How to become a Psychologist
Official title: Psychologists
Also called: Psychologist, Child psychologist, School psychologist, Sports psychologist, Clinical psychologist, Research psychologist, Chartered psychologist, Registered psychologist, Educational psychologist, Provisional psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Psychological associate
Psychologists assess and diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients, provide therapy, conduct research and apply theory relating to behaviour and mental processes. Psychologists help clients work toward the maintenance and enhancement of psychological, physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning. They work in private practice or in clinics, correctional facilities, hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centres, community service organizations, businesses, schools and universities, and in government and private research agencies.
Main tasks
- Examine and assess behaviour, diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients and provide therapy
- Help clients manage physical illness and disorders
- Counsel individuals and groups to achieve more effective personal, social and vocational development and adjustment, and offer mediation services
- Use standard psychological tests for assessment
- Plan intervention programs and conduct program evaluation
- Apply psychological theory and principles regarding behaviour and mental processes such as learning, language development, memory and perception to develop treatment programs
- Formulate hypotheses and experimental designs, review literature, conduct studies and publish research papers, educational texts and articles
- Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops or symposia
How to become one
A doctoral degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation "Psychologist" in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. A master's degree in psychology is required for the designation "Psychologist" in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. A master's degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation "Psychological Associate" in Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. A period of supervised practical experience is required in most jurisdictions. Successful completion of the written Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is required in most provinces. Oral examinations and board interviews are required in some provinces. Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Written ethics and jurisprudence exams may be required in some jurisdictions. Psychologists can become specialized in a particular area through training and experience.
Ways in
- University: Psychology degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $103,116 a year The middle half earn $85,800 to $120,003.
- About 24,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 30,800 are projected by 2033. (+23.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: strong risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Chiropractors
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
- Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Psychologist?
A doctoral degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation "Psychologist" in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. A master's degree in psychology is required for the designation "Psychologist" in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. A master's degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation "Psychological Associate" in Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. A period of supervised practical experience is required in most jurisdictions. Successful completion of the written Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is required in most provinces. Oral examinations and board interviews are required in some provinces. Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Written ethics and jurisprudence exams may be required in some jurisdictions. Psychologists can become specialized in a particular area through training and experience.
How much does a Psychologist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $103,116 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $85,800 to $120,003.
Is a Psychologist a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 24% by 2033, from about 24,900 to about 30,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Psychologist?
Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03