What is the 5 + 1 internship program for psychology?
The 5 + 1 internship program represents a structured pathway to becoming a registered psychologist in Australia. Under the Psychology Board of Australia’s guidelines, students complete five years of accredited university study followed by one year of supervised practice. This sixth year – the “+1” – consists of an internship designed to consolidate academic learning and build practical competence.
The 5 + 1 internship requires approximately 1360 hours of psychological practice, 80 hours of
supervision and 60 hours of professional development. Interns must demonstrate proficiency across eight core competencies: Knowledge of the Discipline and Evidence-Based Practice, Ethical, Legal, and Professional Practice, Reflexivity, Self-Awareness, and Professional Development, Psychological Assessment and Formulation, Intervention and Evaluation, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Working with Diversity, Cultural Safety. Achievement of these competencies, along with a passing grade on the National Psychology Exam, leads to general registration with AHPRA.
The College of Professional Psychology (COPP) offers a comprehensive National 5 + 1 Psychology
Registration Program that builds upon students’ fifth year knowledge and fast-tracks their journey
toward registration. Key features include:
- Structured supervision – interns receive 62 hours of individual supervision and 24 hours of
group supervision. Board approved supervisors provide feedback on case formulation,
therapeutic interventions and ethical dilemmas alongside guidance to achieve the core
competencies. - Learning Essentials modules – twelve core modules plus eLearning deliver over 70 hours of
applied learning, bridging theory and practice. The curriculum aligns with
the PsyBA’s competency framework and code of conduct. - National Psychology Exam Boot Camp – a preparation package with practice questions,
study notes, videos and a full length mock exam helps interns build exam readiness. - Placement and Learning Support – COPP’s dedicated PALS team assists interns in finding
suitable placements and navigating workplace challenges as well as providing strcutred
guidance and check ins across the year.
Eligibility for the 5 + 1 program requires completion of an approved five year psychology degree.
The fast-track variant offered by COPP condenses the internship into theminimum 44week timeframe, providing an accelerated route to registration without compromising learning outcomes.
The 5 + 1 pathway is particularly attractive to students who want to enter the workforce quickly
while still obtaining general registration. By completing just one year of supervised practice, interns
can begin practising as a generally registered psychologist. However, the program demands
commitment, time management and active engagement in reflective practice. Interns must
document client contact hours, participate in regular supervision and complete learning modules
while working in placements. The College PALS team removes administrative burdens
and provides ongoing guidance, allowing interns to focus on developing clinical skills and
professional identity.
The 5 + 1 internship program offers a streamlined route to registration. By meeting the specified hours, demonstrating competence across the eight core areas and passing the National Psychology Exam, interns can achieve general registration within a year. COPP’s national program delivers structured supervision, rich learning modules and placement support, making it an optimal choice
for students seeking an efficient yet comprehensive pathway to professional practice.
