How to Become a Psychologist in Nova Scotia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology to work as a psychologist in Nova Scotia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Psychologist
Show the source
“Under the RHPA and the Psychology Regulations, one must be registered with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology (NSRP) and hold a current practising licence in order to use any title or description of services containing the words “psychology”, “psychologist” or “psychological””
From ns-rp.ca, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 6 steps, listed one-time fees $750 (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Licensed in another province: 5 steps, listed one-time fees $250
- Trained outside Canada: 4 steps, listed one-time fees $250 (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Annual fees
-
- Regular Annual Fee: $805 (for psychologists on the practising register or conditional register)
Source
“Psychologists on the practising register or conditional register: Regular Annual Fee – $805.00”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Academic Rate: $100 (practising register, subject to annual Academic Practice Declaration)
Source
“Academic Rate (practising register, subject to annual Academic Practice Declaration): $100”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Pro-rated annual fee (January – June): $402.50
- Pro-rated annual fee (February – June): $335.40
- Pro-rated annual fee (March – June): $268.32
- Pro-rated annual fee (April – June): $201.24
- Pro-rated annual fee (May – June): $134.16
- Pro-rated annual fee (June): $67.08
- Regular Annual Fee: $805 (for psychologists on the practising register or conditional register)
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 6 done
- Listed one-time fees: $750
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 4 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $1,408.70
-
Graduates of programs not accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association are strongly recommended to review the criteria for acceptable degrees in psychology before submitting an application.
Source
“it is strongly recommended that graduates of programs that are not accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association, refer to the criteria for acceptable degrees in psychology, prior to submitting an application”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere -
Review the Online Application Guide and then complete the Online Application Form.
- Application for Registration: $250
Source
“Application Fees Relevant to Applicants trained in Canada or the US who are not registered elsewhere - Application for Registration – $250”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees
Source
“2.1 a) Here is a link to the Online Application Guide which should be reviewed before starting with the Online Application:”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere - Application for Registration: $250
-
Once all requirements are completed and the application is submitted, the Registration Subcommittee reviews the application.
Source
“Once all requirements of your application are completed and the application is submitted, the Registration Subcommittee of the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology will review your application.”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere -
If the credentials are approved and requirements met, the applicant may be approved for the Conditional Register; if declined, the applicant is informed in writing and may appeal.
Source
“If your academic credentials are approved and you meet the other requirements outlined above, the Registration & Licensing Decision Maker may approve your name for placement on the Conditional Register.”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere -
Placement on the Conditional Register includes completing the legislated period of candidacy supervision and examinations while registered as a Candidate Psychologist and working in Nova Scotia.
- EPPP exam: $500 (per attempt)
- Oral Exam / Transfer Exam: $500
Source
“Placement on the Conditional Register would include completing the legislated period of candidacy supervision and examinations. Supervision is completed while one is registered as a Candidate Psychologist and working in Nova Scotia.”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere -
Complete the Attestation Process and pay the registration fee to be registered.
Source
“Once the Attestation Process is completed, and the registration fee is paid, the applicant is registered with the NSBEP.”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $750
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $250 | 33% |
| Exams | $500 | 67% |
| One-time total | $750 | 100% |
1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $1,408.70 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Regular Annual Fee: $805 (for psychologists on the practising register or conditional register)
Source
“Psychologists on the practising register or conditional register: Regular Annual Fee – $805.00”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Academic Rate: $100 (practising register, subject to annual Academic Practice Declaration)
Source
“Academic Rate (practising register, subject to annual Academic Practice Declaration): $100”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Pro-rated annual fee (January – June): $402.50
- Pro-rated annual fee (February – June): $335.40
- Pro-rated annual fee (March – June): $268.32
- Pro-rated annual fee (April – June): $201.24
- Pro-rated annual fee (May – June): $134.16
- Pro-rated annual fee (June): $67.08
Licensed in another province
0 of 5 done
- Listed one-time fees: $250
- 4 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $1,408.70
-
Complete the Online Application Form, noting that the supplemental form on Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis competency is not applicable to graduates of CPA and APA accredited programs.
- Application for Registration: $250
Source
“Application Fees Relevant to Applicants currently registered in another Canadian jurisdiction - Application for Registration – $250”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees
Source
“Step 2.4 (Supplemental Form: Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis Competency) is not applicable to graduates of CPA & APA accredited programs or to applicants who are identified by their regulatory body as meeting the requirements to declare “formal assessment” as a professional activity”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories - Application for Registration: $250
-
Arrange to have a copy of any relevant graduate level transcripts sent to NSRP.
Source
“2.5 Arrange to have a copy of any relevant graduate level transcripts sent to NSRP”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories -
Once all requirements of the application are completed and submitted, the NSRP reviews the application.
Source
“Once all requirements of your application are completed and the application is submitted, the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology will review your application.”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories -
If the transfer requirements are met, the applicant may be approved for placement on the Register of Psychologists pending attestation; otherwise the application is declined with written reasons and an opportunity to appeal.
Source
“If it is determined that you meet the requirements of a transfer, the NSRP may approve your name for placement on the Register of Psychologists, pending your completion of the Attestation Process (see Step 5).”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories -
Complete the Attestation Process, which familiarizes applicants with local jurisprudence, and pay the registration fee to be registered.
Source
“Once the Attestation is completed, and the registration fee is paid, the applicant is registered with the NSRP.”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $250
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $250 | 100% |
| One-time total | $250 | 100% |
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $1,408.70 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Regular Annual Fee: $805 (for psychologists on the practising register or conditional register)
Source
“Psychologists on the practising register or conditional register: Regular Annual Fee – $805.00”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Academic Rate: $100 (practising register, subject to annual Academic Practice Declaration)
Source
“Academic Rate (practising register, subject to annual Academic Practice Declaration): $100”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Pro-rated annual fee (January – June): $402.50
- Pro-rated annual fee (February – June): $335.40
- Pro-rated annual fee (March – June): $268.32
- Pro-rated annual fee (April – June): $201.24
- Pro-rated annual fee (May – June): $134.16
- Pro-rated annual fee (June): $67.08
Trained outside Canada
0 of 4 done
- Listed one-time fees: $250
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 2 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $1,408.70
-
Authorize the ACPRO portal to send the completed evaluation report directly to the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology by selecting NSRP as the recipient.
Source
“NSRP must receive your completed ACPRO evaluation report directly from the portal. To ensure this, please select the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology as the recipient when authorizing release.”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/international-applicants-2 -
If the academic credentials are approved, the NSRP may place the applicant on the Register of Candidates; if the degree or other criteria are not met, the application is declined with written reasons and an opportunity to appeal.
- Application for Registration (to NSRP): $250
Source
“If your academic credentials are approved, the NSRP may approve your name for placement on the Register of Candidates.”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/international-applicants-2 -
Placement on the Register of Candidates includes completing the legislated period of supervision and examinations while registered on the Candidate Register and working in Nova Scotia.
- Oral Exam / Transfer Exam: $500 (charged at time of application if accepted to the Practising Register, not charged if approved for the Conditional Register)
Source
“Oral Exam / Transfer Exam – $500 (charged at time of application if applicant is accepted to the Practising Register, not charged at time of application if the applicant is approved for the Conditional Register as a Candidate Psychologist)”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees
Source
“Placement on the Register of candidates would include completing the legislated period of Candidate Register supervision and examinations. Supervision is completed while one is registered as a Psychologist (Candidate Register) and working in Nova Scotia.”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/international-applicants-2 - Oral Exam / Transfer Exam: $500 (charged at time of application if accepted to the Practising Register, not charged if approved for the Conditional Register)
-
Complete the Transfer Interview and the Attestation Process, then pay the registration fee to be registered.
Source
“If an application for registration is approved for placement on the Register of Psychologists, the NSRP requires the applicant to complete a Transfer Interview and Attestation Process”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/international-applicants-2
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $250
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $250 | 100% |
| One-time total | $250 | 100% |
1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.
2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $1,408.70 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Regular Annual Fee: $805 (for psychologists on the practising register or conditional register)
Source
“Psychologists on the practising register or conditional register: Regular Annual Fee – $805.00”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Academic Rate: $100 (practising register, subject to annual Academic Practice Declaration)
Source
“Academic Rate (practising register, subject to annual Academic Practice Declaration): $100”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Pro-rated annual fee (January – June): $402.50
- Pro-rated annual fee (February – June): $335.40
- Pro-rated annual fee (March – June): $268.32
- Pro-rated annual fee (April – June): $201.24
- Pro-rated annual fee (May – June): $134.16
- Pro-rated annual fee (June): $67.08
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Transfer Exam: $500 (for applicants currently registered in the US or qualifying for the UK Pathway)
Source
“Application Fees Relevant to Applicants currently registered in the US or Qualifying for the UK Pathway - Application for Registration – $250 - Criminal Record Check* - Child Abuse Check (if available)* - Confirmation of Registration in another jurisdiction* - Transfer Exam – $500”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Credentials Evaluation for ACPRO: $500
- Reinstatement Fee: $50 (change from withdrawn or inactive status)
Source
“Reinstatement Fee (change from withdrawn or inactive status) – $50”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Copy of Registration Certificate Fee: $30 (no charge for initial certificate)
Source
“Copy of Registration Certificate Fee (no charge for initial certificate) – $30”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees - Processing fee for returned information: $100 (if information sent to the registrant is returned due to a failure to notify)
Source
“There is a $100 processing fee if information sent to the registrant is returned due to a failure to notify.”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees
Requirements
Education
Applicants must have a doctoral or masters degree in psychology.
International applicants must possess a master's or doctoral degree in psychology that meets the criteria of acceptable degrees in psychology.
Source
“If it is determined that you do not possess a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology that meets the criteria of acceptable degrees in psychology and/or you do not meet other requirements noted in the criteria at the top of this page including equivalent registration with another psychology regulatory body, the NSRP must decline the application.”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/international-applicants-2
Experience
Applicants must have two years of supervised experience with a doctoral degree or four years with a masters degree.
Source
“two years of supervised experience, in the case of a doctoral degree, or four years, in the case of a masters degree, and”
ns-rp.caTransfer applicants must possess sufficient acceptable psychology work experience in the practice areas for which they are declaring.
Source
“Possess sufficient acceptable psychology work experience in the area(s) for which they are declaring”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories
Police check
Internationally trained applicants must provide a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check.
Source
“Application Fees Relevant to Internationally Trained Applicants (not currently registered in Canada/US or Qualifying for the UK Pathway) - Credentials Evaluation for ACPRO – $500.00 USD* - University Transcripts* - Criminal Record Check* - Vulnerable Sector Check*”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees
Good character
Applicants must possess the competence, capacity, and character to practice safely.
Source
“Possess the Competence, Capacity, and Character to practice safely”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories
Other
The NSRP cannot grant registration until the applicant provides proof of Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada.
Source
“the NSRP cannot grant registration or issue a licence until you provide proof that you are either: - a Canadian citizen, or - permanently entitled to live and work in Canada (permanent resident)”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhereApplicants transferring from another Canadian jurisdiction must hold full registration as a Psychologist or Psychological Associate in good standing in a CFTA signatory province or territory, or meet the regular requirements for full registration in Nova Scotia.
Source
“Possess 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) or meet the regular requirements for full registration in NS”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
Psychologists fully registered in another Canadian jurisdiction can qualify for a transfer of registration based on their existing registration, without retaking the entry-to-practice exam, though supervision may be required in some cases. Source
“If it is determined that you meet the requirements of a transfer, the NSRP may approve your name for placement on the Register of Psychologists, pending your completion of the Attestation Process (see Step 5).”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories
Complete the online application
Source
“Step 1. Complete the Application Process with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territoriesAssessment by the NSRP
Source
“Once all requirements of your application are completed and the application is submitted, the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology will review your application.”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territoriesComplete attestation and register
Source
“Once the Attestation is completed, and the registration fee is paid, the applicant is registered with the NSRP.”
ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology
Exams
-
EPPP
Source
“The NSRP requires candidates to pass the EPPP and Oral Exam.”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere -
Oral Exam
Source
“The NSRP requires candidates to pass the EPPP and Oral Exam.”
ns-rp.ca/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere -
Transfer Exam
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology
Supervised practice
Required
Psychologists licensed outside of Canada who are approved for a transfer must complete a minimum period of 6 months of supervision. Source
“Psychologists licensed outside of Canada who are approved for a transfer must complete a minimum period of 6 months of supervision.”
ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $33.95 | $48.91 | $63.23 | Very good (5 of 5) |
| Canada | $37.65 | $52.88 | $77.43 | — |
Psychologists in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Licence required
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Licence required
- Nunavut Licence required
Sources checked
- NSRP – REGULATING PSYCHOLOGISTS IN NOVA SCOTIA ns-rp.ca · fetched October 10, 2026
- Those not Registered to Practice Independently as a Psychologist – NSRP ns-rp.ca/applicants/those-not-registered-as-psychologist-elsewhere · fetched October 10, 2026
- Listing of Relevant Fees – NSRP ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees · fetched October 10, 2026
- Psychologists Registered in Alberta & Northwest Territories – NSRP ns-rp.ca/psychologists-registered-in-alberta-northwest-territories · fetched October 10, 2026
- International Applicants – NSRP ns-rp.ca/applicants/international-applicants-2 · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a psychologist in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Registration with Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology is required to practise in Nova Scotia, and to use the title Psychologist.
Which exams are required?
EPPP, Oral Exam, Transfer Exam.
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