What qualifies an institution to be considered accredited for psychology licensure purposes?

For an institution to be considered accredited for psychology licensure purposes, it is essential that it is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA serves as a crucial organization in the U.S. that oversees both institutional and programmatic accreditors. Its recognition helps ensure that the education provided meets specific standards of quality that are necessary for the training of future psychologists.

Accreditation by CHEA guarantees that an institution has undergone rigorous evaluation, enhancing the credibility of its programs and ensuring that they meet educational quality standards. This is significant for licensure since licensing boards and agencies often require candidates to have graduated from a program that is accredited by an organization recognized by CHEA or the U.S. Department of Education in order to be eligible for licensure.

Other forms of approval or recognition, such as from local boards or state governments, may not provide the same level of assurance regarding the quality and rigor of the educational programs. While some states may have specific needs or requirements that vary, the overarching standard for accreditation recognized at the national level typically originates from reputable organizations like CHEA. Therefore, recognizing an institution through CHEA is what qualifies it for licensure purposes in psychology.