Key Takeaways
Earn a doctorate and licensure to qualify for rewarding forensic psychology careers with median earnings of $110,840 and diverse career opportunities.
Without advanced training and state licensure, you cannot independently practice, which limits access to specialized forensic psychology roles.
Follow the step-by-step path today to compare accredited programs, meet licensure requirements, and start building your forensic psychology career.
To become a forensic psychologist, you need to earn a doctoral degree that qualifies you for psychologist licensure, complete supervised training, pass a national licensing exam, and obtain a state psychologist license.
You can build forensic expertise through graduate coursework, practica, internships, postdoctoral training, and professional experience involving legal or correctional settings.
Explore the requirements to become a forensic psychologist in detail below.
Forensic Psychologist Requirements at a Glance
Degree required: Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology, typically with forensic training
Typical experience required: 1–2 years of supervised clinical experience; forensic experience often preferred
Licensure exam: Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
Typical timeline: 10-12 years
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Six Steps
Becoming a forensic psychologist requires education and clinical training. The following six steps outline the process, beginning with your undergraduate degree. Along the way, you will develop specialized knowledge and experience that prepare you to apply psychological principles within legal and criminal justice settings.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree and Complete Prerequisites
Step 2: Decide Whether You Need a Master's Degree
Step 3: Earn a Licensure-Qualifying Doctoral Degree
Step 4: Complete Required Supervised Training
| Training Requirements | Predoctoral Internship | Postdoctoral Experience |
|---|---|---|
| When | Before doctoral degree is awarded | After doctoral degree is awarded |
| Purpose | Complete doctoral clinical training | Enhance skills and meet licensure requirements |
| Training emphasis | Broad professional psychology experience | Greater independence and often more specialization |
| Focused on forensics? | Can include forensic rotations | Can be strongly or entirely forensic |
Step 5: Complete the EPPP Requirements for Your Jurisdiction
Step 6: Apply for Psychologist Licensure in Your State
Become a Psychologist in Your State
The steps to become a forensic psychologist can vary depending on the state where you plan to practice. Learn more about specific requirements in some of the top states for psychologists:
How Long Does It Take to Become a Forensic Psychologist?
Becoming a forensic psychologist typically takes about 10-12 years after beginning college. This includes four years for a bachelor's degree, 5-7 years for a doctoral degree and internship, and, in most states, one year of postdoctoral supervision before full licensure.
Some states allow candidates to take the EPPP exam during postdoctoral experience, while others require you to complete postdoctoral hours prior to the exam. Exam scores are generally sent to your licensing authority within five business days, and application processing takes approximately one month.
| Requirement | Typical Length |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 4 years |
| Doctoral degree | 5-7 years |
| Supervised postdoctoral experience | 1 year |
| EPPP exam preparation | 3-6 months |
| License application processing | 30-40 days |
Licensure vs. Board Certification for Forensic Psychologists
State licensure and board certification serve two different purposes. You need a state license to practice independently as a psychologist, while board certification in forensic psychology is an optional specialty credential.
The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) offers a forensic psychology certification to licensed psychologists who meet the requirements. These guidelines include specialized postdoctoral training and experience, and completing the certification process.
Board certification demonstrates advanced competence in forensic psychology, and it can strengthen your professional credibility, particularly in courts and other forensic settings. It may also support your career opportunities, professional recognition, and make it easier to get licensed in another state.
What Do Forensic Psychologists Do?
Forensic psychologists apply psychological knowledge and skills within the legal and criminal justice systems. Your work may include conducting psychological assessments, evaluating competency or criminal responsibility, assessing risk, providing treatment, and consulting with attorneys, courts, or correctional agencies. Some forensic psychologists also serve as expert witnesses, conduct research, or teach. Your specific responsibilities vary depending on your training, role, work setting, and jurisdiction.
Common Work Settings
Because forensic psychology is relevant across many fields, you can find jobs in various settings, including:
Forensic psychiatric hospitals and other psychiatric facilities
Correctional facilities
Private practice and consulting
Courts and court clinics
Government and law enforcement agencies
Colleges and universities
Expert Tip
Forensic Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track salary data for forensic psychologists specifically. Instead, forensic psychologists are included in a broader occupational group categorized as "psychologists, all other," which also includes neuropsychologists and rehabilitation psychologists. These professionals earned a median salary of $110,840 in May 2025.
The BLS projects a modest 2% job growth for "psychologists, all other" from 2025-2035.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Forensic Psychologist
A master's degree can prepare you for some forensic psychology-related careers, but it does not qualify you to be a fully licensed, independent psychologist. To practice independently, you need a doctoral degree in psychology that meets your state's licensing requirements.
