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Frequently Asked Questions The following questions have been grouped by category. Click on any question to view the answer and a new browser window will open with the answer. To see a listing of all questions and answers, click here.
FAQs for
Prospective Registrants
What are
the registration requirements?
What do I need to do in
order to change supervisors?
What is the process of the Oral Exam?
Can I work prior to registration? As per the Psychologists Act (2000) you cannot hold yourself out as a psychologist or psychologist (candidate register) if you are not registered. Legally, one should consult the Psychologists Act to ensure that he/she will not be in violation. Also, any position that is taken prior to registration is not board sanctioned.
How do I apply for registration? You will need to complete the application process which you can access by clicking here.
Can I become registered prior to convocation of my degree? No. Legally one must be in possession of the degree on which registration will be based.
What are the registration requirements? The Board requires a master's or doctoral degree in psychology that is acceptable to the Board from an educational institution approved by the Board.
How do I determine whether my program will be accepted for registration? Click here to obtain information about acceptable degrees to the Board.
What if my credentials are from outside the US or Canada?
What fees are associated with the application and registration process? The application fee of $250.00 is payable by all applicants. The Transfer Interview fee of $500.00 is payable by transfer applicants only. The Registration Fee is payable by all applicants prior to being granted registration; information about the registration fee can be accessed by visiting the Information for Registrants section.
When and how do I locate a NSBEP Supervisor? A Supervisor must be secured when one submits an application for registration.
There are several options in finding psychologists to contact about potential supervision: 1. You can contact the Board for a list of names; 2. You can utilize the Directory of Psychologists; 3. The website of the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) provides a private practice directory as well as biographical information about members. 4. Psychologists - even if they themselves are unavailable to supervise - might be able to recommend some potential supervisors. FAQs related to the Candidate Register When and how can I register to write the EPPP? Once an applicant has been approved for registration, he/she may register. To obtain more information and register for the EPPP, click here.
When must I complete the EPPP? Within 2 years of candidate registration*; however, those on the candidate register are encouraged to begin studying as soon as possible and to have taken the EPPP within the first year of candidacy. *The 2 year deadline to write the EPPP is put on hold if a candidate withdraws for period of 2 years or less. That is, any time remaining to write the EPPP at the time of withdrawal will be utilizable upon the candidate's reinstatement (provided the candidate is not withdrawn for more than 2 years).
Is there a limit on the amount of times that I can write the EPPP? No but it must be completed within 2 years of candidate registration.
How much supervision is required? Typically a minimum of 2 hours per month for a period of 1 year is required for registrants who possess a doctoral degree.
Typically a minimum of 2 hours per month for a period of 4 years is required for registrants possessing a master's degree.
What do I need to do in order to change supervisors?
When can I take the Oral Exam? Once all of the other requirements of the Board have been completed (e.g. minimum period of supervised practice, EPPP). After all requirements (including the minimum period of supervision) are satisfied, then certain documentation must be filed with NSBEP. Click here for more information about scheduling the Oral Exam.
What is the process of the Oral Exam? Click here for more information.
What is a passing score on the EPPP? In Nova Scotia the passing score is 500 (scaled score) or 70%. FAQs for Registrants I am currently registered at the master's level but have completed my doctoral degree in psychology; how can I have my registration reflect this degree? Have an official transcript showing convocation forwarded to NSBEP along with a request to change your registration status to the doctoral level. Those on the candidate register will need to complete at least one year of post doctoral supervision after changing status, but not those who are fully registered.
What should I do if I receive a complaint? Click here for a brochure from the Board.
Has the Board defined areas of practice? Yes. Click here for information.
Can one change or expand his/her areas of practice?
Where do I go with ethical questions? The first place to go is the Standards of Practice. Many answers can easily be found there. The Board has a combined document entitled Standards of Practice which includes the standards, reference to the Code of Ethics and other applicable legislation and guidelines.
Second, psychologists are
referred to the ethical decision making process outlined in the Canadian
Code of Ethics and to Standard III.38 that states:
The NSBEP does not provide ethical consultation.
Providing consultation on specific issues frequently requires expertise
in the area of practice under consideration. As such, the most
appropriate consultation is likely to be provided by colleagues working
in the same or a related area.
I am ordering new business cards or placing an AD, what do I need to do to comply? The Board document Communication by Registrants brings together some helpful standards concerning this matter. Click here to view the document.
What are my insurance requirements? NSBEP requires all registrants to maintain professional liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence.
Why do I need insurance if my employer provides it? While this coverage may, in some circumstances be sufficient, such insurance may not cover all actions of an employee. For example, circumstances may arise in which the interests of a psychologist and those of his or her employer do not coincide, thus limiting the coverage provided through an employer. This could lead to a situation that limits the recourse available to a member of the public who believes he or she has been harmed by the actions of a psychologist.
I have moved or recently retired, do I need insurance? Yes. This insurance is necessary to cover individuals’ prior actions, taken in the course of their previous duties as psychologists in Nova Scotia (prior to their retirement, out-of-province move, or change of profession). Insurers typically provide coverage for those in these three categories at a reduced rate. For example, those on the Retired Register with insurance through McFarlan Rowlands can obtain an Extended Reporting Endorsement.
If I do not practice clinically do I need insurance? Yes. The practice of psychology is not restricted to clinical work only.
What does the Out-of-Province or Retired Register entail? Neither registration category provides registrants with a practice privilege in NS.
The Out-of-Province Register offers registrants the ability to maintain an affiliation with the Board and the ability to transition back to Full Registration status, should they wish to do so at a subsequent date - without reapplying - provided they show confirmation of their good standing in the other jurisdictions in which they hold registration.
The Retired Register offers registrants the ability to maintain an affiliation with the Board and to continue to use the title of Registered Psychologist, Psychologist, or R. Psych., provided they simultaneously clarify their retired status. Fees $250.00
Please click here and visit the Information for Registrants section.
The cost of the exam is $450.00 (US dollars) and a $65 (US Dollars) sitting fee is charged.
What is the cost of the Oral Examination? $500.00
What is the cost of the Transfer Interview? $500.00
What forms of payment does the Board accept? Visa, MasterCard, or Cheque.
I am withdrawing from the register. Can I receive a refund? The Board has repeatedly examined the issue and upheld the policy to not issue refund fees for an early withdrawal. There is tremendous variation among registrants in terms of time worked; any registrant who withdraws early is still required to pay the full fee. If a complaint were received against a former registrant, the Board would still be required to investigate this matter. FAQs for Members of the Public I need a referral to a psychologist. How do I find one? Contact the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia: www.apns.ca or 422-9183.
A complaint is a signed complaint, report or allegation in writing
concerning the conduct, actions, competence, character, fitness, health
or ability of a current or previously registered Psychologist. The
complaints process is intended for those activities a psychologist
engages in by virtue of being a psychologist. There is no intention to
guide or regulate a psychologist’s activities outside of this context.
Personal behaviour becomes a concern of the discipline only if it is of
such a nature that it undermines public trust in the discipline as a
whole or if it raises questions about the psychologist’s ability to
carry out appropriately his/her responsibilities as a psychologist.
Psychologists may be disciplined for engaging in practice that falls
below acceptable minimum standards for the profession, for engaging in
malpractice, incompetent practice or other unethical conduct.
Before lodging a
complaint an individual may wish to contact NSBEP and speak with the
Registrar. The Registrar may be able to provide the complainant with
important information about how to proceed with an informal resolution.
Yes. Once a formal complaint is received, the registrant (psychologist complained about) is provided with a copy of the complainant.
Typically, time to closure is between 6 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of the complaint.
Are there questions that you would like answered in the above FAQ
section? Then feel free to
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