Nova Scotia Psychology Licensure Requirements

500

NSRP states its own standard on its Candidate Psychologist FAQ: "In Nova Scotia the passing score is 500 (scaled score) or 70%." This is the regulator's own published figure, not an assumption from any external convention. NSRP has NOT adopted a two-part EPPP: it notes that ASPPB "has decided not to implement the previously proposed two-part EPPP" and is instead developing a revised single-session integrated EPPP anticipated in fall 2027, and that "NSRP continues to evaluate information related to the EPPP ... but has not reached a decision on adopting this revised exam". The EPPP must be passed within two years of placement on the Conditional (Candidate) Register.

Canadian structure, three distinct layers. (1) In-programme: the graduate degree itself must include "A minimum of 500 hours of integrated practica or internships", with a psychologist as primary supervisor. (2) Post-degree candidacy on the Conditional Register: doctoral registrants complete "a minimum of 2 hours per month of supervision for a period of 1 year (for a minimum of 1500 hours of practice)"; master's registrants complete "a minimum of 2 hours per month for a period of 4 years (for a minimum of 6000 hours of practice)". (3) Total supervised experience: the NSRP Supervision Handbook states doctoral applicants "must complete two years of supervised experience" (a year is defined as a minimum of 1500 hours, so 3000 hours), of which "At least one of these two years must be accumulated after NSRP approves the doctoral degree"; NSRP "may grant credit for one year (1500 hours) of supervised work done prior to obtaining the doctoral degree if it was obtained within a formal supervised internship". Master's-entry applicants must complete 6000 hours over four years, all accumulated after NSRP approves the master's degree (maximum credit for prior supervised experience is 1500 hours per year). Nova Scotia registers psychologists at BOTH master's and doctoral entry, so the 3000-hour 'total' applies only to the doctoral route. Supervision must continue past the hour minimums until the EPPP and Oral Examination are both passed. Psychologists transferring from outside Canada (non-CFTA) must complete a minimum of 6 months of supervision.

Required

Two components, neither of which is a written multiple-choice jurisprudence exam. (a) A mandatory Attestation Process: before registration, applicants must sign an Attestation of Review confirming they have read and comprehend the NSRP Standards of Professional Conduct, the NSRP Standards for Providers of Psychological Services, the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists (Fourth Edition), the Regulated Health Professions Act, 2023, the RHPA General Regulations, the Psychology Regulations and the NSRP Bylaws. (b) An Oral Examination, required by Bylaw 19.1.2 — a closed-book, virtual (Zoom) semi-structured interview before three NSRP examiners, generally 1.5 hours, in which the candidate must recite the four principles of the Canadian Code of Ethics, apply the ethical decision-making process to a hypothetical dilemma, and "respond to questions involving familiarity with public policy related to your work, such as the Children and Family Services Act." Outcomes are Pass, Pass with Conditions, Fail, or Referral to a Second Oral Examination.

Fee: CAD $500 (Oral Exam / Transfer Exam)

The Attestation itself carries no separate fee. The Oral Examination is taken at the end of candidacy, after the minimum supervision period and the EPPP are complete. Psychologists transferring under CFTA from another Canadian jurisdiction go direct to the Practising Register and complete only the Attestation Process — no Oral Exam.

1. Earn a master's, Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology from an NSRP-approved programme (or one assessed as equivalent) that includes at least 500 hours of integrated, psychologist-supervised practica or internships, plus coursework in the four foundational knowledge areas.
2. Self-assess your credentials against NSRP's 'Registration Requirements and Criteria: Regular Application Stream', then submit the online application with the CAD $250 fee, transcripts, CV, photo ID, criminal record check, child abuse check, practice profile, references and Confirmation of Standing.
3. Meet the entry criteria — English fluency, Canadian citizenship or legal authorization to work in Canada, the capacity/competence/character declaration, and currency of practice (graduation within three years, or 450 post-degree practice hours in the previous three years).
4. Once approved, register on the Conditional Register as a Candidate Psychologist and complete the supervised practice period — a minimum of 2 hours of supervision per month for one year / 1500 hours if you hold a doctorate, or four years / 6000 hours if you hold a master's — filing monthly supervision reports for the first six months and six-monthly thereafter.
5. Pass the EPPP with a scaled score of 500 within two years of being placed on the Conditional Register (ASPPB allows a maximum of four attempts in any 12-month period).
6. Pass the NSRP Oral Examination — a closed-book, 1.5-hour interview with three examiners on the Canadian Code of Ethics and Nova Scotia public policy — after your supervision hours and the EPPP are complete.
7. Complete the Attestation of Review of Nova Scotia legislation, regulations, bylaws and standards, pay the annual licensing fee, and provide proof of CAD $1,000,000 professional liability insurance to be placed on the Practising Register.

Not eligible — U.S. compact

Interprovincial mobility runs through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), not through any US compact. Psychologists holding "full registration as a Psychologist or Psychological Associate, in good standing, in another Canadian province or territory, which is a signatory of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA)" qualify for a transfer of registration to Nova Scotia, and are "typically eligible for direct entry to the Practising Register." NSRP authorizes the practice area(s) already held in the home jurisdiction and will not add new areas without evidence of competence in them. NSRP aims to process complete CFTA transfer applications (or refuse them) within five business days, and the application fee is CAD $250 with no oral/transfer exam; the applicant must still complete the Attestation Process and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a work permit specifically authorizing the practice of psychology. Psychologists registered in Alberta and the Northwest Territories use a separate NSRP application stream. Provisional, retired, non-practising and non-psychology registrations (e.g. counselling therapy) do not qualify. Non-CFTA transfers — including psychologists licensed in the USA and qualifying UK applicants — face a stricter route: NSRP states that "Effective March 1, 2026, non-CFTA transfers require a Transfer Examination and a six-month supervised practice period." Temporary registration is available while a transfer application is under review, and a Courtesy Register covers short visits (free for 20 days or less; CAD $200 for 21–40 days). PSYPACT does not apply in Canada and NSRP makes no reference to it; NSRP does publish a Practice Advisory on Model Standards for Telepsychology Service.

Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology (NSRP)

(902) 423-2238

Official board page →