Psychology in Ohio: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in OH
Research Ohio psychology licensure requirements with this resource and connect with accredited educational programs that can prepare you for your future career.
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Ohio offers several paths to psychology licensure. The right choice for you depends on your past education and experience, license type, and whether you have an out-of-state license.
This guide to Ohio psychology licensure explains all the essentials you need to know to get credentialed.
Ohio Psychology Licensure Requirements
The Ohio Board of Psychology handles psychology licensure in the state. You can qualify as a general candidate by meeting Ohio’s education, experience, and exam requirements.
Ohio also offers licensure by endorsement and has special pathways for senior Canadian psychologists and applicants who were educated outside the U.S. or Canada. You can also pursue Ohio’s licensed school psychologist and independent school psychologist credentials.
All licensure candidates must undergo a background check, and Ohio maintains an extensive list of potentially disqualifying criminal offenses. Note these requirements, as they could impact your application.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in Ohio?
It typically takes 8-12 years to earn general Ohio psychology licensure. This timeline allows four years for a bachelor’s degree, three years for a master’s degree, at least three years for a doctoral degree, and up to two years to complete the required 3,600 hours of supervised field experience.
For the most efficient path, seek a licensure-track doctoral program in psychology that does not require a master’s degree. Complete one year of your supervised experience requirements as a doctoral student, and your second year as a postdoctoral graduate. This could reduce your total time requirements to as little as eight years.
Out of State Licensing Reciprocity in Ohio
Ohio offers licensure by reciprocity. You qualify if you have held a psychologist license in any U.S. state or territory for at least one year.
The Ohio Board of Psychology will attempt to verify your current license online and will notify you in writing if you cannot. You can then provide license verification documentation to the board yourself.
Upon verifying your current license, you must take and pass Ohio’s oral exam for psychology license applicants and undergo a background check. You will qualify for Ohio psychology licensure upon satisfying these requirements.
How to Renew a Psychology License in Ohio
If you become licensed as a psychologist or independent school psychologist in Ohio, you must renew your license every two years. The renewal cycle occurs in even-numbered years between July and September.
Licensed school psychologists renew every five years instead of every two. This renewal period also falls between July and September, and it occurs in every year ending in either zero or five.
The number of continuing education hours you must complete to renew a license ranges from 13-23 hours, depending on when your initial license was issued. For further details, consult this Ohio Board of Psychology renewal resource.
Salary Expectations for Psychologists in Ohio
Licensed psychologists earn above-average salaries in Ohio. In each of the three professional tracks shown in the table below, Ohio psychologists outperform national averages for earnings.
This salary advantage persists even though Ohio’s cost of living fell 5.8% below the national average in 2024. From this standpoint, Ohio has a very strong profile as a destination for launching your career as a psychologist.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $108,690 | $52.25 |
| School Psychologists | $92,240 | $44.35 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $114,570 | $55.08 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Ohio
- Ohio Board of Psychology: The Ohio Board of Psychology sets the professional standards by which all licensed psychologists in the state must abide. It evaluates applicants and administers all aspects of Ohio’s licensure process.
- Ohio Psychological Association: Established in 1949, the Ohio Psychological Association connects members to continuing education and professional development programs while advancing the practice of professional psychology in Ohio. The organization has membership tiers for students, non-licensed professionals, and licensed psychologists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Psychology Licensure
In general, you need a licensure-track doctoral degree in psychology, at least 3,600 hours of supervised experience, and passing scores on the EPPP and an oral examination. However, some details vary according to the type of license.
