How to Get Your Maine Psychology License
Getting a psychology license in Maine requires a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program, 3,000 hours of supervised experience split between pre-doctoral and post-doctoral work, and passing scores on two exams: the national EPPP and Maine’s Jurisprudence Exam. The Board of Examiners of Psychologists oversees all applications and sets renewal requirements.
The path to becoming a licensed psychologist in Maine is long. Most candidates spend seven to ten years in education and supervised practice before they’re eligible for full licensure. The process can be understood with clear planning. Maine’s requirements are specific, and once the sequence is understood, each stage can be planned deliberately.
This guide outlines every requirement: the degree you’ll need, how supervised hours work, the two exams you’ll have to pass, and what renewal looks like once you’re licensed. Whether you’re starting your doctoral program now or wrapping up your post-doctoral hours, the steps are here. Those considering related licensed roles in Maine can also review social work licensure in Maine for a comparison of requirements.
The Degree You’ll Need
Maine only licenses psychologists at the doctoral level. That means a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). A master’s degree alone won’t qualify you to practice as a licensed psychologist, though it allows access to a separate credential called the Psychological Examiner license, which we cover below.
Your doctoral program should include academic coursework and a supervised internship. Maine doesn’t require a standalone internship as a licensure condition, but APA-accredited programs typically build internship components into the curriculum. If your program is APA-accredited, it meets Maine’s educational standards. If it isn’t, the Board evaluates your credentials individually.
Supervised Experience Requirements
Before applying for a permanent license, candidates must complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Those hours are divided into two categories: pre-doctoral and post-doctoral. Both require direct supervision by a licensed psychologist meeting Board requirements.
| Experience Type | Hours Required | When It Occurs | Supervision Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-doctoral | 1,500 | During the doctoral program | Licensed psychologist meeting Board requirements |
| Post-doctoral | 1,500 | After the degree is awarded | Licensed psychologist meeting Board requirements |
Post-doctoral work is completed under a temporary license issued by the Board. Prior to beginning that phase, applicants must submit an application along with a signed letter of agreement from the supervising psychologist. That letter outlines the specific functions to be performed. Once hours are complete and exams are passed, candidates apply for permanent licensure.
The Two Exams
Maine requires candidates to pass two exams before a permanent license is issued. Many states require only the national exam. Maine adds a second exam on state law and ethics.
Maine Jurisprudence Exam
This is a state-level exam that tests knowledge of Maine’s psychology laws, regulations, and ethics standards. Once the Board approves an application, the exam is sent by email. Timelines and passing scores are set by the Board. Study materials are included in the application packet.
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). Maine requires a passing score as determined by ASPPB and the Board. Candidates must pass the EPPP within a timeframe established by the Board. Candidate handbooks and study resources are available through the ASPPB website.
The Application Process
The application process runs in two stages. The first application is submitted when applicants are ready to begin post-doctoral work. It confirms that education and experience requirements have been met and results in a temporary license. The second application is submitted after passing the EPPP, and it requires professional references as required by the Board, who can speak to specific professional capabilities.
Along with references, applicants must submit license verifications from every state where they currently hold or have previously held any professional license. For full application details and current fees, visit the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Maine psychology licenses renew annually by April 30. To renew, candidates must meet the continuing education (CE) requirements set by the Board. Documentation doesn’t need to be submitted with the renewal application, but records should be kept on file in case of an audit.
Maine does not have formal reciprocity agreements for out-of-state licensees. If already licensed in another state and seeking to practice in Maine, candidates must meet the same requirements as first-time applicants. One exception: if out-of-state credentials are substantially equivalent to Maine’s standards, the Board may issue a conditional license pending completion of the Jurisprudence Exam.
The Psychological Examiner License
If you hold a master’s degree in psychology, Maine offers a separate credential: the Psychological Examiner license. This license permits psychological assessment work under supervision. It doesn’t carry the same scope of practice as a full psychologist license, but it allows master’s-level graduates to enter the field while others continue toward their doctorate.
Requirements for the Psychological Examiner license include a master’s degree from an accredited program, at least one year of full-time supervised experience, and passing an examination as determined by the Board. Those drawn to counseling rather than psychological assessment may want to review counseling licensure in Maine as an alternative credential path.
Psychology Salaries in Maine
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Maine is about $114,000. Where you work, what population you serve, and whether you’re in private practice or employed by an agency influence actual earnings. Hospitals, school districts, and community mental health organizations are among the larger employers in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maine require a doctoral degree to become a licensed psychologist?
Yes. Maine requires a doctoral degree for the psychologist license. Only candidates who hold a Ph.D. or Psy.D. from an APA-accredited program are eligible. A master’s degree qualifies for the separate Psychological Examiner license, which carries a more limited scope of practice.
What exams do I need to pass for a Maine psychology license?
Maine requires two exams: the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a national exam, and the Maine Jurisprudence Exam, a state-level exam covering Maine psychology law and ethics. Passing scores for both are set by the Board. Both must be passed before permanent licensure is issued.
How many supervised hours does Maine require?
Maine requires 3,000 total supervised hours: 1,500 pre-doctoral and 1,500 post-doctoral. Both sets of hours must be completed under the supervision of a licensed psychologist meeting Board requirements. Post-doctoral hours are completed under a temporary license issued by the Board.
Does Maine offer reciprocity for psychologists licensed in other states?
Maine does not have formal reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state licensees must meet the same requirements as first-time applicants. If out-of-state credentials are substantially equivalent to Maine’s standards, the Board may issue a conditional license pending completion of the Jurisprudence Exam.
When do Maine psychology licenses need to be renewed?
Maine psychology licenses renew annually by April 30. Renewal requires meeting the continuing education requirements set by the Board, which include an ethics component. Renewal reminders are sent by email at least 30 days before the expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Doctoral degree required. Maine licenses psychologists at the doctoral level only. A Ph.D. or Psy.D. from an APA-accredited program is the starting point.
- 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Split evenly between pre-doctoral and post-doctoral work, both completed under a licensed psychologist meeting Board requirements.
- Two exams to pass. The EPPP and the Maine Jurisprudence Exam are both required before permanent licensure, with passing scores as determined by the Board.
- Annual renewal by April 30. License renewal requires meeting the Board’s continuing education requirements, which include an ethics component.
- Master’s-level path available. The Psychological Examiner license offers a supervised practice option for those with a master’s degree in psychology.
Looking for APA-accredited psychology programs in Maine or nearby states? Browse programs that align with your licensing goals and career direction.
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.