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Professionals

The Health Professions Council of South Africa is a statutory body, established in terms of the Health Professions Act and is committed to protecting the public and guiding the professions.

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.
 
 
VISION STATEMENT 
  • To regulate and advocate for responsive, relevant, and equitable psychological health care and wellbeing for all.
 
MISSION STATEMENT
  • The Professional Board for Psychology Board will strive to enable regulations that protect the public, guide and uphold the integrity of the profession-
  • Develop of progressive regulations, standards, guidelines, and policies.
  • Engage and advocate the work of the Board to all relevant stakeholders.
  • Ensure compliance to legislation.
  • Implement effective, efficient, and transparent procedures and processes.
  • Promote equitable provision of psychological health care services and wellbeing for all.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, has to 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 have to be determined by the Professional Board.

Board Members
Chairperson Dr JO August
Vice-Chairperson Prof CS Young
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
Prof RJ Tabane
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
 
Position Statement -SA guidelines for System Based Testing- Final
The Board sets out the following position statement regarding system-based assessments within the ambit of the HPCSA. This position paper is consistent with International Test Commission (ITC) as well as with the legislative requirement of the South African Government and related policies.
 
This position paper aims to:
  • Provide minimum requirement for all psychological tests,
  • Provide guidance on administration and supervision of all psychological test,
  • Define acceptable reporting format,
  • Provide guidance on testing people with disabilities,
  • Provide guidance regarding test takers data protection and confidentiality of test results

read more about the statement
 
 
Invitation for Co-option of Psychometrist to Board
Dear Practitioner,
Allow me to advise that in terms of Regulation 2, Chapter 1 par (f ) of the Regulations relating to the functions and functioning of the Professional Board GN No R 979 of 13 August 1999, the Board may co-opt any person as a member of the professional board or of a committee of the professional board >>> read more
 
 
 
Re-Linking of Internship Training with Higher Education Institutions
Dear Professional

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
 
 
 
HPCSA Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Practitioners,
 
The COVID-19 Pandemic calls upon health practitioners to operate under situations and demands that the current regulatory framework has not anticipated. During this pandemic, redeployment of practitioners to support our healthcare system to deal with the pandemic will call on practitioners to practice outside their usual scope of professions. 
 
Please Click here to access HPCSA  approved guidelines in terms of various registration, annual fee and ethical related matters arising from the COVID -19 pandemic.

Please familiarise yourselves with the content as it impacts on annual fee payment, registration and restoration amended procedures  and various other important professional and ethical matters.

 
The Board wishes you well during this period of uncertainties, we are in this together!
 
Contact details for the relevant sections are reflected here
 
 
 
 ALTERNATIVE MEASURES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS AND INTERNS - COVID-19
Dear Practitioners,

As you all are aware, President of the Republic, Hon. Cyril Ramaphosa, has declared the COVID-19 a national disaster in terms of National Disaster Management Act. 57 of 2002. The necessary measures to limit the rate of infections have caused significant challenges to the delivery of professional training programmes in psychology >>>> read more
 
 
 
Neuropsychology Grandfathering Process 
Dear Practitioners,

Following a court order made by the Gauteng High Court on 21 August 2019, the Professional Board for Psychology will be opening a register for the registration of Neuropsychologists. The court order provides that persons shall qualify to be registered provided that they satisfy all ordinary requirements for registration other than the requirement of holding a qualification specified in the regulations >>>> read more
 
 
 
 

Regulations Defining the Scope of Practice for Psychology
Gov Gazette on Regulations no 1169 – Minister of Health -2019 0913
 Click here
Regulations defining the scope of profession of psychology no R 993 Sept 2019
 Click here
Board statement on scope review process undertaken
 Click here
Report of the Working Group on Promulgation of Regulations Click here
Update on the review of the Regulations relating to the Scope of the Profession of Psychology
 Click here
 
 
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
Newsletter

PSB News - 2020
Click here for the latest issue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Evaluations
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
  1. An institution applies for accreditation by submitting a programme
  2. 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.
  3. 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 grand accreditation status.
  4. Accreditation may be granted up to a maximum of five years.
 
GUIDELINES
Application for recognition for training of Intern Counselling Psychologists (Form 105)
Requirement in respect of internship programmes in Industrial Psychology (Form 218)
Criteria for training and for accreditation of institutions offering training of intern Clinical Psychology (Form 104)
Examinations
 
PSB Board Exam Results
The exam results are now available, please click here to access them.
 
 
APPLICATION FOR RE-MARK
Psychologist     
R1560.00
Registered Counsellor                                                    
R785.00
Psychometrist Independent Practice                           
R785.00
Psychometrist Supervised Practice                              
R785.00
 
 
Application for re-mark (Form 260 RM)
Application for re-mark: Registered Counsellor/Psychometrist (Form 225-RM)
The completed form and the proof of payment should be emailed to 
 
 
Board Examinations:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. The examination fee is listed on the bottom of the examination page, applications received with outstanding amounts will not be considered.
  4. 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.
  5. Letters will be requested from Intern psychologists applying for the examinations that will confirm if they have complied with the academic requirements.
  6. A non-compliant application will be returned to the sender.
  7. 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.
  8. The approval letter for tailored Internship programme should be submitted with the application. 
 
Closing dates for Psychology applications to write the National board examinations for 2021:
 
Closing Date for Applications
Examination Date
15 December 2020
03 February 2021
30 April 2021
02 June 2021
31 August 2021
06 October 2021
 
 
Examination venues: 
Town
Address
GPS Coordinates
Bloemfontein
BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central, Bloem Plaza, East Burger Street, Bloemfontein
29.1171° S, 26.2227° E
Cape Town
Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard, Cnr Melborne & Coronation Roads
33.9347° S, 18.4478° E
Durban
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Suites 1-3, 63 Snell Parade, Durban.
 
Johannesburg
Emperors Palace, Convention Centre, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park, (Senate 1)
26° 08' 55.10" E: 28° 13' 20.17
Polokwane
Protea Hotel Marriot, Polokwane Landmark
23.9576° S, 29.3859° E
Pretoria
Southern Sun Hotel, Cullinan B Room, Corner Pretorius and Steve Biko Street, (Old Beatrix Street)
 
Port Elizabeth
Garden Court Kings Beach, La Roche Drive, Humewood
33.9776° S, 25.6466° E


Examination fees:
Psychologists
 R3120
Psychometrists
 R1570
Registered Counsellors
 R1570
 
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) 
Application to write the national board examination for Psychology (Form 260)
Application to write the national board examination for Registered Counsellor (Form 225)
Application to write the national board examination for Psychometrist (Form 225)
 
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:
Registered Counsellor
List of classified tests (Form 207)
Generic ethical rules and annexure 12
Revised policy on undesirable business practice (Form 286)
Mental Health Act
Child Justice Act
Basic Condition of Employment Act
Children's Act
Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977
Examination Policy (Form 255)
Health Professions Act
HPCSA good practice guide (HIV)
National Health Act
Scope of Profession
 
 
Psychometrists
Board Examination Guidance - Psychometry
Training and exam guidelines for Psychometrists (Form 94) - Only for Psychometrists
List of classified tests (Form 207)
Generic ethical rules and annexure 12
Revised policy on undesirable business practice (Form 286)
Mental Health Act
Child Justice Act
Basic Condition of Employment Act
Children's Act
Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977
Examination Policy (Form 255)
Health Professions Act
HPCSA good practice guide (HIV)
National Health Act
Scope of Profession
 
 
Educational Psychology
Board Examination Guidance
List of classified tests (Form 207)
Generic ethical rules and annexure 12
Revised policy on undesirable business practice (Form 286)
Mental Health Act
Child Justice Act
Basic Condition of Employment Act
Children's Act
Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977
Examination Policy (Form 255)
Health Professions Act
HPCSA good practice guide (HIV)
National Health Act
Scope of Profession
 
 
Clinical Psychology
Board Examination Guidance - Clinical Psychology
List of classified tests (Form 207)
Generic ethical rules and annexure 12
Exam syllabus for clinical, counselling and educational psychologists (Form 284)
Revised policy on undesirable business practice (Form 286)
Mental Health Act
Child Justice Act
Basic Condition of Employment Act
Children's Act
Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977
Examination Policy (Form 255)
Health Professions Act
HPCSA good practice guide (HIV)
National Health Act
Scope of Profession
 
 
Counselling Psychology
Board Examination Guidance - Counselling Psychology
List of classified tests (Form 207)
Generic ethical rules and annexure 12
Exam syllabus for clinical, counselling and educational psychologists (Form 284)
Revised policy on undesirable business practice (Form 286)
Mental Health Act
Child Justice Act
Basic Condition of Employment Act
Children's Act
Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977
Examination Policy (Form 255)
Health Professions Act
HPCSA good practice guide (HIV)
National Health Act
Scope of Profession
 
 
Industrial Psychology
List of classified tests (Form 207)
Generic ethical rules and annexure 12
Revised policy on undesirable business practice (Form 286)
Mental Health Act
Child Justice Act
Basic Condition of Employment Act

Children's Act
Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977
Examination Policy (Form 255)
Health Professions Act
HPCSA good practice guide (HIV)
National Health Act
Scope of Profession
 
 
Research Psychology
List of classified tests (Form 207)
Generic ethical rules and annexure 12
Revised policy on undesirable business practice (Form 286)
Mental Health Act
Child Justice Act
Basic Condition of Employment Act
Children's Act
Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977
Examination Policy (Form 255)
Health Professions Act
HPCSA good practice guide (HIV)
National Health Act
Scope of Profession
 
Additional Information Regarding Board Exams
  • The list of candidates eligible to take examinations will be sent to examination centres as per preferred venue by candidates. Should it happen that your name is not on the list, you will not be allowed to sit for examinations in that venue;
  • Candidates are expected to be in the venue 15 minutes before the examinations starting time;
  • Candidates will be required to produce the following:
    1. Original ID, and
    2. Letter from HPCSA administration stating that you are allowed to take examinations.
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 of time 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
Form 208
List of Classified Tests
Policy & Guidelines
The guidelines for the Board include the Ethical Rules of Conduct in respect of which we may take disciplinary steps. 

Ethical rules (Annexure 12) View document
Undesirable business practices (Form 286) View document
Criteria for registration as a professional research psychologist for persons who haven't completed an internship (Form 227) View document
Training and exam guidelines for Psychometrist (Form 94) View document
Framework for education, training and registration for Registered Counsellor (Form 258) View document
Examination Guidelines Policy (Form 255)  View document
Guidelines and application for foreign qualified (Form 91) View document
Policy Regarding Intern Psychologists (Form 160) View document
List of classified tests (Board Notice 155 OF 2017) View Document 
Form 108 Neuropsychology View document
Board Examination Guidelines Neuropsychology View document
Board Examination Guidelines Registered Counsellor View document
Board Examination Guidelines Industrial Psychology View document
Scope of practise guidelines for Education Psychologists View document
Guidelines for the teaching of psychometrics  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
Rules and Regulations
 
Constitution and Scope of the board
Constitution of the Board
Scope of profession
 
 
 
Proposed regulations and rules
Proposed regulations relating to the registration of psychology students – GN R312 / GG 30881 / 20080319
Proposed regulations relating to the registration of psychology students – GN 1076 / GG 31477 / 20081003
Proposed regulations defining the scope of practice of practitioners of the profession of psychology – GN R263 / GG 33080 / 20100406
Proposed regulations relating to the registration of intern psychologists – GN R631 / GG 33385/ 20100723
 
 
 
Regulations
Regulations relating to the registration by psychologists of additional qualifications – GN R142/95
Regulations relating to the constitution of the professional board for psychology – GN R1249/2008
Regulations relating to the registration of psychometrists – GN R1201/2003
Regulations relating to the registration of student psychometrists – GN R941/2012
Regulations relating to the registration of registered counsellors – GN R1820/2003
Regulations relating to the registration of psychologists restricted to non-clinical practice – GN 369/2004
Regulations relating to the registration of psychology students – GN R1019/2004
Regulations relating to the registration of intern psychologists – GN R394/2012
Regulations relating to names that may not be used in relation to the profession of psychology – GN 1208/2004
Regulations relating to indemnity cover for psychologists – GN 1211/2004
Regulations defining the scope of the profession of psychology – GN R993/2008
Regulations relating to the registration of students as registered counsellors - GN R827/2012
 
 


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