Training pathway review to boost access to psychologists

31 Mar 2025

The Psychology Board of Australia (the Board) and Ahpra have launched a review of the way psychologists are educated and trained in Australia, aiming to reduce workforce shortages while maintaining the current high standards of the profession.

Currently it takes six full time years of education and training to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist, and eight years to become eligible for an area of practice endorsement. The review, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, will focus on simplifying this process. 

Key considerations include:

• the appropriateness and proposed design of a single, shorter, and more practical course of study to qualify as a registered psychologist in Australia
• standardising the training pathways to address equity and access challenges for those seeking to attain general registration, as well as overall program monitoring and data collection
• utilising the level of competency attainment and workforce potential of psychology students who do not complete the full training pathway, such as in a psychology assistant workforce.

Board Chair Rachel Phillips said the review aims to provide psychology students with a more efficient pathway to registration as a psychologist, with opportunities to develop practical skills throughout their program of study. 

‘This project presents a once in a generation opportunity to simplify the way we train psychologists to practice effectively and safely in Australia,’ Ms Phillips said. 

‘It is not about changing the threshold for general registration, but rather, simplifying the way we train psychologists to meet that high threshold.’

The review project is a continuation of the Board’s education and training reform agenda, which commenced with the retirement of the 4+2 training pathway and has included the development of new professional competencies for psychologists and the recent publication of the code of conduct. 

Project governance for the training and education review is now being established. A broad consultation process on the proposed changes will commence soon, including key stakeholders and members of the public.

Updates on the review, including the upcoming consultation process, will be provided on the Psychology Board of Australia website.