with a dense population and a range of employers that need licensed psychologists, including hospitals, public schools, community mental health centers, and private practices, concentrated in the Wilmington and Dover areas. That density is an advantage for professionals who want variety without relocating. Not sure whether psychology or clinical social work is the right path? Our guide to LCSW vs. Psychologist breaks down the key differences.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical and counseling psychologists in Delaware earn a mean annual salary of $108,440. The demand for mental health services has grown in recent years, and Delaware’s proximity to Philadelphia and the Baltimore-Washington corridor gives licensed psychologists access to a broad regional job market.
Getting licensed in Delaware follows a clear sequence: doctoral education, supervised postdoctoral hours, national exam, and application to the state board. Here’s how each step works.
Education Requirements for Delaware Psychology Licensure
Delaware requires a doctoral degree (either a Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) emphasizes research alongside clinical training. A Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) is practice-focused. The program must be specifically designed to train psychologists. If your program isn’t APA- or PCSAS-accredited, the Board will evaluate it against criteria in their Rules and Regulations, which creates a longer review process. Applying to accredited programs avoids that complication.
The two doctoral options serve different purposes. Understanding the distinction matters before you choose a program.
| Degree | Primary Focus | Typical Length | Common Career Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. in Psychology | Research and clinical practice | 5 to 7 years | Clinical practice, academic faculty, and research positions |
| Psy.D. in Psychology | Clinical practice | 4 to 6 years | Clinical and counseling practice, hospitals, and private practice |
Both degrees qualify you for licensure in Delaware. Your choice depends on whether you want a career oriented toward research and teaching or one focused primarily on direct client work. Official transcripts must be sent directly from your institution to the Board. Applicants can’t submit them on their own behalf.
Supervised Postdoctoral Experience
After earning your doctorate, you must complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised experience over no less than one year. This is postdoctoral work, completed after your degree is conferred, not during your doctoral training. Your supervisor must hold a current, active Delaware psychology license, and your supervised work must fall within the specialty area you plan to practice.
During this period, the Delaware Board can register you as a psychological assistant. This formal status allows you to practice under supervision while working toward full licensure. Once your hours are complete, your supervisor submits a verification form directly to the Board. Submit your application for full licensure at least ten business days before a scheduled Board meeting to avoid processing delays.
Passing the EPPP
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the national licensing exam administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). Delaware requires you to pass the EPPP as part of the licensure process. If you haven’t yet passed, the Board will review your application and grant approval to test before you can schedule the exam.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, Delaware allows a retake after a 60-day waiting period, with up to 4 attempts within any 12 months. There is no cap on total lifetime attempts. Score reports must be sent directly from ASPPB to the Board office. You can’t submit them yourself.
Applying for Your Delaware Psychology License
Applications are submitted through DELPROS, Delaware’s online professional licensing system. You’ll need official transcripts, a supervisory reference form from each supervisor, and a $185 licensing fee. If you’re upgrading from psychological assistant status, the fee drops to $55. Both state and federal criminal background checks are required, and they must be completed specifically for this application. Checks done for employment or other purposes don’t qualify. For full application requirements, visit the Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
Psychologists already licensed in other states can apply for licensure by reciprocity if they hold a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology (CPQ), are credentialed through the National Registry of Health Service Providers in Psychology (NRHSPP), or can show at least two years of continuous active practice. Those who don’t meet those criteria apply by examination. Previous EPPP scores may be accepted if the exam was passed within the past five years.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Delaware psychology licenses renew on a biennial (two-year) cycle. License holders must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal period. At least 10 of those hours must come from face-to-face or live webinar formats. Self-paced online modules can’t fulfill the full requirement. The Delaware Psychological Association and ASPPB both offer CE resources for practicing psychologists to help with renewal.
If you’re weighing psychology licensure against a counseling credential in Delaware, our guide to counseling licensure in Delaware covers the LPC pathway and its requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to become a licensed psychologist in Delaware?
You need a doctoral degree — either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. — from an APA- or PCSAS-accredited program in psychology. A master’s degree alone does not qualify you for licensure as a psychologist in Delaware. Both doctoral options meet the Board’s education requirement.
How many supervised hours are required for Delaware psychology licensure?
Delaware requires at least 1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience completed over at least 1 year. Your supervisor must hold a current, active Delaware psychology license and must practice in the same specialty area you’re pursuing. This is postdoctoral work, not a practicum completed during your degree program.
What is the EPPP, and what happens if I don’t pass?
The EPPP is the national licensing exam for psychologists, administered by ASPPB. Delaware requires a passing score as part of the licensure process. If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam after a 60-day waiting period. Delaware permits up to four attempts per 12-month period and places no limit on total lifetime attempts.
Can I get a Delaware license if I’m already licensed in another state?
Yes. Delaware offers licensure by reciprocity for out-of-state psychologists who hold a CPQ or NRHSPP credential or can document at least 2 years of continuous active practice. Those who don’t meet those criteria apply by examination, and prior EPPP scores passed within the last five years may be accepted.
How many continuing education hours does Delaware require for license renewal?
Delaware requires 40 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle. At least 10 of those hours must be completed through face-to-face or live webinar formats. Self-paced online coursework can count toward the remaining hours but cannot fulfill the entire requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Doctoral degree required. Delaware requires a Ph.D. or Psy.D. from an APA- or PCSAS-accredited program. Master’s-level credentials do not qualify for full psychology licensure.
- Postdoctoral supervision totals 1,500 hours. This work occurs after your degree is conferred, under a licensed Delaware psychologist in your specialty area, for at least 1 year.
- The EPPP has no lifetime attempt limit. Delaware allows retakes after 60 days, up to four per year, with no total cap on attempts.
- Reciprocity is available for out-of-state licensees. CPQ or NRHSPP credentials, or two years of active practice, open the reciprocity pathway without requiring a new exam.
- Renewal requires 40 CE hours every two years. At least 10 must be in live or face-to-face formats.
Ready to explore doctoral psychology programs? Our state-by-state program guides cover accredited options and licensing requirements to help you plan your path.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024. Salary figures for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists. Salaries based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.