Fastest Way To Become a Psychologist in California 2025

If you envision yourself as a psychologist working in California, you might be wondering whether you can pursue one of the fastest online psychology degrees.

While there are no major shortcuts to getting your degree, there are tips and strategies you can use to make the process as quick and smooth as possible. Read on to learn about the fastest way to become a psychologist.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Psychologist in California?

It typically takes about a decade to become a psychologist in California. They typically start with a bachelor's degree, which takes around four years.

Afterward, they'll need to earn a doctoral degree. Depending on the pace of their coursework and other factors, this can take anywhere from four to seven years.

Educational Requirements To Become a Psychologist in California

There are several different paths you can take to become a psychologist in the state of California. Still, there are two staple degrees that are non-negotiable when working toward a license.

1. A Bachelor's Degree

The first of your educational requirements is a bachelor's degree, usually in psychology or a related field of study. Overall, this should take around four years. While a master's program can help you earn valuable experience, it's not always a necessary step in the process.

2. A Doctoral Degree

The California Board of Psychology states that you need a doctoral degree in a relevant subject. Applying to one of the top online psychology schools can make this step easier by removing the need for constant commuting.

Keep in mind that a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is for those who see themselves working in the field of research or academia. For example, a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is what you should get if you want to work in clinical practice.

How To Become a California-Licensed Psychologist in the Shortest Timeframe

You'll be glad to know that there are ways you can save both time and money when fulfilling your goal of becoming a licensed psychologist in California. The following strategies can help you make the most of your continuing education.

1. Transfer Credits

If you have some college education and are returning to school or pivoting, you could potentially use some of your credits toward your undergraduate degree and doctoral degree in psychology.

Whether or not credits can be transferred will depend on the specific school's policies. For instance, Fielding Graduate University (FGU) only transfers credits in full if they come from a school that has a prior agreement with FGU. Otherwise, you can apply for partial transfers or waivers of coursework.

2. College Level Examination Program Exams

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam allows you to prove your knowledge in specific areas. By doing so, you can get credits without spending time taking the courses. While the CLEP exams cost $95, this is far cheaper compared to the several hundred dollars that a single course can cost.

Such exams are mostly made of multiple-choice questions about the field of psychology and other topics. You can take them at designated test centers or online in the presence of a proctor. Many universities accept CLEP exam results, but specific schools may have varying policies.

3. Direct-Entry PsyD Programs

Instead of spending extra time pursuing a master's degree, you should prioritize PsyD programs that allow direct entry after earning a bachelor's.

For instance, the University of San Fransico asks potential students to provide proof of earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the past seven years. If your bachelor's degree is in another field, you can still apply if you have passed certain undergraduate or graduate courses. Examples include abnormal psychology and lifespan development.

4. Start Your Supervised Professional Experience Early

You'll need several thousand hours of experience to meet the licensing board's experience requirements. Instead of waiting until you graduate, it's sometimes possible to start gaining valuable supervised professional experience during your schooling.

Not all university programs make this possible, so it's worth looking into the options offered by specific programs. For example, the University of San Francisco lets students begin their practicum training within the first two years and ends the fifth year with a hands-on internship.

5. Go for a Combined Master's and Doctoral Program

Depending on what specialization you'd like to work in, you may need a master's degree after all. Instead of spending time getting your master's and then a doctoral degree, you can speed up the process by applying to an all-inclusive program. One option is the University of Southern California, which offers a PhD in clinical psychology and a Master of Public Health.

Licensure Requirements for Psychologists in California

First, make sure your chosen college's program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). That way, the degree will qualify as part of the state licensing requirements.

The board also expects you to have 3,000 hours of work experience under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Keep in mind that 1,500 of those hours should be earned after having completed your doctoral program.

The two main exams you need to pass include the California Psychology Laws and Ethics Examination (CPLEE) and the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The CPLEE will test your knowledge of relevant California laws, ethics, and more. The EPPP focuses on the main pillars of psychological principles and professional practices.

Prospective licensed psychologists must take six different types of pre-licensure coursework. The topics range from human sexuality training to child abuse assessment.

The final step of your licensure application involves submitting your fingerprints to the Department of Justice and the FBI. They'll use your fingerprints to perform a mandatory criminal background check. Along with the above requirements, you'll be asked to pay an initial application fee of $236.00.

Featured Psychology Doctoral Programs in California

If you want to focus on the fastest way to become a psychologist, then a hybrid program can offer more flexibility. Even though there are no accelerated options, the following schools offer convenient programs that are fully accredited and based on licensure requirements.

Fielding Graduate University

At Fielding Graduate University, you can enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid psychology program. The Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology will allow you to work in the mental health field and elsewhere.

The topics you'll study will include everything from the social bases of behavior to cognitive and biological development.

• Time to completion: Five to six years
• Tuition cost: $10,385 per term
• Accreditation: APA

Alliant International University

From clinical counseling to social work, Alliant International University has many different online and in-person programs to choose from. Its PsyD and PhD programs, in particular, focus on clinical psychology.

The California School of Professional Psychology has trained aspiring psychologists for over half a century. You can expect to learn about neuropsychology, developmental psychology, and more.

• Time to completion: Four years
• Tuition cost: $1,475 per unit
• Accreditation: APA

University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco's PsyD program is great for potential clinical psychologists who want to work in healthcare, a private practice, or elsewhere. The coursework focuses on the mental, physical, and emotional needs of future patients so that you can develop a holistic approach.

Students appreciate being put in real-world clinical scenarios that can help them succeed in the field.

• Time to completion: Four years
• Tuition cost: About $49,760 a year
• Accreditation: APA

Explore Psychology Degrees

There's no denying that becoming a psychologist in California takes hard work and dedication. Still, with a positive mindset and a clear pathway, you can earn a psychology license as fast as possible.

If you'd like to learn about other potential degree programs, be sure to take a look at the accredited schools featured on Learn.org.