What a Provisional Psychologist Can Do

A provisional psychologist is a psychology graduate with at least four years of education behind them. They aren't yet qualified to practice independently, only able to work in limited circumstances under supervision. Their provisional status is temporary, indicating they're close to becoming registered psychologists.

Work opportunities for provisionally registered psychologists are limited. Clinical practice is usually confined to student work placements, internship training programs, and a short period after training ends. Placements are typically unpaid, internships are usually paid, and new hires are always paid.

Provisional Psychology Practice is Temporary

Provisional registration as a psychologist commences once your enrolment in a psychology master's or doctoral program is confirmed. It ends soon after you complete the degree or a follow-on internship program. Overseas-qualified applicants may also hold this status while gaining experience in Australia.

Timeline for start and end of provisional practice

Essentially, you can only practice as a provisional psychologist within the context of postgraduate training. Provisional status has been designed specifically to enable postgraduate psychology students to obtain the practical experience needed for general registration. Apart from applicants with qualifications from abroad, it does not operate as a licence to work.

How to Become a Provisional Psychologist

Becoming a provisionally registered psychologist is integral for advancing from undergraduate psychology student to registered psychologist.

Step 1: Complete 4th year psychology

The opportunity for provisional status only emerges after you complete 4th-year psychology. So, the first step is to complete a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), or an equivalent qualification.

Step 2: Choose a postgraduate pathway and course

The form to apply for provisional registration requires you to nominate a course and provider. First choose between the 5+1 internship pathway (1-year masters followed by 1-year internship) or higher degree pathway (2-year masters or a doctorate). Then select your preferred provider and course.

Step 3: Enroll in a course and apply for registration

Enroll in your chosen postgraduate course. You can also apply to be provisionally registered with Ahpra around the same time, even before receiving a letter of offer from the course provider. You will need to arrange for the education provider to send proof of enrolment directly to Ahpra.

Step 4: Wait for registration and course commencement

Ahpra should approve your registration application upon receiving current enrolment confirmation from the course provider. Registration is for one year and can be renewed another two times. Aside from special circumstances, a maximum 3-year period is allowed.

Step 5: Complete 5th year psychology

You may be enrolled in a one-year Master of Professional Psychology, a two-year Master of Psychology, or a Doctoral program. Your 5th year will be comprised of coursework and supervised placements. Generally, this clinical experience will be unpaid, though it depends on the employer and nature of duties.

Step 6: Complete pre-registration education and training

Students enrolled in the 5+1 pathway will do an internship program for their 6th year, which is normally paid. For the higher degree pathway, coursework and student placements continue until degree completion.

Step 7: Apply for jobs and general registration

Apply to be a registered psychologist at program completion. Graduates can enter the workforce as provisional psychologists, converting to registered psychologist once their application is approved. Otherwise, provisional registration will lapse 12 months after it was last renewed.

Pay Rates

Provisional psychologists doing internships are paid at the bottom of the pay scale for the profession. Based on award rates in the three most populous states, they can expect to earn around in $71,003 initially.

In the New South Wales public sector, provisional psychologists are in the category "Psychologist in Training". They receive a starting salary of $74,742 in their first year of service, progressing to $78,595 in the second year. Until they meet the criteria for full registration and are registered, they cannot progress past this salary rate.
In Victoria Health, provisional psychologists, classified as Grade 1, start their careers with salaries ranging from $61,519 in their first year to $89,445 in their eighth year as of 2024. Provisional psychologists include "4+2" (now closed) and "5+1" interns working towards meeting registration requirements under supervision.
In Queensland Health, the salary for a provisional psychologist is $76,747 in their first year. The pay grade "Health Practitioner, Level 3" typically applies to allied health graduates.