Psychology in Minnesota: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in MN
Explore the necessary steps to obtain Minnesota psychology licensure, including educational, timeframe, and renewal requirements, as well as salary expectations and frequently asked questions.
Are you considering a psychology career in a state with a strong economy and diverse landscapes? Look no further than Minnesota. In addition to highlights like scenic prairies and the urban vibrancy of the Twin Cities, the state offers plentiful psychology career opportunities.
Dive into the Land of 10,000 Lakes and discover details about Minnesota’s psychology licensure process and salary expectations.
Minnesota Psychology Licensure Requirements
The Minnesota Board of Psychology regulates Minnesota psychologist licensure with the goal of fostering access to safe, professional, and ethical psychological services.
Minnesota requires licensure candidates to pass two exams: the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards and Minnesota’s state exam, the Professional Responsibility Examination (PRE).
The EPPP covers general psychological knowledge, professional applications, and real-world considerations related to psychological practice. The PRE tests candidates’ ethical and legal knowledge related to practicing psychology in Minnesota.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in Minnesota?
To become a psychologist in Minnesota, it typically takes around 10-12 years to fulfill the state’s educational, supervised work, and exam requirements. Undergraduate and graduate schooling usually takes 10-11 years, while completing the 1,800 supervised hours takes at least one year of full-time work. Studying for and passing both licensure exams can also require additional time.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Minnesota
Minnesota offers license reciprocity, permitting out-of-state licensed psychologists to practice within the state as long as they meet specific criteria. Candidates for reciprocity must hold a doctoral degree in psychology and must have maintained active out-of-state licensure in good standing for at least two consecutive years immediately preceding their application date.
Candidates for reciprocity must submit a notarized application to the Minnesota Board of Psychology and pass Minnesota’s state exam, the PRE. Upon satisfying these requirements, the state licenses these professionals to practice psychology in Minnesota.
How to Renew a Psychology License in Minnesota
Psychologists in Minnesota need to renew their licenses every two years to remain active.
During each renewal period, licensed psychologists must complete 40 continuing education hours. These hours consist of activities or classes that promote further education and knowledge within the psychology field.
Minnesota psychologists can complete an online renewal application and pay the $500 renewal fee through the Minnesota Board of Psychology website.
If licensees fail to renew within the two-year time period, the Board of Psychology terminates their license. Licensees may renew their credentials following the expiration date, but must pay a $250 late fee in addition to the $500 renewal fee.
Minnesota Psychologist Salary Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Minnesota clinical and counseling psychologists earned an average salary of $98,260 in 2024 — an hourly wage of $47.24. This is below the national average salary of $106,850. This lower average wage may reflect Minnesota’s lower-than-average cost of living.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $98,260 | $47.24 |
| School Psychologists | $87,060 | $41.86 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $103,820 | $49.91 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Minnesota
- Minnesota Psychological Association: This group promotes the field of psychology in Minnesota via education, community, and diversity, thus enhancing the interests of psychologists and individuals served. Membership benefits include legal and ethics consultation services, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
- Minnesota Professionals for Psychology Applied to Work: This organization supports the advancement of Minnesota psychology via its application in the world of work and human resource management. Its mission also includes facilitating education and information exchanges among psychologists and practitioners. Members can access networking opportunities, continuing education credits, and monthly events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Licensure in Minnesota
To become a licensed psychologist in Minnesota, you need a doctoral degree in psychology from an American Psychological Association-accredited school. You must also complete 1,800 postdoctoral supervised hours of psychological employment and pass the national EPPP and Minnesota PRE exams.
