Those who practice in the psychology field know how important it is to stay current and provide the best interventions that have been proven to work for clients. With a certification, psychology professionals can advance their careers, specialize in a particular area, or enhance their already impressive qualifications.
Obtaining a new certification keeps professionals up-to-date: There are plenty of programs that showcase the latest research, techniques, and practices in the field. As you master current techniques and stay aware of trends, you become more marketable and ready to take on a competitive job market.
Table of Contents
- Why Certification in Psychology Matters
- Popular Certifications for Psychology
- Steps to Getting Certified in Psychology
- Certifications for Psychology: a Career and Knowledge Base Boost
With such evident and gratifying benefits, earning a certification in psychology is a wise decision that can positively impact your patients and your career. In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of key psychology certification programs, eligibility requirements, and how these certifications benefit your career path.
Why Certification in Psychology Matters
You might be thinking, “A certification sounds great, but it takes money and time; how much of a difference can it really make in my day-to-day career?” or, if you have a bachelor’s in psychology, “What certifications can I get with this degree?” These are valid questions, and fortunately, they’re straightforward to answer.
First things first, you gain more credibility and trust, whether from colleagues in your field or those outside of it. As you pursue one or more certifications in psychology, you position yourself as more of an expert. Your effort and success in the program(s) you choose can validate your expertise in a specialized area of psychology, and that’s going to make clients and employers trust you more, which can lead to more opportunities down the road.
If you find your current job less than satisfying or want to reap the benefits of higher-level or specialized roles, a certification is your ticket. These programs can allow you to make your way to better opportunities and specialize in more niche areas within clinical psychology, forensic psychology, or child psychology. If you’ve ever had a specialized psychological interest that drives you, getting a certification can scratch that itch and help your career.
Psychology certification programs can also be used for continuing education (CE) credits. In California, psychologists must complete an equivalent of 36 hours of CE every two years. Plus, if you’re academically inclined and eager to learn more about your field, a certification keeps you current as you study new and emerging trends. The more industry standards and findings change, the more professionals need to keep their knowledge up to snuff, so maintaining your status and ongoing education become priorities as you earn certifications. Learning will always be part of your career!
Popular Certifications for Psychology
Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
If counseling is your passion, look no further than the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). They offer a certification that’s ideal for professionals who want to specialize in counseling aspects of psychology, specifically clinical mental health counseling.
To start earning this certificate, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, complete a certain set of supervised clinical hours, and pass the NBCC examination.
Board Certification in Clinical Psychology (ABPP)
For those more interested in the clinical aspects of psychology and how they operate, there is The American Board of Professional Psychology’s certification. It’s available to those who have the goal of specializing in clinical practice.
This certification relies on a bit more experience than most. You’ll need to put in some academic work as this certification requires a doctoral degree, completion of postdoctoral training, and a valid psychology license. Make sure you clarify which kind of training is needed.
Certified School Psychologist (NCSP )
Bring your passion for helping others, interest in psychology, and appreciation for education into one with a school psychologist certification. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) offers this opportunity to psychologists who want to bring their skills to an educational setting, helping many students along the way. To obtain this certification, applicants need to complete a specialist-level degree in school psychology, supervised internship experience, and pass the Praxis School Psychologist exam.
Certified Forensic Psychologist
Do you have an interest in law? Join the intersection of psychology and law with a certification from the American Board of Forensic Psychology. This certification is ideal for those who want to bring their psychological expertise to the legal field and become a forensic psychologist. The American Board of Forensic Psychology requires a doctoral degree in psychology, specialized forensic experience, and passing a rigorous examination process to earn this certification.
Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA )
Gain a deeper understanding of behavior, particularly in treating autism and related disorders, by becoming a certified behavior analyst. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) offers this certification to people wanting to specialize in behavior analysis. Enrollees will need a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field, completion of supervised experience, and to pass the BCBA (The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® ) exam to become a behavior analyst.
Steps to Getting Certified in Psychology
Step 1: Choose a Specialization
It’s time to dig deep and figure out what about the field of psychology piques your interest, or what currently excites you that you hope to explore and become a subject matter expert in. Determine which specialization would align with your career goals. Whether you go with clinical, forensic, or school psychology, choose something you love and want to explore further.
Step 2: Complete Required Education
You may be wondering, “What certifications can I get with a bachelor’s in psychology?” and, truthfully, you’ll need to prepare for more schooling. Depending on your specialization, you’ll likely require a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology or a related field. Make sure you understand the requirements for your certification and enroll where you need to.
Don’t forget that National University has psychology certifications, so include us in your search for certification programs in psychology.
Step 3: Gain Supervised Experience
As with higher education, the certification you choose will likely require supervised clinical hours or an internship in your chosen specialization. It’s up to the certification body to determine the exact amount and type of supervision, so research accordingly.
Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam
You’ll need to pass an exam to become certified. Depending on the exam, there may be written and practical components. Find out the requirements, get ready to study, and find out the best way(s) to ace the exam so you can earn your certification.
Step 5: Maintain Certification
Getting certified is step one — and the education doesn’t stop after you meet the initial requirements. To maintain your status, you’ll probably need to earn continuing education credits to maintain your certification. Be sure you stay in the know through professional development tools like seminars, workshops, and relevant courses.
Certifications for Psychology: a Career and Knowledge Base Boost
Psychology professionals can transform the lives of others by working in a vast, dynamic, evolving field. Certification programs can help these professionals stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest information to help bolster their careers.
Choosing to specialize in a psychological area or occupation and get certified is a great way to enhance credibility and open the door to new opportunities as you demonstrate the depth of your knowledge. Think of it as a passion project that can make paying the bills even more rewarding!
Getting a psychology certificate may even be the first step to a new level in your career. Committing to education ensures you have the skills and expertise to keep up with the field and grow, so be sure to maintain the knowledge you need and improve upon it when necessary. Don’t let your hard work go to waste.
Choosing a psychology certification is an opportunity to stay current, grow your career, and develop further expertise, all of which can be valuable and looked upon favorably by employers and peers alike.
National University offers several certification programs in psychology, so take advantage of them. You’re never alone while you pursue your purpose. At NU, we provide a holistic approach to student success and well-being called Whole Human Education™. It offers the academic, financial, career, family, and emotional support our students need to excel professionally, personally, and academically. Get in touch with an advisor today to kick-start a new chapter in your psychology career.
This content has been reviewed and approved by the National University Editorial Advisory Board. Learn more about our editorial process.