By: Cristina N. Hyde, J.D.

On October 29, 2020, new legislation updating training requirements for psychologists passed both houses of the New Jersey Legislature.  If signed into law, A543 would change the current requirements for licensure from the State Board of Psychological Examiners in two important ways.

First, in order to account for professional opportunities that may not entail employment, the current requirement that an applicant have two years of professional employment to qualify for licensure has been changed to two years of experience instead.

Second, the requirement that one year of professional employment be received after receiving a doctoral degree has been amended.  Under A543, individuals applying for licensure after October 1, 2020, or six months after the effective date of the bill, whichever is sooner, may complete their required two years of full-time professional experience (or any portion thereof) prior to receiving their doctoral degree.

Notably, A543 also allows for those who have applied to the State Board of Psychological Examiners, but are not yet licensed by the effective date of the legislation, to update their application for licensure with professional experience earned prior to receiving a doctoral degree.

Because A543 is still pending approval by Governor Murphy, we will continue to monitor its progress and provide updates as necessary.  If you have any questions as to how A543 may affect you, your business or practice, Contact Us.