Psychology in North Carolina: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in NC
- Licensure Requirements
- How Long Does it Take?
- Out-of-State Licensing
- Licensing Renewal
- Salary Expectations
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, only 11.4% of North Carolina’s mental health care needs were met as of late 2024. This indicates a major shortage of advanced mental health professionals in the state.
You can help address this shortfall by becoming a licensed psychologist. Learn all about North Carolina psychology licensure standards and career and salary outlooks through this guide.
North Carolina Psychology Licensure Requirements
The North Carolina Psychology Board handles psychologist licensure in the state. The board issues two main types of credentials: the licensed psychologist and licensed psychological associate designations.
You can become a licensed psychological associate before gaining full licensure as a psychologist, or work directly toward becoming a licensed psychologist. The subsections below explain each path’s requirements.
Licensed Psychologist
North Carolina’s requirements for licensed psychologists include:
- A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution
- At least two years of supervised clinical training, including one year of post-doctoral training at minimum
- A passing score on the National Psychology Licensure Exam, taken at the doctoral level
- A passing score on the North Carolina Licensing Exam
Your doctoral degree should be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or be substantially equivalent to an APA-accredited program.
In addition to these requirements, you must also submit a license application and the following materials for review by the North Carolina Psychology Board:
- A signed clinical supervision contract form
- Fingerprint card for a background check
- Authorization form for release of personal information
As of March 2025, a $100 application fee and a $38 background check fee apply.
Licensed Psychological Associate
To become a licensed psychological associate in North Carolina, you must meet the following training standards:
- A master’s or graduate-level specialist degree in psychology
- A passing score on the National Psychology Licensure Exam, taken at the master’s level
- A passing score on the North Carolina Licensing Exam
As a licensed psychological associate, you must perform most of your work duties under the direct supervision of a fully licensed psychologist. The only exception applies to psychoeducational assessments, which you can perform independently.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in North Carolina?
It can take up to 12 years or longer to complete all the education and training requirements for North Carolina psychology licensure. This timeline includes:
- Four years for a bachelor’s degree
- 2-3 years for a master’s degree (optional)
- 3-6 years for a doctoral degree
You also need at least one year of postdoctoral clinical training. Some doctoral programs include this when estimating completion timelines, but you may have to account for it separately.
Master’s-to-doctorate programs, available at accredited North Carolina schools, offer a way to complete your education more quickly. These programs combine two graduate degrees into one.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in North Carolina
North Carolina does not maintain any psychologist license reciprocity agreements with other states. However, you may qualify for an expedited licensing process if you have a valid license from another state or if you hold what’s known as a “mobility credential.”
As the APA notes, these professional organizations operate credentialing programs designed to facilitate interstate mobility.
- American Board of Professional Psychology
- Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
- National Register of Health Service Psychologists
For more information, consult this APA mobility resource or review full details from the North Carolina Psychology Practice Act.
How to Renew a Psychology License in North Carolina
North Carolina psychology licensure operates on biannual cycles. You must renew your license on or before October 1 of every even-numbered year.
According to the North Carolina Psychological Association, active license-holders must also complete 24 hours of continuing education for every two-year licensing period. Of those hours, at least 15 must come from a Category A continuing education program sponsor.
Salary Expectations for Psychologists in North Carolina
Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists all earn lower salaries in North Carolina compared to national averages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, those who fall under the BLS’s “psychologists, all other” professional designation earned slightly more than the national average.
Local living costs may partially explain the gap: According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, North Carolina’s living costs fell 2.2% below the national average in 2024.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $91,390 | $43.94 |
| School Psychologists | $69,060 | $33.20 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $111,190 | $53.46 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in North Carolina
North Carolina Psychology Board
The North Carolina Psychology Board handles psychologist credentialing in the state. It evaluates applications and candidate qualifications, makes licensing decisions, and reviews requests for expedited licensure from out-of-state license holders.
North Carolina Psychological Association
This state-level professional body advances psychological science in North Carolina, linking licensees and other mental health professionals to continuing education programs and networking opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Licensure
North Carolina psychology licensure requirements include a doctoral degree in psychology, two years of clinical training, including at least one year of postdoctoral training, and passing scores on national and state psychology exams. You must also undergo a background check.
