California Psychologist Continuing Education Special

By Gina Ulery

California-licensed psychologists are required to earn 36 hours of continuing education (CE) during each 2-year renewal period. A maximum of 75% (27 hours) are allowed from APA-approved online continuing education courses.

APA-Approved Sponsor

Professional Development Resources,an APA-approved sponsor of online continuing education for psychologists, offers California-licensed psychologists 20% off of all courses (up to 27 hours per renewal allowed) for their license renewal. Over 100 online and video CE courses are available and can be completed online, anytime. Courses are valid for 3 years from purchase date. 20% discount will automatically apply at checkout. If for any reason it doesn’t, enter coupon code PDRPC197 to apply. Coupon expires 12/31/2015.

Laws & Ethics Requirement

Any person renewing or reactivating his or her license shall certify under penalty of perjury to the Board of Psychology as requested on the application for license renewal, that he or she has obtained training in the subject of laws and ethics as they apply to the practice of psychology in California. The training shall include recent changes/updates on the laws and regulations related to the practice of psychology; recent changes/updates in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct published by the American Psychological Association; accepted standards of practice; and other applications of laws and ethics as they affect the licensee’s ability to practice psychology with safety to the public.

Under the current regulations, there is no hour requirement or certificate required for Laws & Ethics. Licensees must check a box self-certifying that they have kept abreast of changes to laws (statutes and regulations) and ethics. There is no specified method regarding how the information must be obtained. Licensees can take a continuing education course, review Web sites, participate in grand rounds, etc.

A licensee shall maintain documentation of completion of continuing education requirements for four (4) years following the renewal period, and shall submit verification of completion to the Board upon request.