Does one need to live in a state to be licensed there? (specifically CA)

[ikibah]

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Here's the random question. Say I live in a state other than California but want to get licensed there now on the chance that I may be moving there in a few years and I want to get the process over with. Can this be done?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Yes, though impractical for your example. You'd need to keep up on Continuing Ed credits and pay the licensing fee every two (?) years.

Some ppl do it if they live near a border or live between two states, but keeping up w the requirements can be annoying. There are usually options to petition to practice in the state if you are retained for a court case or have another reason you need an exemption...but generally you need to jump through all of the hoops.

 

[ikibah]

Great thanks a lot for this.

 

[WisNeuro]

I live in Texas atm, but am licensed in Kansas. Although, when you work in a federal system, you can be licensed anywhere. Agree with T4C though, your example is a little different. I would wait until it is closer to the time of moving to get it done honestly.

 

[PsyDSoccerMom]

Check with the State board of the state(s) you're interested in working. If you live in PA but want to work independently as psychologist in NJ, you need to fulfill NJ standards. Same would work in reverse. A former supervisor of mind was originally licensed in the South for a few years. When she came up North, she was required to obtain additional supervision and take a State ethics exam. Also, EPPP score minimums vary. NY has a higher cutoff than NJ/PA for example. Doubt you'd want to retake that horrid exam again if you didn't score over 520.