Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to obtain a Master’s degree before I can be registered to practise as a psychologist?
• What is the difference between the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS)?
• I have only a 3 year degree. Can I practise as a psychologist?
• Why should I attend COPP with its structured approach, when I can find one psychologist to supervise me to meet the Board's requirement?
• Can I work fulltime whilst completing the registration program?
• What sort of jobs/industries are students employed in?
• Does COPP assist students find a job?
• Is entry to COPP competitive?

Q. Do I need to obtain a Master’s degree before I can be registered to practise as a psychologist?
A. According to the Psychology Board of Australia, there are four pathways to registration: 1) an accredited Masters degree, 2) a five year accredited sequence of study plus a one year Board approved internship (5+1), 3) a four year accredited sequence of study followed by a two year Board approved internship (4+2) or 4) a qualification deemed by the Board to be substantially equivalent to pathways 1, 2 or 3. For more information about the Board's registration requirements, visit www.psychologyboard.gov.au. 

The COPP program fulfills the requirements of the 4 +2 pathway to general registration and places an emphasis on the development of practical skills. Participation in a Masters program may be more suitable if you wish to pursue a more academic/research based pathway towards registration.  

Q. What is the difference between the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS)?
A. The Psychology Board of Australia is the national organisation responsible for determining who is suitable to be registered to work as a psychologist.  If you wish to be employed by an organisation or operate your own practice as a psychologist, you must be registered with the Board. The APS is a professional body representing psychologists and is not responsible for registering psychologists. So whilst you must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, it is up to you to choose whether or not to become a member of the APS. For more details about the APS, visit their website www.psychology.org.au .

Q. I have only a 3 year degree. Can I practise as a psychologist?
A. No. The Psychology Board of Australia requires an accredited four or five year sequences of study (plus an additional 2 or 1 year internship) or masters degree in order to be registered as a psychologist. Further information about approved psychology courses may be obtained from the APS website www.psychology.org.au or registration requirements from the Psychology Board's website www.psychologyboard.gov.au.

Q. Why should I attend COPP with its structured approach, when I can find one psychologist to supervise me to meet the Board's requirement?
A. COPP's structured and comprehensive learning approach is designed to develop psychologists who are competent, confident and professional. Experience shows the wider the range of supervisors, the better the learning experience.  COPP's program is designed to ensure students work with a number of supervisors and practicum leaders.

Q. Can I work fulltime whilst completing the registration program?
A. Yes. Approximately 90% of COPP’s students are engaged in fulltime work. The Program is part-time, flexible and geared around the full-time employee. Workshops and group supervision are conducted in the evenings and some weekends.  Supervisors are allocated to accommodate students' work and other commitments. We do ask for some flexibility from students when it comes to the allocation of supervisors in terms of the times and locations.

Q. What sort of jobs/industries are students employed in?
A. COPP’s students are employed in a variety of roles in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Current students are employed in roles related to rehabilitation, return to work, disability and employment services, organisational psychology, community and mental health.

Q. Does COPP assist students find a job?
A. COPP distributes a regular jobs bulletin listing a range of jobs for which students may apply to secure a suitable placement. In addition, COPP provides support to students with job search strategies and techniques.  

Q. Is entry to COPP competitive?
A. Yes. Students must undergo a selection process, which consists of psychometric assessments and a structured interview. These are used to examine the fit between the goals and structure of COPP’s registration program and the needs of the individual.