Q. I have been told that I must get a Master's degree before I can practice as a psychologist. Is this true?

A. This is certainly not true and can be verified at the NSW Psychologists Registration Board website where options are listed. See: www.psychreg.health.nsw.gov.au. Alternatively, a copy of the options from a Registration Board publication may be obtained from the College.

Q. Do I have to become a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)?

A. This is not a requirement in order to become a registered psychologist. Around 50 % of registered psychologists in NSW do not belong to the APS, and this has no impact on their employment prospects. Some practitioners like to belong to the Australian Psychological Society in order to meet practitioners who have common interests. You can attend some APS training programs without joining the APS. If you are a Registered Psychologist, then you can join the APS as an Associate Member.

Q. I have only a 3-year degree. Can I practice as a psychologist?

A. You must have 4 years academic training - either a 4-year degree or a 3-year degree plus a fourth year in a higher degree or diploma from a recognised institution, together with 2 years of Supervision (mentoring). Further information about acceptable 4th year courses may be obtained from the website of the Australian Psychological Society.

Q. Why should I attend the College with its structured approach when I can find one psychologist to supervise me to meet the Registration Board requirements?

A. Are you absolutely sure that one psychologist is competent to certify competency requirements for all 5 Certificates? This is a bold claim for any single professional.

Before you commit any money to this line of approach, you should seriously consider if this is not very risky. Experience shows that the wider the range of supervisors, the better the leaning experience. At present, the College has access to several practicum (workshop) leaders, and15 placement supervisors.

Q. I want to work only as a specialist. Will the College train me?

A. The College provides skills for working in a wide variety of fields because jobs and specialisms keep on changing and interns often change employers while undertaking supervision (mentoring).

We sometimes find that people who start out with this goal change their minds when they become aware of the other fields available.

We allocate you to supervisors whose work is closely allied to your expressed interests in the second year.

Q. I want to be a counsellor. Will the College train me?

A. The College trains graduates to the level of competence required by the NSW Psychologists Registration Board. However, there are many applicants for every counselling job; it is a very competitive field.

In order to obtain a job as a counsellor, you will need to gain wide experience and undertake additional training.