Industrial Psychologist Certification and Licensing
As an industrial psychologist, you may or may not be state licensed. This depends on the state you live in and the duties you perform. The Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychology notes that many of the research and work activities of an industrial psychologist are not subject to licensure. Some are, however. The SIOP organization provides links to boards across the United States and Canada. Students should be aware that licensing generally requires completion of a doctoral degree program and strong performance on written and oral examinations.
Become an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
- Career Plan: How to Become an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
- Career Plan: General Psychologist (non specific sub-specialty)
- Career Plan: How to Become a Health Psychologist
- Schools Offering: Psychology Programs
Psychology Resources…
According to the BLS, industrial psychology is unique in that there are a lot of jobs available at the master’s level. As in other fields, internships can increase a person’s chances of finding a position after program completion.
Completion of doctoral level education and a fellowship can confer some advantages. Doctoral graduates may apply for licensing, if applicable. They may also apply for board certification through the American Board of Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology. There are several steps to the process. Candidates must complete an application that includes two professional endorsements and a professional statement. They must also submit a practice sample and go through an oral examination process. Candidates are given mentors to help them. They must have experience in the field, though, before initiating the process.
Industrial psychologists may also become members of Division 14 of the American Psychological Association.
