Texas to create state licensing exam for psychology
In response to concerns over rising licensure costs and access to care, Texas is moving forward with developing its own, less expensive licensing exam for psychologists, with support from Governor Greg Abbott and funding in the state budget. This decision comes after pushback against a new $450 “skills” exam announced by the national Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), which would be added to the existing $800 knowledge exam starting in 2026. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists believes the added costs would worsen the state’s mental health provider shortage and create unnecessary barriers to licensure. While Texas is the first state to pursue an alternative, its departure from the national exam framework has drawn criticism from ASPPB, which warns it could hinder license portability and impact accreditation. Texas officials say they plan to involve stakeholders nationwide in designing a test that better reflects professional needs without imposing excessive financial burdens.