Indiana Psychology License Requirements
To become a licensed psychologist in Indiana, you need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or ASPPB/National Register designated program, at least 1,500 hours of predoctoral internship plus 1,600 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience, and a passing score on the EPPP exam. Most psychologists also pursue HSPP endorsement, which is required to diagnose and treat clients independently.
Psychology licensure in Indiana is a multi-year process with several defined stages. You’ll need a doctorate, supervised experience, and passing scores on two exams. The Indiana State Psychology Board oversees licensure and sets the standards every applicant must meet. This guide outlines each requirement so you know what to expect before you start.
Indiana is also a member of PSYPACT, the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, which makes it easier for licensed psychologists to practice across state lines. If you already hold a license in another state, reciprocity options are available.
Educational Requirements
Indiana requires a doctoral degree in psychology for licensure. A master’s degree alone won’t qualify you, though earning one is a natural step in most doctoral programs.
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
Most students begin with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field such as human services, sociology, or social work. After that, you can either enter a doctoral program directly or complete a master’s degree first. Some doctoral programs include master’s-level coursework as part of the degree, so you may earn both credentials along the way.
Doctoral Degree: PhD vs. PsyD
Indiana recognizes two types of doctoral degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Both meet the educational requirements for licensure. The difference is in focus. A PhD program emphasizes research and academic inquiry, often requiring a dissertation based on original research. A PsyD program concentrates on clinical training and patient care. If your goal is direct practice, a PsyD is typically the more direct path. Either way, your program must be APA-accredited or carry the ASPPB/National Register designation.
Doctoral programs generally take four to eight years to complete, including the required pre-doctoral internship. Plan your timeline accordingly, especially if you’re balancing work or family alongside graduate school.
Supervised Experience Requirements
Indiana requires two stages of supervised experience before you can practice independently.
The first is a pre-doctoral internship of at least 1,500 hours, completed as part of your doctoral program. This is where you apply clinical skills under direct supervision in a real-world setting. Many doctoral programs have structured internship placements, so your program office is a good place to start when planning this stage.
The second stage is post-doctoral supervised experience: at least 1,600 hours of professional work after graduation, completed over a minimum of one year. At least 50% of those hours must involve direct clinical services with clients. Your supervisor must be a licensed psychologist, and they’ll need to verify your hours in writing when you apply for your license. This post-doctoral experience is also the foundation for the HSPP endorsement, which is covered below.
The Application Process
Once you’ve completed your education and supervised hours, you apply for licensure through Indiana’s online portal at MyLicense.IN.gov. The application fee is $100. Along with your application, you’ll submit official transcripts and verification of your supervised experience from your doctoral supervisor. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency maintains current requirements and application instructions on its website.
Indiana requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check for all applicants. This process starts after your application is submitted. Once it’s in the system, you’ll schedule a fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGo at identogo.com or by calling (877) 472-6917. Your license won’t be issued until the background check clears.
Examination Requirements
Indiana requires both a jurisprudence exam and the EPPP, typically taken after application approval.
Indiana Jurisprudence Exam
After the board reviews and approves your application, they’ll send you the jurisprudence exam by email. You have seven days from the date of that email to complete and return it. The exam covers Indiana statutes and rules governing the practice of psychology. It’s 50 questions in true/false and multiple-choice format, and the passing score is 75%. Once you pass, the board will approve you to take the EPPP.
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
The EPPP is the national licensing exam administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). It consists of 225 multiple-choice questions covering eight content areas. Indiana requires a passing score of 500 out of 800. Once the board approves you to sit for the exam, you have one year to take it. If you don’t sit within that window, you’ll need to reapply. Indiana has not adopted EPPP Part II at this time.
HSPP Endorsement
A standard Indiana psychology license allows you to practice under supervision. To diagnose and treat clients independently, you need endorsement as a Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP). This is what most psychologists in private practice, hospitals, and clinical settings carry. If you’re still weighing your options, our guide to how psychologists differ from counselors and therapists breaks down what each credential allows you to do.
HSPP endorsement requires the same 1,600 hours of post-doctoral supervised experience noted above. Your application for HSPP is submitted through the same online portal. If you’re planning to work in clinical settings or private practice, you’ll almost certainly need this credential, so it’s worth building it into your timeline from the start.
License Renewal
Indiana psychology licenses are renewed every two years. The renewal deadline is August 31 of each even-numbered year. The renewal fee is $100.
If you hold an HSPP endorsement, you must also complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal period. At least 20 of those hours must be Category I activities, which include formal courses, workshops, and accredited seminars. No more than 20 hours can come from Category II activities. At least six hours each cycle must cover ethics, with a minimum of three meetings that meet Category I standards.
License Reciprocity and PSYPACT
If you’re already licensed in another state, Indiana offers licensure by endorsement for psychologists licensed in another state. You’ll need to provide proof of your current license, your doctoral degree, and your EPPP scores. The fee is $100. You’ll still need to pass the Indiana jurisprudence exam and complete a background check.
Indiana joined PSYPACT in July 2023, which allows licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology services and temporary in-person services across state lines without applying for a separate license in each state. If you plan to practice across multiple states, PSYPACT membership simplifies that process considerably.
Psychology Career Outlook in Indiana
Indiana’s population of around 6.8 million supports employment for psychologists across a wide range of settings: hospitals, school districts, community mental health centers, state agencies, and private practice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that clinical and counseling psychologists in Indiana earn a mean annual wage of around $80,000 (BLS, May 2024). Nationally, the mean wage for psychologists is $102,100.
Career paths vary significantly based on specialty. Industrial-organizational psychologists and neuropsychologists tend to earn above the state average. School psychologists work within school systems across the state, while forensic and health service psychologists are employed in the state’s major hospital systems. If you’re also considering a related path, see our guide to Indiana social work licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PhD to become a licensed psychologist in Indiana?
No. Indiana accepts both the PhD and the PsyD for licensure. The PhD tends to focus on research, while the PsyD emphasizes clinical practice. Either a degree from an APA-accredited or ASPPB/National Register-designated program meets the requirement.
What’s the difference between a psychology license and an HSPP endorsement?
A standard Indiana psychology license allows you to practice under supervision. HSPP (Health Service Provider in Psychology) endorsement is an additional credential that allows you to diagnose and treat mental health conditions independently. If you’re planning to work in clinical settings or private practice, you’ll need HSPP endorsement.
Can I practice in Indiana if I’m already licensed in another state?
Yes. Indiana offers licensure by endorsement for psychologists who hold a valid license in another state. You’ll still need to pass the Indiana jurisprudence exam and complete a background check. Indiana’s membership in PSYPACT also allows licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology services across state lines without a separate Indiana license.
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in Indiana?
The full process typically takes nine to twelve years after earning a bachelor’s degree. This includes four to eight years for a doctoral program (which includes the 1,500-hour internship), followed by at least one year of post-doctoral supervised experience, the application and examination process, and board review.
When do I need to renew my Indiana psychology license?
Indiana psychology licenses renew every two years. The renewal deadline is August 31 of each even-numbered year. The renewal fee is $100. Psychologists with HSPP endorsement must also complete 40 hours of continuing education during each renewal period.
Key Takeaways
- A doctorate is required. Indiana accepts both the PhD and PsyD from APA-accredited or ASPPB/National Register-designated programs. A master’s degree alone doesn’t qualify you for licensure.
- Two exams are required. Indiana requires both the state jurisprudence exam and the EPPP, typically taken after application approval.
- HSPP endorsement is a separate credential. Your psychology license covers supervised practice. HSPP endorsement is required to diagnose and treat clients independently, and most clinical roles expect it.
- Plan for at least 3,100 hours of supervised experience. That’s 1,500 pre-doctoral internship hours plus at least 1,600 post-doctoral hours needed for HSPP endorsement.
- Indiana is a PSYPACT member. Since July 2023, licensed Indiana psychologists can provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services in other PSYPACT states without a separate license.
Ready to explore your options? Use our state-by-state guide to find psychology programs in Indiana and review current licensing board requirements.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024. Salary figures for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists. Salaries based on national and state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.