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Best psychologist certifications
Psychologist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an psychologist to employers. However, not all psychologist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a psychologist are Certified in Hospital Psychology (CHP), Board Certified Specialist in School Psychology, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP).
Below is a list of the best psychologist certifications. Obtaining an psychologist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for psychologists
| Rank | Psychologist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified in Hospital Psychology (CHP) | APA, DAPA |
| 2 | Board Certified Specialist in School Psychology | ABPP |
| 3 | Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) | NASP |
| 4 | Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) | BACB |
| 5 | Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist | NBCCH |
| 6 | Board Certified Specialist in Clinical Health Psychology | ABPP |
6 best psychologist certifications
1. Certified in Hospital Psychology (CHP)
For psychologists looking to expand their skill sets and influence individuals outside the typical clinical setting, hospital psychology can be a rewarding career opportunity. The unique situations presented inside the walls of a medical facility can be challenging, and psychologists need to be aware of those resulting implications.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
2. Board Certified Specialist in School Psychology
School psychology is a general practice and health service provider specialty of professional psychology. School psychologists apply the science and practice of psychology to youth, families, learners of all ages, and the schooling process. School psychology practice promotes the protection and fosters the promotion of the educational and personal development of students.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
3. Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst is an independent practitioner who also may work as an employee or independent contractor for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic (e.g., analogue) behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. The BCBA designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions. The BCBA is able to effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
5. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is an established certification board that has provided a respected credential to over three thousand of your colleagues. The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is unique in providing certification and networking opportunities to professionals from all mental health and medical disciplines who meet the Board's standards. Six certification categories are provided: 1) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (NBCCH). 2) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist in Public Service (NBCCH-PS). 3) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCDCH). 4) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCDCH-PS). 5) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCFCH). 6) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCFCH-PS).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
6. Board Certified Specialist in Clinical Health Psychology
Clinical Health Psychology is the specialty that applies scientific knowledge of the inter-relationships among behavioral, emotional, cognitive, social and biological components in health and disease to the promotion and maintenance of health; the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of illness and disability; and the improvement of the health care system. It is dedicated to the development of knowledge regarding the interface between behavior and health, and to the delivery of high quality services based on that knowledge to individuals, families, and health care systems.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
What is the best certification for a psychologist?
The best psychologist certification is Certified in Hospital Psychology (CHP). The Certified in Hospital Psychology (CHP) is awarded by the American Psychotherapy Association. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this psychologist certification:
- To become a certified Certified in Hospital Psychology (CHP), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 1 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for psychologists?
The most in-demand psychologist certification is Nationally Certified School Psychologist based on all active job postings. Having this psychologist certification will give you access to more psychologist jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of psychologist certifications include: Certified in Hospital Psychology (CHP), Board Certified Specialist in School Psychology, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP).
Online courses for psychologists to earn certifications
1. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
2. [Accredited] Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Counselor
Learn DBT in depth, start conducting sessions with ready to use templates, and set up counseling practice within weeks!...
3. Advanced Training for Trauma Treatment of Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD...
4. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)
Guiding students into the field of mental health services for either personal and/or professional development...
5. Metacognitive Therapy
Learn MCT, a cognitive psychotherapy based on CBT, that helps clients tackle the root of their anxiety and depression...
6. Occupational Therapy Introduction - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE
How to become occupational therapist, basic Psychology, Physiology & Anatomy, working with disabilities, children adults...
7. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders ACCREDITE
ACCREDITED CERTIFIED course on CBT, Therapy and Counselling for Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, work home...
8. The Comprehensive PTSD Course
**The Only Dedicated & Comprehensive PTSD Course On The (UDEMY) Platform! – Everything You Need To Know About PTSD**...
9. Crisis Intervention Seminar
The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...
10. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Certificate
Become a certified CBT practitioner and learn to use cognitive behavior therapy to improve people's mental health...
11. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...
12. The Complete EMDR Therapy Course - Accredited Certification
International EMDR Training for Self-Healing, Trauma Therapy, Childhood Healing, PTSD, Grief, and Counseling...
13. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Art Therapy
Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...
14. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches
Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...
15. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner Course
Become a Certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner and elevate your understanding of human behaviour...
16. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE
Counselling and psychology approaches, theoretical knowledge and practice for counsellors to be, work from home / online...
17. CBT4PANIC. Overcome Panic & Anxiety attacks fast
A complete professional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) treatment plan for anxiety and panic disorder...
18. Managing mental health issues in the workplace
Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...
19. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Certificate
Become a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) practitioner and help people improve their mental health...
20. Treating PTSD, Trauma & Phobias With The Rewind Technique
Learn to treat phobias, PTSD & trauma underlying many problems (depression, anxiety, addictions) often in one session...