Psychology Board: Recency of practice

At application or renewal of registration or endorsement a psychologist or provisional psychologist has, within the previous five years, completed at least 250 hours of practice as a registered or provisional psychologist (or equivalent overseas), or a Board-approved program of study, or a Board-approved internship or other period of Board-approved supervised practice. Practice includes non-clinical roles that use psychological knowledge. Recent graduates applying for the first time, and non-practising registrants, are outside the standard.

• Practice hours record for the previous five years with roles and dates
• Completion record for the program or supervised practice relied on

• Hours estimated rather than recorded
• Non-psychology roles counted as practice

Declare at each annual renewal whether you continue to meet the standard and keep records as evidence of recency in case of audit or a notification.

• Renewal declaration
• Timesheets, payslips or employer statements supporting the hours

• No records kept for hours worked as a contractor

A person who has not practised for five years or more is not automatically eligible and may have to undertake remedial action set by the Board (supervised practice with a Board-approved supervisor, the National Psychology Examination, or registration of another type), following the Policy for recency of practice requirements. Credit for a discontinued internship is considered case by case; internships must be completed within five years, so older ones are usually not credited. Exemptions exist for certain graduates entering higher degree or 5+1 pathways.

• Board decision setting remedial conditions
• Re-entry supervision plan and completion reports

• Returning practitioner starting work before the Board decides
• Conditions imposed but not reflected in the employer's supervision arrangements