Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Healthcare
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for clinical and counseling psychologist in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Clinical and Counseling Psychologist in California
Estimated timeline: 1-2 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
Student research psychoanalyst means a person enrolled in a psychoanalytic institution for training in psychoanalysis who is registered with the Medical Board.
- 3
Fees: Application $150.
- 4
Fingerprint: $49.00 (plus rolling fees).
- 5
Renewal: $75 Currently, Registered Research Psychoanalysts and a Student Research Psychoanalysts are unable to renew their registration online.
- 6
Examination Frequency: N/A.
- 7
Exam Locations: N/A.
Exam and processing details
- Locations
- N/A
Continuing education and program notes
- certification of enrollment in a Medical Board approved psychoanalytic program
- Ph
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint | $49.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Medical Board of California
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$114,520 median (20% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#5 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Clinical and Counseling Psychologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Student research psychoanalyst means a person enrolled in a psychoanalytic institution for training in psychoanalysis who is registered w...).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Locations: N/A.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application $150.; Fingerprint: $49.00 (plus rolling fees).).
- 5. Budget filing costs (Fingerprint: $49.00).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Medical Board of California and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $114,520, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California earn 20% above the national median of $95,830. California ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$114,520Hourly estimate
$55.0620% above national median
Difference: +$18,690
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationClinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Ranking
#5 of 50 statesfor Clinical and Counseling Psychologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Oregon | $132,550 |
| #2 | Colorado | $126,260 |
| #3 | Kentucky | $116,480 |
| #4 | Washington | $115,050 |
| #5 | California | $114,520 |
Nearby States Comparison
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $114,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-2 months |
| Oregon | $132,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $103,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 5 months |
| Arizona | $106,970 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Medical Board of California
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1200, Sacramento, CA, 95815
Phone: 9162632382
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-2 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Clinical and Counseling Psychologist salary in California?
The median annual salary for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California is $114,520. Salaries range from $59,990 (10th percentile) to $189,540 (90th percentile).
How does the Clinical and Counseling Psychologist salary in California compare to the national average?
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California earn 20% above the national median of $95,830, with a state median of $114,520.
How many Clinical and Counseling Psychologists work in California?
California employs approximately 11,900 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Clinical and Counseling Psychologist license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Medical Board of California. Review agency details at http://www.mbc.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.