PhD/PsyD Struggling with Licensure Prep, Help Please

[InYourHead]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am in the 1st year of a 2-year fellowship. However, I'd like to study and take the EPPP now rather than wait until closer to the end. The problem is, I have no idea what state I will end up in after fellowship is over. It really depends on where I land my first job.

What do y'all recommend? Is there 1 state that has a lot of reciprocity that I should look at? I feel like I'm at a standstill here. Please advise!

 

[erg923]

I would actually recommend not paying money and fees to a state licensing board until you know you will be using that state license for something. That said, being licensed (somewhere) looks better than not, and can help your marketability/appeal when looking for jobs. For the sake of simplicity, why not just apply for licensure in the state you currently live in?

 

[WisNeuro]

Also, just take the EPPP, you can still wait to license up after getting that out of the way.

 

[Ollie123]

Also, just take the EPPP, you can still wait to license up after getting that out of the way.

It can be somewhat more complicated than that. Many states require you to apply for licensure in order to sit for the EPPP. Of course, I'm pretty sure you can always apply to take it in other states but when you factor in the travel and hassle it may not be worth it...

 

[WisNeuro]

Find a cheap application state (e.g., Kansas) sit for it, wait until you find where you're going, finish their requirements. You do not have to step foot in the state of Kansas to apply for licensure there. You do not need to take the EPPP in the state that you apply for licensure in.

 

[Pragma]

Find a cheap application state (e.g., Kansas) sit for it, wait until you find where you're going, finish their requirements. You do not have to step foot in the state of Kansas to apply for licensure there. You do not need to take the EPPP in the state that you apply for licensure in.

Then if you get licensed in another state, you can say "we're not in Kansas anymore" as often as you'd like. Unless you don't go to Kansas. Then you'd be lying.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Agreed with the others--it stinks to have to pay money to a state where you might not end up, but if you want to take the EPPP (which I'd recommend getting out of the way as soon as possible), it's basically unavoidable. Your best options are: 1) as erg said, just take it in the state where you are now; 2) as WisNeuro mentioned, pick a cheap/easy state to start the process; 3) make an educated guess about where you might go and apply there.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

KS is popular w the VA bc no continuing education requirements (if i remember correctly) and not a ton of hoops.

 

[WisNeuro]

There are CE requirements, but there are some things that you can do that get you a ton. For example, publishing a manuscript counts as 15 credits.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Ah, ok. My mistake. I looked at KS years ago and it was on my short list bc of low fee and CE req.

 

[Pragma]

People at the VA have to do so many trainings anyways that I don't think CEs are an issue.

 

[WisNeuro]

People at the VA have to do so many trainings anyways that I don't think CEs are an issue.

Nope. I have to re-up in June 2016 and I already have 4x the minimum of CE's required. If you are part of a training program in the VA, you get all of the CE's you will ever need. Not too mention that the APA certifies some of the TMS training that we have to do on a yearly basis as well.

 

[bmedclinic]

OP,
for a different perspective- what I did was get licensed asap in the state I'm in during postdoc, then banked my credentials with the national register, who also provide CE's for free as long as you're a member. That allows for easier mobility, gets you some CE's, and makes it easy to track your CE's. Also, if you're a postdoc you can apply for their scholarship which makes it free. #notaVAemployee

 

[WisNeuro]

OP,
for a different perspective- what I did was get licensed asap in the state I'm in during postdoc, then banked my credentials with the national register, who also provide CE's for free as long as you're a member. That allows for easier mobility, gets you some CE's, and makes it easy to track your CE's. Also, if you're a postdoc you can apply for their scholarship which makes it free. #notaVAemployee

That could work too, but while the register is free, they have to pay full price for the license though. Which, depending in the state they are currently in, could be a good amount. Then, if they leave after postdoc, they will have to pay another full price license, along with any state specific tests (e.g., jurisprudence exam).

 

[bmedclinic]

That could work too, but while the register is free, they have to pay full price for the license though. Which, depending in the state they are currently in, could be a good amount. Then, if they leave after postdoc, they will have to pay another full price license, along with any state specific tests (e.g., jurisprudence exam).

iirc, my job paid for my license? Not sure. Wasnt much though.

EDIT: maybe I paid for it. I've long forgotten now.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

If you pay for it yourself, I believe you can at least claim it on your taxes. May not make much of a difference, but could help a bit.

 

[WisNeuro]

If you pay for it yourself, I believe you can at least claim it on your taxes. May not make much of a difference, but could help a bit.

Yup, as long as you can break the standard deduction limit with your itemizations. Which, I believe is $6300 for the 2015 tax year.

 

[InYourHead]

Thanks, everyone. Honestly, I am not too concerned about getting licensed right now. That is just a matter of some extra paperwork (and maybe a statues exam) once I finalize on a particular state. Is that correct or should I be pursuing licensure now even though I have 18 months left of fellowship?

If not, my only real goal is sitting for the EPPP. So is it true that I can take that anywhere right now, or do I need to formally begin a licensure application, even if I do not follow through with it?

 

[WisNeuro]

You have to at least submit initial paperwork to a licensing board. They have to approve you to sit for the exam. You do not, however, have to do anything else with that licensing board after you pass the EPPP.

As for timing, just depends on where/what kind of job you're going for. Being able to tell an employer that you have the EPPP passed/are essentially ready for full licensure, is a definite plus when it comes to interview time. Means that they do not necessarily have to line someone up to sign off on all of your paperwork for X number of months after you come on board. If, by chance, you are going to be working for the VA or any other federal agency. Just get a license anywhere.

 

[InYourHead]

Thanks everyone. For now I just want to apply to any state so I can at least sit for the EPPP. Does anyone know the cheapest state to submit an application, even if I do not follow through with it?

Kansas looks like its $225.00. North Carolina may be $100.oo. Anything cheaper than that?

 

[Smartygal1 PsyD]

I am in the 1st year of a 2-year fellowship. However, I'd like to study and take the EPPP now rather than wait until closer to the end. The problem is, I have no idea what state I will end up in after fellowship is over. It really depends on where I land my first job.

What do y'all recommend? Is there 1 state that has a lot of reciprocity that I should look at? I feel like I'm at a standstill here. Please advise!

For the EPPP it doesn't matter. It is the state ethics exam that is state specific. EPPP can be taken almost anywhere. Are you interested in a study group online? Or where do you live?

 

[LMK]

Thanks everyone. For now I just want to apply to any state so I can at least sit for the EPPP. Does anyone know the cheapest state to submit an application, even if I do not follow through with it?

Kansas looks like its $225.00. North Carolina may be $100.oo. Anything cheaper than that?

Michigan is $150 and NO state exam!!

 

[futurepsydoc]

My suggestion is to get licensed where you are doing your post doc, especially if you are eligible after your first year, based on the number of postdoctoral hours or clinical hours required by the state in which you reside. Like the other posters said, I would bank the credentials in the national register and until you decide on your next step will be moving forward. Having already obtained a license is more attractive when applying for staff positions. Last, if you like where you are, having that license will allow you stay in that area should you choose and the subsequent transition to employment will be more seamless than if you had waited.

 

[deleted760483]

What the hell? Some states make you apply for licensure in order to take the EPPP, which is a prerequisite for licensure? That makes just no sense.

 

[deleted343839]

What the hell? Some states make you apply for licensure in order to take the EPPP, which is a prerequisite for licensure? That makes just no sense.

Some states (like mine) offer a "provisional" license which allows you to take the EPPP and practice under supervision until you accrue postdoc hours and meet the other requirements for full licensure.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

What the hell? Some states make you apply for licensure in order to take the EPPP, which is a prerequisite for licensure? That makes just no sense.

Like MamaPhD mentioned, some states will offer a provisional license to be used while preparing to sit for the EPPP. For other states, they may require that you begin (but obviously not complete) the licensure application process so that they can review your materials and ensure you meet necessary criteria up to that point, and to be sure you're aware of the other criteria you need to check off in order to be licensed. They'll then approve you to sit for the exam, and you can submit the additional paperwork, if needed (e.g., supervised practice documents), after you pass.