Psychologists Licensed in the USA & Qualifying Applicants* from the UK

This section is intended for applicants who are:

Fully licensed as a psychologist in the United States with a state or territorial regulatory body in psychology

*Registered as a psychologist in the United Kingdom with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) under the following circumstances:

– fully registered as a psychologist with HCPC on the basis of a doctoral degree in psychology for a period of 1 year, or

– fully registered as a psychologist with HCPC for a period of 4 years

– registration must be active and must have been continuous for the required period of time leading up to the Transfer Application with NSBEP (1 year in the case of registration based on a doctorate and 4 years in the case of master’s degree). Otherwise the applicant must use the process for International Applicants.

Note: for clarity, those who are registered as a psychologist with HCPC, but do not meet the above time requirements, must apply using the process for International Applicants.

For greater clarity, this section is not intended for those who:

possess licensure/registration with a psychology regulatory body that constitutes a provisional type of registration
possess licensure/registration as a psychologist but in a category that does not authorize the practice of psychology, e.g., retired registration, non-practising registration, etc.
possess registration that is not with a psychology regulatory body, e.g., counselling, marriage and family therapy, etc.

The Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology works hard to make the registration process as easy to understand as possible. Application information is available under the Section of the website “Psychologists Licensed to Practice in the USA & Qualifying UK Applicants” here.

The Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology Registry Criteria

Under The Nova Scotia Psychologists Act, Regulations & Board Policy, applicants who want to register with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology must meet the following criteria:

Possess full licensure as a psychologist, in good standing, with a psychology regulatory body in a US state or territory or, in qualifying circumstances, from the UK

For clarity, licensing must be with a body specifically recognized in the state for psychology.
For a link to acceptable licensing bodies, please click here.
https://www.asppb.net/page/BdContactNewPG

Registered as a psychologist in the United Kingdom with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) under the following circumstances:

– fully registered as a psychologist with HCPC on the basis of a doctoral degree in psychology for a period of 1 year, or
– fully registered as a psychologist with HCPC for a period of 4 years
– registration must be active and must have been continuous for the required period of time leading up to the Transfer Application with NSBEP (1 year in the case of registration based on a doctorate and 4 years in the case of master’s degree). Otherwise the applicant must use the process for International Applicants.

Possess sufficient acceptable psychology work experience in the area(s) for which they are declaring

Nova Scotia registers entry level applicants with reference to specific areas of practice (clinical, counselling, school, forensic, clinical neuropsychological, industrial/organizational) which typically relates to the formal training that they have received and/or authorized by the home jurisdiction. Generally, the Board will authorize you for the practice area(s) you possess in your home jurisdiction. The Board will not authorize additional areas to those authorized in the home jurisdiction without evidence that one is competent in the additional area of practice. For more information, please see the section concerning Work Experience in the following document:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_USPsychologists.pdf

Speak and write English or French with reasonable fluency, depending on the language of services to be provided

As part of their Practice Profile in the application, applicants complete an attestation indicating the language(s) in which they are comfortable providing services.

Possess the Competence, Capacity, and Character to practice safely

All applicants to the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology are required to complete a Declaration of Competence, Capacity and Character as part of their application. The Declaration requires applicants to provide details about their current and past conduct.

Appropriate Competence, Capacity and Character are on-going expectations of registrants of the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology to safely and ethically practise. Registrants, as members of a self-regulating health profession, are required to provide declarations to the Board as part of their initial application and at the time of their annual registration renewal process.

Demonstrate an understanding of professional practice and ethical issues, and have an understanding of local practices and conditions

Prior to registration with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology, applicants are required to attest that they have reviewed the relevant local jurisprudence, standards, and resources. For information purposes, a document on the Attestation Process is accessible directly below.
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Information_Attestation.pdf

No later than six months after getting registered with the NSBEP, applicants will need to attend a Transfer Interview which covers the Canadian Code of Ethics and NSBEP Standards of Practice.
Here is a link to Transfer Interview process:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Transfer_Interview_Information_Licensed_USA.pdf

You may begin compiling documents and complete your application to the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology prior to arriving in Nova Scotia, if applicable.

For a visual flowchart of the registration process please visit the following URL: Psychologists licensed in the US or Qualifying UK Applicants, click here for a chart providing an overview of the Registration Process

A link is also provided directly below which provides an outline of costs related to the registration process with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology:
https://www.nsbep.org/applicants/listing-of-fees-for-all-applicants/

Registration Steps with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology for US Psychologists & Qualifying UK Psychologists

Step 1. Complete the Application Process with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology

2.1 Complete the Online Application Form

2.1 a) Here is a link to the Online Application Guide which should be reviewed before starting with the Online Application:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Online_Transfer_Application_Guide.pdf

2.1 b) Here is a link to the actual Online Application System:
https://secure.nsbep.org/applicant_login.php

2.2 Provide Supporting Documentation to accompany your Application

2.2.1 Curriculum Vitae (resume)
2.2.2 Photo ID
2.2.3 Criminal check
2.2.4 Child Abuse Check / Declaration
2.2.5 Information about your program of study including coursework – This is only required for psychologists who have not graduated from a CPA/APA accredited program

Please refer to following Guide which outlines in detail what we expect for supporting educational documentation:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Supporting_Documentation_USPsychologists.pdf

2.3 Arrange for Confirmation of Standing Form to be completed and provided to the Board by all jurisdictions where licensure as a psychologist is held
This form is part of the online application form, but it can also be accessed below:
https://www.nsbep.org/confirmation-of-standing-form/

Step 3. Assessment by the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology

Once all requirements of your application are completed and the application is submitted, the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology will review your application. The assessment process and criteria is outlined in the following PDF:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_USPsychologists.pdf

Step 4. Response from the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology / Application Deadline

When complete, the application is submitted to the Board for review.

The Board of Examiners will complete its assessment of your application materials generally within 5 days of receiving your complete application and you will be contacted in writing once the review is completed. To facilitate this communication, the registration decision will typically be sent to you via email.

There are two possible outcomes following this assessment by the Board:

If it is determined that the requirements for transfer are met, the Board may approve your name for placement on the Register of Psychologists, and you may begin your registration upon completion of the Attestation and payment of the Registration Fee.

Transfer Interview

Within six months of becoming registered with the NSBEP, you will be required to attend a Transfer Interview.
Information concerning the Transfer Interview is available via the below link:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Transfer_Interview_Information_Licensed_USA.pdf

Supervision for Psychologists Outside of Canada and the US
The Transfer Interview Committee may also recommend placement of a condition such as supervision on any psychologist’s registration. However, after becoming registered, psychologists from outside of Canada and the US will be required to complete at least a six-month period of supervised practice in Nova Scotia under the supervision of a psychologist registered in Nova Scotia. Assessment and intervention tools used in NS may be different from those the transfer applicant is familiar with. Supervision is to help connect newly arrived psychologists from another jurisdiction with a mentor and other psychologists in Nova Scotia and to assist them with practice and ethical issues and develop an understanding of local practice and conditions in the province. This supervision is completed after the psychologist is registered with the NSBEP. The Board is able to provide a list of potential supervisors to individuals seeking a supervisor.
If you do not meet the criteria, the Board must decline the application. In the event that your application is declined, you will be informed in writing of the criteria not met and provided with the opportunity to appeal this decision. Please review the process here: https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Appeal_Process.pdf

Step 5. Attestation Process and Registration

If an application for registration is approved for placement on the Register of Psychologists, the Board requires the applicant to complete the Attestation Process.

Once the above processes are completed, and the registration fee is paid, the applicant is registered with the NSBEP.

Information concerning the registration fees and professional liability requirements is outlined via this link:
https://www.nsbep.org/about-nsbep/all-fees/

Transfer Interview

All psychologists transferring to Nova Scotia from outside of Canada must complete a Transfer Interview no later than six months after they have become registered with the NSBEP.

Supervision for Psychologists Outside of Canada and the US

The Transfer Interview Committee may also recommend placement of a condition such as supervision on any psychologist’s registration. However, after becoming registered, psychologists from outside of Canada and the US will be required to complete at least a six-month period of supervised practice in Nova Scotia under the supervision of a psychologist registered in Nova Scotia. Assessment and intervention tools used in NS may be different from those the transfer applicant is familiar with. Supervision is to help connect newly arrived psychologists from another jurisdiction with a mentor and other psychologists in Nova Scotia and to assist them with practice and ethical issues and develop an understanding of local practice and conditions in the province. This supervision is completed after the psychologist is registered with the NSBEP. The Board is able to provide a list of potential supervisors to individuals seeking a supervisor.

For More Information:

Links to other resources available to assist Psychologists

Association of Canadian Psychology Regulatory Organizations (ACPRO)
http://www.acpro-aocrp.ca/
Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS)
http://apns.ca/
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
http://www.cpa.ca/
Fair Registration Practices Act (FRPA) Office
https://novascotia.ca/lae/RplLabourMobility/FRP.asp

As a checklist, to ensure you have reviewed all documentation involving the application process, here is a listing of all PDF documents and pages referenced in the above procedures.

1. Online Application Guide
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Online_Transfer_Application_Guide.pdf
2. Supporting Documentation Explanatory PDF
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Supporting_Documentation_USPsychologists.pdf
3. Registration Requirements and Assessment Criteria
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Registration_Requirements_USPsychologists.pdf
4. Information concerning the Attestation Process:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Transfer_Information.pdf
5. Information about the Transfer Interview
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Transfer_Interview_Information_Licensed_USA.pdf

Contacting NSBEP

We welcome enquiries by either phone or email. However, email may offer the opportunity for you to receive a considered response and often makes communication more efficient as the applicant and the Board Office may be in different time zones. If you have asked for a reply, a staff member will answer your email as soon as possible. We aim to respond within 24-48 hours on working days but may respond more quickly if we are able to do so.

The Board staff and contact information is available via the contact us page:

https://www.nsbep.org/contact-us/

REGULATING PSYCHOLOGISTS IN NOVA SCOTIA SINCE 1980

Psychologists Licensed in the USA & Qualifying Applicants* from the UK

The Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology Registry Criteria

Registration Steps with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology for US Psychologists & Qualifying UK Psychologists

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