QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10029)
RA 10029 recognizes the important role of psychologists in nation-building while protecting the public by preventing untrained/inexperienced individuals from offering psychological services; it aims to nurture competent, upright, and assiduous psychologists through effective licensure, credible examinations, and regulatory measures that enhance professional growth and well-being.
It is the delivery of psychological principles and procedures to describe, understand, predict, and influence behavior to assist optimal growth/functioning. It includes (1) psychological interventions (e.g., counseling, psychotherapy, support, coaching, debriefing, group processes), (2) psychological assessment (gathering/integrating data for psychological evaluation using tools such as interviews and tests), and (3) psychological programs (development/planning/implementation/monitoring/evaluation of treatment).
A psychologist is a natural person duly registered and licensed as a professional psychologist to deliver psychological services (interventions, assessment, programs). A psychometrician is licensed to administer and score certain objective/structured tests (excluding projective tests), interpret results and prepare written reports, and conduct preparatory intake interviews—provided these are conducted under the supervision of a licensed professional psychologist.
It consists of a Chairperson and two (2) members appointed by the President from lists of three (3) nominees each position submitted by the integrated and accredited national organization of psychologists. It is a collegial body under the administrative control and supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
They must be natural-born citizens and residents, at least 35 years old, good moral character, hold a doctorate in psychology, have at least 10 years of practice in psychology and psychometrics plus 5 years teaching experience, be registered and licensed psychologists (except first Board member), not hold positions/faculty/officers with interest in psychology schools/review classes, not hold other positions except membership in the integrated organization, and not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
Each member serves three (3) years or until successors are appointed and qualified. They may be reappointed for one (1) full term of three (3) years.
Examples include: implementing the Act and issuing/rescinding rules subject to PRC review; supervising and monitoring registration/licensure/practice; issuing permits and exercising visitorial powers over agencies/institutions; investigating and hearing administrative cases (with subpoena powers); adopting syllabi for licensure exams in consultation with CHED; and issuing/suspending/revoking certificates of registration and professional IDs upon due process.
The Board conducts the licensure examinations. All applicants for registration to practice psychology and psychometrics must pass the licensure examination to be conducted in places/dates and under requirements prescribed by the Commission.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens/permanent residents/reciprocity-eligible; hold at least a master’s degree in psychology with sufficient credits for exam subjects; completed at least 200 hours supervised practicum/internship/clinical experience related to services under RA 10029; have good moral character; and have not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude.
Applicants must be Filipino/permanent resident/reciprocity-eligible; hold at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology with sufficient credits for exam subjects; have good moral character; and have not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude.
Advanced Theories of Personality; Advanced Abnormal Psychology; Advanced Psychological Assessment; and Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapy.
Theories of Personality; Abnormal Psychology; Industrial Psychology; and Psychological Assessment.
Yes. A qualified person may be registered without examination if the application is filed within three (3) years after the Board is created, and the applicant submits credentials showing (a) doctoral degree in psychology plus 3 years work experience; or (b) master’s degree in psychology plus at least 5 years work experience; or (c) currently employed as psychologists with at least a bachelor’s degree and 10 years practice experience and has updated education in psychology-related functions.
Yes. If the applicant files within three (3) years after the Board is created and shows that prior to the effectivity of the Act the applicant had a bachelor’s degree in psychology and at least two (2) years full-time work experience in psychometrics.
A weighted general average of at least 75% is required with no grade lower than 60% in any subject. If the candidate reaches 75% overall but has a subject below 60%, they may retake that subject(s) within two (2) years; once they achieve at least 75% in each retaken subject, they are deemed to have passed.
A psychologist or psychometrician cannot, without the client/patient’s consent, be examined on communications or information disclosed/acquired in the course of providing psychological services. The protection extends to pertinent records and staff of the licensed professional; evidence obtained in violation is inadmissible.
Prohibited acts include practicing or representing oneself as licensed without a valid certificate/ID or permit; representing oneself during suspension/revocation or with an unrenewed ID; allowing others to use one’s license/permit; misrepresenting another’s certificate/permit as one’s own; and providing false/inaccurate information to obtain registration/permits. Entities cannot operate psychology/psychometrics offices or engage in practice within premises without a Board permit and must be competently staffed by psychologists and equipped with adequate instruments/facilities. Penalty: imprisonment of not less than 6 months but not more than 3 years, or a fine of not less than ₱10,000 but not more than ₱100,000, or both.
The Board’s decision becomes final after 15 days from receipt by the respondent unless an appeal is filed with the Commission within the same period. The Commission’s decision on appeal may be further appealed to the Court of Appeals within 15 days from receipt.