How to Become a Cognitive Psychologist: A Step-By-Step Guide

To become a cognitive psychologist, you’ll need a doctorate in psychology, pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and apply for licensure.

First, you’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in cognitive psychology or a related field. While you don’t have to major in psychology, doing so can create a good foundation for your postgraduate education. By completing an accredited program, you can ensure that your degree meets a consistent academic standard.

Next, you can pursue a master’s degree in psychology. To work as a practicing psychologist, you’ll need a doctorate in psychology. However, you can work in the field of cognitive psychology with only a master’s degree. You’ll explore subjects like cognitive development, educational psychology, and neuroscience.

The next step to becoming a cognitive psychologist is to complete a doctoral degree in psychology.

You can work as a clinical psychologist with a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. in psychology. However, Psy.D. programs focus more on practice, while Ph.D. programs focus on research methods. Many cognitive psychologists who hold a doctorate and aren’t interested in clinical work may conduct research in a university setting or administer assessments for cognitive and behavioral disorders.

A Psy.D. typically takes 4-6 years to complete, while a Ph.D. program may take closer to eight years. You’ll explore similar topics in either degree program, such as behavioral neuroscience, clinical psychology, and social motivations.

Any required internship or supervision hours requirements depend on your career goals as a cognitive psychologist. If you want to pursue a career in organizational psychology, research, or academia, completing an internship may be required as part of your doctoral program and is beneficial in obtaining a future position.

If you wish to work as a clinical psychologist, then you will need to complete the supervised clinical experience hours required by your state’s licensing board. According to the American Psychological Association, most states require about two years of supervised experience, including one year of a pre-doctoral internship and one year of postdoctoral experience.

Before applying for licensure, you’ll need to pass the EPPP exam. Part one of the exam, which is required for licensure in every state, assesses knowledge. Part two of the exam, which assesses skills, is only required in a handful of states.

The exam fee for EPPP (Part 1–Knowledge) is $600, while the fee for EPPP (Part 2–Skills) is $450.

Before working as a cognitive psychologist in clinical practice, you’ll need to apply for state licensure. Licensing requirements vary by state, but in every state, you’ll need a passing score on part one of the EPPP exam, a doctorate in psychology, and supervised clinical experience.

Once you obtain licensure, you can apply for jobs as a psychologist. As a licensed cognitive psychologist, you can work for mental health organizations, community health centers, schools, and universities.

You can also find positions supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory-related disorders. You must renew your license according to your state’s specific requirements and complete continuing education requirements.

Without a license, you can pursue careers in teaching, research, and nonprofit settings that offer direct support. You can also be a psychometrist or work in human resources.

Your earning potential as a cognitive psychologist will vary based on education, whether you are licensed, and your area of specialization. It will also depend on your work setting and geographical location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for psychologists in general is 6%, which is faster than average.

Cognitive psychologists work in a number of settings focused on brain science and cognition. You might work with individuals experiencing brain disorders and injuries. You might also work in settings that require emotional intelligence and an understanding of interpersonal relationships.

Some examples of settings where you might work with a background in cognitive psychology include:

You can find work in the private sector in areas that require an understanding of how people process the world around them, like human resources and marketing.