Occupational psychologist : Training

After completing an accredited Master’s degree, the third stage of training to become fully qualified to register as a chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS)  and with the Health Professions Council (HPC)   as an occupational psychologist involves two years of relevant work experience under the supervision of a chartered occupational psychologist. You need to complete a log book of practical experience for assessment by the BPS, demonstrating that you have achieved the competences required.

Experience must provide breadth of practical application skills in five of the eight areas of occupational psychology (see typical work activities) and in-depth work with clients in one of the four fields of:

• work and the work environment;
• the individual;
• the organisation;
• training.

There are currently around 900 people registered as in training with the Division of Occupational Psychology at the BPS . A BPS report on the training of occupational psychologists estimated that one in four registered trainees subsequently achieve chartered membership.

A small minority of those completing Master’s courses may gain practical experience whilst working in a post as a trainee occupational psychologist, but most tend to gain it whilst working in a related field, such as human resource management. It may be necessary to carry out additional duties and take short training courses to ensure that all occupational psychologist competences are achieved. Trainees will often spend longer than two years in employment to acquire sufficient relevant experience for chartered status.