Psychology

Overview

We are constituted in terms of the Regulations relating to the Constitution of the Professional Board for Psychology, Regulation No. R1249 dated 28 November 2008.

The following professions are registered under our auspices:

Psychologists
Intern Psychologists
Student Psychologists
Registered Counsellors
Psychometrists
Student Psychometrists
Student Registered Counsellors

There are six categories of registration in psychology, i.e. Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Industrial, Neuropsychology and Research Psychology.

Board Members

Board members are responsible for the establishment of committees and the appointment of chairpersons of committees. In terms of Regulation 2 of the Regulations relating to the functions and functioning of the Professional Board, the Professional Board at its first meeting each year, must appoint Committees which would function until the first meeting of the Professional Board in the following year. The Board also appoints the Chairperson of each Committee, except in the case of the Executive Committee of the Professional Board, which is chaired by the Chairperson of the Professional Board. The composition, quorum, and terms of reference of each Committee must be determined by the Professional Board.

Chairperson	Dr JO August
Vice-Chairperson	Prof RJ Tabane
Board members	Ms NL Hadebe Ms LUZ Rataemane Prof LI Qalinge Prof EM Mojapelo-Batka Prof MB Ngcobo – Sithole Dr PB Msomi Mbhele Ms ME Mokoena Ms T Mathabatha Dr JL Ramakau Dr AD Watts Prof J Pillay Dr MJ Kometsi Ms L Harie Mr L Manganye Dr EN Mulutsi Ms DB Gumbi Dr MK Makobe-Rabothata

Announcements

Application for Transverse Registration- Update
Dear Practitioner, The Professional Board for Psychology in November 2022 opened the application process for Transverse Registration (TR), the Board wishes to communicate the following amendments to TR requirements. Transverse Registration will only apply to any psychologist registered in the category of Educational, Clinical or Counselling prior to the promulgation of the 2011 Scope of Practice regulations (R704). Following the regulations being published in 2011, the Professional Board ensured that all training programmes were compliant with new regulations. Therefore, all practitioners trained after this period would have trained in accordance with the new regulation and acquired the competencies for their specific category of registration.>>>> read more

Nomination of Members of the Professional Board for Psychology
Notice is hereby given in terms of the provisions of the Regulations relating to the nominations and appointments of members of a professional board as published under Government Notice R1257 in Government Gazette 31633 of 28 November 2008 (“the nomination and appointment regulations”), calling upon all persons registered with the HPCSA to submit nominations of members of the professional board for psychology to be appointed by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Joseph Phaahla to serve on the professional board for psychology for the term ending on 31 October 2025.>>> read more

Re-Linking of Internship Training with Higher Education Institutions
Dear Professionals, Education, Training and Registration Committee of the Professional Board for Psychology at a recent meeting resolved to direct institutions to revert to the re-linking of internship training with academic training >>>> read more

Discontinuation of Virtual National Board Examinations
In April 2022, Cabinet lifted South Africa’s national state of disaster that had resulted due to the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19). Subsequent to that pronouncement, the HPCSA revoked its Business Continuity Plan, which only permitted virtual examinations during that period. Thus, the virtual National Board Examinations were an interim measure in response to the restrictions placed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Professional Board for Psychology has resolved that, due to the national state of disaster being lifted and Council revoking the Business Continuity Plan, the National Board Examinations will return to venue-based examinations as from June 2023. Examinations will be conducted in the major cities as previously, i.e. Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Durban, Polokwane and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Application for Transverse Registration
The Professional Board for Psychology in 2017 undertook various consultations with practitioners, universities, internships sites, learned societies and others to draft new regulations for promulgation. An outcome of the consultation process was the Professional Board’s decision to advise the Minister of Health not to proceed with the promulgation of regulations to define the Scopes of Practice of the categories of psychology. Since then, the Professional Board embarked on various measures to address some of the problems identified during the consultation processes. Notable among the concerns raised during the consultation process was that some practitioners have alleged that they were trained in integrated programmes prior to 2011 and hence have competencies that exceed those stipulated by the regulations defining their erstwhile scopes of practice. In light of this, the Professional Board has decided to allow a stipulated period during which those who completed their formal training and internships and who registered in the categories of clinical, counselling or educational psychology prior to the promulgation of the regulations in September 2011, may apply for Transverse Registration (TR) in another category that they deem to be more appropriate. Transverse Registration will only apply to any psychologist registered in the category of Educational, Clinical or Counselling prior to the promulgation of the 2011 Scope of Practice regulations (R704). Following the regulations being published in 2011, the Professional Board ensured that all training programmes were compliant with new regulations. Therefore, all practitioners trained after this period would have trained in accordance with the new regulation and acquired the competencies for their specific category of registration. The window period for application for TR is two (2) years from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024, no new or still incomplete applications after 31 December 2024 will be considered. Attached are application requirements

Commencement of Community Service
WRITING OF NATIONAL BOARD EXAMINATION PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE TO BE EFFECTIVE ON 1 JANUARY 2020 Kindly be advised that the Professional Board for Psychology at its recent meeting resolved that in future, Intern Clinical Psychologists will be required to write and successfully pass the National Board Examination prior to commencement with Community Service >>>> read more

PSB News 2023
Click here to view our latest issue

Information coming soon

Test Classifications

Test Classification Process
REVISED MANDATE OF THE PSYCHOMETRICS COMMITTEE OF THE PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR PSYCHOLOGY Various options for test classification by the Professional Board for Psychology were considered over a period and the Executive Committee of the Professional Board noted that there was still confusion on the role of the Board in terms of the evaluation and classification of psychometric tests and instruments and the fact that the Board was not legally mandated to certify psychological tests. The Psychometrics Committee of the Professional Board was inundated with enquiries related to the High Court Judgment on the current practice of the Psychometrics Committee of evaluating and certifying psychological assessments. The High Court Judgment stated that “certify” was not the same as classify and should not be used interchangeably. Based on legal advice, the High Court Judgment did not refer to the Professional Board or the HPCSA. It referred to the Minister of Labour and the President of the Republic. The Committee was evaluating psychological tests before the amendment to the Employment Equity Act. However, the interpretation of the court judgement within the profession was that the Professional Board should classify tests and not evaluate tests. No legislative framework mandated the Professional Board to issue a certificate once a test was approved, the Professional Board was only legally mandated to publish a list of classified tests. It was not within the mandate of the Professional Board to quality assure psychological assessments. Test publishers and practitioners should be held accountable for the quality of tests. Practitioners should be ethically obligated to ensure that tests were used with fairness and psychometric properties were up to standard. With this view, the Professional Board for Psychology at its recent meeting revised the mandate of the Psychometrics Committee to be in line with HPCSA regulatory framework. As of February 2019, the Psychometrics Committee will deal with all matters pertaining to test classification (not evaluation), the education and training of psychometrics and psychological assessment. These include: To classify any device, instrument, questionnaire, apparatus, method, technique or test aimed at the evaluation of emotional, behavioural and cognitive processes or adjustment of personality of individuals or groups of persons, or for the determination of intellectual abilities, psychopathology, personality make-up, personality functioning, aptitude or interests by the usage and interpretation of questionnaires, tests projections or other techniques or any apparatus, whether of SA origin or imported, and to report thereon to the Professional Board. The Annual publication of a list of psychological tests/psychometric instruments classified by the Professional Board. Develop training guidelines/standards related to psychometrics and psychological assessment that can inform and be used in the accreditation of qualifications, universities and internship programmes, when setting the national Board examinations, and for continuing professional development purposes Develop guidelines for ethical practice related to test use and psychological assessment and how to assess whether a psychological test meets the required standards Develop minimum requirements/standards for psychological tests Classification will entail verifying whether a test was psychological or not. To this end, practitioners and publishers should submit the full test manual that states the construct(s) tapped by the test, evidence of psychometric properties, an indication as to whether the item content was culturally appropriate. No costs would be attached to test classification by the Professional Board.

Test Classification Process

REVISED MANDATE OF THE PSYCHOMETRICS COMMITTEE OF THE PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR PSYCHOLOGY

Various options for test classification by the Professional Board for Psychology were considered over a period and the Executive Committee of the Professional Board noted that there was still confusion on the role of the Board in terms of the evaluation and classification of psychometric tests and instruments and the fact that the Board was not legally mandated to certify psychological tests.
The Psychometrics Committee of the Professional Board was inundated with enquiries related to the High Court Judgment on the current practice of the Psychometrics Committee of evaluating and certifying psychological assessments. The High Court Judgment stated that “certify” was not the same as classify and should not be used interchangeably.
Based on legal advice, the High Court Judgment did not refer to the Professional Board or the HPCSA. It referred to the Minister of Labour and the President of the Republic. The Committee was evaluating psychological tests before the amendment to the Employment Equity Act. However, the interpretation of the court judgement within the profession was that the Professional Board should classify tests and not evaluate tests.
No legislative framework mandated the Professional Board to issue a certificate once a test was approved, the Professional Board was only legally mandated to publish a list of classified tests.
It was not within the mandate of the Professional Board to quality assure psychological assessments. Test publishers and practitioners should be held accountable for the quality of tests. Practitioners should be ethically obligated to ensure that tests were used with fairness and psychometric properties were up to standard.

With this view, the Professional Board for Psychology at its recent meeting revised the mandate of the Psychometrics Committee to be in line with HPCSA regulatory framework. As of February 2019, the Psychometrics Committee will deal with all matters pertaining to test classification (not evaluation), the education and training of psychometrics and psychological assessment.

These include:

To classify any device, instrument, questionnaire, apparatus, method, technique or test aimed at the evaluation of emotional, behavioural and cognitive processes or adjustment of personality of individuals or groups of persons, or for the determination of intellectual abilities, psychopathology, personality make-up, personality functioning, aptitude or interests by the usage and interpretation of questionnaires, tests projections or other techniques or any apparatus, whether of SA origin or imported, and to report thereon to the Professional Board.
The Annual publication of a list of psychological tests/psychometric instruments classified by the Professional Board.
Develop training guidelines/standards related to psychometrics and psychological assessment that can inform and be used in the accreditation of qualifications, universities and internship programmes, when setting the national Board examinations, and for continuing professional development purposes
Develop guidelines for ethical practice related to test use and psychological assessment and how to assess whether a psychological test meets the required standards
Develop minimum requirements/standards for psychological tests

Classification will entail verifying whether a test was psychological or not. To this end, practitioners and publishers should submit the full test manual that states the construct(s) tapped by the test, evidence of psychometric properties, an indication as to whether the item content was culturally appropriate. No costs would be attached to test classification by the Professional Board.

Forms to Download

List of Classified Tests	View document
Form 208: Policy on the Classification of Psychometric Measuring Devices, Instruments, Methods, and Techniques	View document
Guidelines for the Teaching of Psychometrics at Higher Institutions of Learning	View document
Position statement - South African guidelines for system-based testing	View document

Examination

Information Regarding Board Exams

Exam are now physical (written);

Candidates will be required to produce the exam invitation letter and ID from HPCSA administration stating that you are allowed to take examinations.

Application for re-mark (Form 260 RM)	View document
Application for re-mark: Registered Counsellor/Psychometrist (Form 225-RM)	View document
The completed form and the proof of payment should be emailed to	psychexams@hpcsa.co.za

Board Examinations:

Applications for Psychology can be sent by email. In a case where the applicant has not graduated, the original letter or academic transcript bearing the University stamp should be submitted.
A copy of the Bpsych/Bpsych equivalent will only be accepted if certified by an attorney in his/her capacity as a NOTARY PUBLIC and bearing the official stamp. Copies certified only by a Commissioner of Oaths will not be accepted.
The examination fee is listed on the bottom of the examination page, applications received with outstanding amounts will not be considered.
Registered Counsellors and Psychometrist will not be permitted to write the Board Examinations without proof that they have registered as students, i.e. if the application form does not have the SRC and PMTS numbers the application will not be considered.
Letters will be requested from Intern psychologists applying for the examinations that will confirm if they have complied with the academic requirements.
A non-compliant application will be returned to the sender.
Students should read the questions very well and pay attention to the legislative framework. The Board does not endorse training offered by individuals in preparation for examinations.
The approval letter for tailored Internship programme should be submitted with the application.

Closing dates for Psychology applications to write National board examinations for 2023:

Opening for Applications	Closing Date for Applications	Examination Date
01 March 2023	30 April 2023	07 June 2023
31 July 2023	31 August 2023	04 October 2023
01 November 2023	15 December 2023	07 February 2024

Examination fees:

Psychologists	R3180
Psychometrists	R1595
Registered Counsellors	R1595

BANK DETAILS:

Account: HPCSA

Bank: ABSA,

Branch: Arcadia, Pretoria,

Account No.: 0610-000-169,

Branch code: 33-49-45

NOTE: the reference number must be clearly indicated on the deposit slip.

National Board Exam Application Forms:

Please note that applicants who are re-applying for the Board examination are requested to complete new application forms below:

Examination Guidelines Policy (Form 255)	View document
Application to write the national board examination for Psychology (Form 260)	View document
Application to write the national board examination for Registered Counsellor (Form 225)	View document
Application to write the national board examination for Psychometrist (Form 225)	View document

Psychometrists and Registered Counsellors registered under category supervised practice are required to submit a letter of request with the proof of payment to the board.

Application for Board exam should be emailed to: psychexams@hpcsa.co.za

Study Materials:

Guidelines
Board Examination Guidance - Clinical Psychology	View document
Board Examination Guidance - Counselling Psychology	View Document
Board Examination Guidance - Educational Psychology	View Document
Board Examination Guidance - Industrial Psychology	View Document
Board Examination Guidance - NeuroPsychology	View Document
Board Examination Guidance - Psychometry	View Document
Board Examination Guidance - Registered Counsellor	View Document
List of Classified Tests	View document

APPLICATION FOR RE-MARK
Psychologist	R1590.00
Registered Counsellor	R798.00
Psychometrist Independent Practice	R798.00
Psychometrist Supervised Practice	R798.00

PSB Board Exam Results
The exam results are now available, please click here to access them.

Accreditations

All information regarding the various aspects of education and training for psychology and related fields will be available in this section. Be sure to check in on a regular basis, as information will be constantly updated.

In terms of section 16 of the Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act 56 of 1974), we are mandated to set the minimum standards of education and training for registration to ensure that the interests of the public are protected. We are the Standard Generating Body (SGB) for Psychology.

Click here to view a list of accredited Universities
Click here to view a list accredited institution for internship (form 77)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

We are a statutory body and therefore, not involved in the recognition of prior learning. Recognition of prior learning falls within the jurisdiction of educational institutions.

Accreditation Process

An institution applies for accreditation by submitting a programme
The programme will be considered by the Education Training and Registration Committee (ETRC) and on approval it will be submitted to the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Committee (AQAC) for the appointment of a panel to do a site visit.
The panel will then visit the site and evaluate the facility then submit a report with recommendations to the AQA Committee for a final decision to grant accreditation status.
Accreditation may be granted up to a maximum of five years.

Guidelines

Form 105: Application for recognition for training of Intern Counselling Psychologists	View document
Form 218: Criteria for training and for accreditation of institutions offering training of intern Industrial Psychology	View document
Form 104: Criteria for training and for accreditation of institutions offering training of intern Clinical Psychology	View document
Form 242: Criteria for training and for accreditation of institutions offering training of intern Educational Psychology	View document

Guidelines

The guidelines for the Board include the Ethical Rules of Conduct in respect of which we may take disciplinary steps.

Form 227: Criteria for registration as a professional research psychologist for persons who haven't completed an internship	View document
Form 94: Training and exam guidelines for Psychometrist	View document
Form 258: Framework for education, training and registration for Registered Counsellor	View document
Form 91: Guidelines and application for foreign qualified	View document
Form 160: Policy Regarding Intern Psychologists	View document
List of classified tests (approved November 2022)	View document
Form 108: Neuropsychology	View document
Minimum standards for the training of Clinical Psychology	View document
Minimum standards for the training of Counselling Psychology	View document
Minimum standards for the training of Educational Psychology	View document
Minimum standards for the training of Industrial Psychology	View document
Minimum standards for the training of Psychometry	View document
Minimum standards for the training of Registered Counsellor	View document
Minimum Standards for the training of Research Psychologists	View document
CPD Guidelines for approved accreditors	View document
Continuing Professional Development Guidelines for the health practitioners	View document
Guidelines for providers of CPD	View document

Rules

Annexure 12	View document
Rules for registration of Psychotechnicians	View document

Regulations

Constitution of the Board	View document
Scope of profession	View document

Regulations

Regulations relating to the registration by psychologists of additional qualifications – GN R142/95	View document
Regulations relating to the constitution of the professional board for psychology – GN R1249/2008	View document
Regulations relating to the registration of psychometrists – GN R1201/2003	View document
Regulations relating to the registration of student psychometrists – GN R941/2012	View document
Regulations relating to the registration of registered counsellors – GN R1820/2003	View document
Regulations relating to the registration of psychologists restricted to non-clinical practice – GN 369/2004	View document
Regulations relating to the registration of psychology students – GN R1019/2004	View document
Regulations relating to the registration of intern psychologists – GN R394/2012	View document
Regulations relating to names that may not be used in relation to the profession of psychology – GN 1208/2004	View document
Regulations relating to indemnity cover for psychologists – GN 1211/2004	View document
Regulations defining the scope of the profession of psychology – GN R993/2008	View document
Regulations relating to the registration of students as registered counsellors - GN R827/2012	View document

Professionals

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Examination

Information Regarding Board Exams

Psychology