§ 17-97-302. Psychologists — Application — Qualifications

(a) Any person wishing to obtain the right to practice as a psychologist in this state who has not heretofore been licensed to do so shall make application to the Arkansas Psychology Board through the Chair of the Arkansas Psychology Board in a form and in a manner as shall be adopted and prescribed by the board and obtain from the board a license to do so.

(b)

1. (1) A candidate for a license shall furnish the board with satisfactory evidence that he or she:

   1. (A) Has received a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution recognized by the board as maintaining satisfactory standards at the time the degree was granted or, in lieu of a degree, a doctoral degree in a closely allied field if it is the opinion of the board that the training required therefor is substantially similar;

   2. (B) Has had at least two (2) years of experience in psychology of a type considered by the board to be qualifying in nature with at least one (1) of those years being postdoctoral work;

   3. (C) Is competent in psychology, as shown by passing examinations, written or oral, or both, as the board deems necessary;

   4. (D) Is not considered by the board to be engaged in unethical practice;

   5. (E) Has applied for a criminal background check and has not been found guilty of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to any of the offenses listed in § 17-3-102; and

   6. (F) Has not failed an examination given by the board within the preceding six (6) months.

2. (2) At its discretion, the board may accept satisfactory substitute training and experience in lieu of that prescribed in subdivision (b)(1) of this section.

(c) Notwithstanding requirements for licensure as outlined in this chapter, the board shall issue a senior psychologist license to an applicant who has:

1. (1) At least twenty (20) years of licensure to practice psychology in a state of the United States or in Canada if that license was based on a doctoral degree;

2. (2) Received no disciplinary sanction during the entire period of licensure;

3. (3) Passed the Arkansas complementary examination; and

4. (4) Tendered the appropriate application and fees as required under this chapter or the rules of the board.