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Forensic Psychology Board Certification
Forensic psychology board certification is required to practice as a forensic psychologist. This is the same as any other profession. You need a certificate to say that you are in fact knowledgeable in the field of forensic psychology. Obtaining board certification is a somewhat drawn out process, so do not assume it will happen overnight. If you are truly dedicated to this career though, you should be able to make it through the training you need to get certified. Here is a look at what the certification process entails so you can make a plan for your future.
Training before Forensic Psychology Board Certification
Before you become a board certified forensic psychologist, you will need to go through your career training. This will require you to get a doctorate in forensic psychology from an accredited university. After spending four years in a bachelor’s degree program for psychology, you will move on to complete an additional five to seven years of study in grad school. There you will take psycholegal courses that combine the law and psychology, much like the field of criminal psychology. You may be able to get out of your degree program earlier than that, but expect to spend at least a decade in total trying to get your board certification.
The Exam for Board Certification
There are two sections to the exam required for forensic psychology board certification. The first section is the written section, and it involves approximately 200 multiple choice questions that focus on these areas:
- Ethics, Guidelines, and Professional Issues
- Law, Precedents, Court Rules, and Civil and Criminal Procedure
- Testing and Assessment, Judgment and Bias, and Examination Issues
- Individual Rights and Liberties, Civil Competence
- Juvenile, Parenting, and Family/Matrimonial Matters
- Personal Injury, Civil Damages, Disability, and Workers Compensation
- Criminal Competence
- Criminal Responsibility
These questions test a candidate’s overall knowledge in criminal justice and psychology, and they provide the basis for the evaluation. Upon passing the written part of the exam, you may be asked to complete an oral exam. This requires you to submit two practice samples of your forensic work to showcase your abilities in the field. If the board approves of the samples, you will be invited for an interview to assess your skills. Assuming that everything goes well, you will then be able to claim your board certification.
Conclusion
Getting a forensic psychology board certification can be a challenge, but it is a challenge that is worth it in the end. If you study well during your time at school, you will be able to pass the exam without much trouble at all. Then you can start the rewarding career you have been dreaming about, just like you planned.
