Licensed Psychologist CE Requirements in California
This page summarizes the current CE requirements for the Licensed Psychologist (PSY) license in California — renewal model, mandated topics, live/interactive rules, and home-study limits — with links to the official regulator.
Licensed Psychologist
- Laws and Ethics — 4 hMinimum 4 hrs each renewal; part of the 36; cannot be double-counted with cultural diversity.
- Cultural Diversity and/or Social Justice — 4 hMinimum 4 hrs each renewal; part of the 36; cannot be double-counted with laws/ethics.
- Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention — 6 hOne-time requirement attested at first renewal after Jan 1, 2020; coursework OR applied experience; if satisfied by a CE course it counts toward the 36 only in the cycle taken.
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How many CE hours does a Licensed Psychologist need in California?
A Licensed Psychologist must complete 36 CE / continuing-education hours every 2 years in California. That total includes 4 hours of ethics.
Are there required CE topics for Licensed Psychologist in California?
Yes. California requires the following CE topics for Licensed Psychologist: Laws and Ethics (4 h); Cultural Diversity and/or Social Justice (4 h); Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention (6 h).
Can Licensed Psychologist CE be completed online in California?
Generally yes — California does not require live or interactive hours for Licensed Psychologist, so approved online / home-study CE can typically satisfy the requirement. Home-study note: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) model with 4 activity categories. Sponsored/structured CE (incl. APA-approved online/self-study) capped at 27 hrs/renewal; Professional Activity capped at 18 hrs; Academic capped at 18 hrs; Self-Directed Learning (within Academic) capped at 6 hrs. ABPP board certification can satisfy all 36. No mandated live/in-person hours..
What else should Licensed Psychologist renewals know in California?
Regulated by the Board of Psychology. Effective Jan 1, 2023 the board replaced traditional CE with a 36-hour biennial CPD framework across four activity categories. The 6-hour suicide training is a one-time attestation (AB 89), not recurring. As of July 2026 the 36-hr/2-yr CPD structure and the 4-hr law/ethics and 4-hr cultural diversity minimums remain current; no live/interactive minimum is imposed.