Become a Psychologist

How do I become a psychologist?

To call yourself a 'psychologist' in Australia you are required by law to be registered (in the same way that medical practitioners or solicitors must be registered). The organisation that oversees this process of registration, and keeps a register of psychologists, is the Psychology Board of Australia. Other states and territories have similar bodies. When considering whether to register you, the Psychology Board will consider all of your relevant education, training and work experience.

To register, you will need to have graduated from a four-year undergraduate course that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, such as La Trobe’s Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons), followed by an accredited two-year Masters level professional postgraduate degree (such as La Trobe’s Master of Psychology degrees). La Trobe (and other universities) also offer three and a half-year doctoral level professional postgraduate programs after which graduates can obtain registration. A second route to registration after completion of fourth year is to undertake two years of pre-approved supervised training and experience acceptable to the Board.

When looking at job advertisements for psychologists, you may have noticed something like the following: 'Applicants must be eligible for membership of the Australian Psychological Society' or APS. The APS is the national professional association that represents the interests of Australian psychologists. Within the APS are a number of colleges, which represent the major areas of professional interest in Australian psychology. There are currently nine colleges:

  • clinical
  • clinical neuropsychology
  • community
  • counselling
  • educational and developmental
  • forensic
  • health
  • organisational
  • sport.

Sometimes employers advertising psychologist positions will state that eligibility for membership of one of these colleges is desirable or required. Each college sets its own membership criteria which involve additional years of specialist training and experience beyond the minimum required for registration and APS membership.

Can you work as a psychologist without being a member of a professional college of the APS?

Yes, provided you are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. Gaining general membership of the APS is desirable for a number of reasons, including the fact that many employers prefer psychologists who are APS members. Many academic psychologists are full members of the APS without being associated with any professional college. Gaining membership to a professional college is a separate process from gaining full membership with the APS.

For further information about the APS, contact the National Office of the Australian Psychological Society:

PO Box 38, Flinders Lane Post Office
Melbourne, Victoria, 8009.
Phone: +61-3-8662 3300