REGULATING PSYCHOLOGISTS IN NOVA SCOTIA SINCE 1980

Psychologists Currently Registered to Practice in Canada but outside AB & NWT

This section is intended for applicants who possess registration as a psychologist in Canada, but outside Alberta and the Northwest Territories, that enables them to practice psychology.

Note: Psychologists registered in Alberta and the Northwest Territories are required to use the following section.  Psychologists registered in AB and the NWT please click here to complete the process.

For greater clarity, this section is not intended for those who:

  • possess registration in a country outside of Canada
  • possess registration with a psychology regulatory body that constitutes a provisional type of registration
  • possess registration as a psychologist but in a category that does not authorize the practice of psychology, e.g., retired registration, non-practising registration, etc.
  • possess registration in another jurisdiction but not with a psychology regulatory body, e.g., counselling, marriage and family therapy, etc.

The Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology works hard to make the registration process as easy to understand as possible. Application information is available under the Section of the website “Psychologists Registered to Practice in Canada” here.

The Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology Registry Criteria

Under The Nova Scotia Regulated Health Professions Act and the Psychology Regulations, Regulations & NSBEP Policy, applicants registered in another Canadian jurisdiction, who want to qualify for a transfer of registration with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology, must meet the following criteria:

For clarity registration must be with a regulator specifically recognized in the province.  Pursuant to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (“CFTA”), “regulatory authority” means a department, ministry, or similar agency of government of a Party or a non-governmental body that exercises authority delegated by law.
For a link to acceptable regulatory bodies, please click here.

Nova Scotia registers entry level applicants with reference to specific areas of practice (clinical, counselling, school, forensic, clinical neuropsychological, industrial/organizational) which typically relates to the formal training that they have received and/or authorized by the home jurisdiction. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), the NSBEP will authorize you for the practice area(s) you possess in your home jurisdiction. The NSBEP will not authorize additional areas to those authorized in the home jurisdiction without evidence that one is competent in the additional area of practice. For more information, please see the section on Work Experience in the following document:
https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Registration_Requirements_CanadianPsychologists.pdf

As part of their Psychological Practice Profile in the application, applicants complete an attestation indicating the language(s) in which they are comfortable providing services.

All applicants to the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology are required to complete a Declaration of Competence, Capacity and Character as part of their application. The Declaration requires applicants to provide details about their current and past conduct.
Appropriate Competence, Capacity and Character are on-going expectations of registrants of the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology to safely and ethically practise. Registrants, as members of a self-regulating health profession, are required to provide declarations to the NSBEP as part of their initial application and at the time of their annual registration renewal process.

Prior to registration with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology, applicants are required to attest that they have reviewed the relevant local jurisprudence, standards, and resources. For information purposes, a document on the Attestation Process is accessible directly below.
https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Information_Attestation.pdf

You may begin compiling documents and completing your application for registration prior to arriving in Canada.

Important: Under the Psychology Regulations, the NSBEP cannot grant registration or issue a licence until you provide proof that you are either:

  • a Canadian citizen, or
  • permanently entitled to live and work in Canada (permanent resident), or
  • legally entitled to work in Canada under a valid work permit that allows the practice of psychology.

You may begin compiling documents and complete your application to the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology prior to arriving in Nova Scotia, if applicable.

For a visual flowchart of the registration process please visit the following URL: Psychologists registered in Canada, click here for a chart providing an overview of the Registration Process

A link is also provided directly below which provides an outline of costs related to the registration process with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology: https://www.ns-rp.ca/applicants/listing-of-fees-for-all-applicants/

Registration Steps with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology for Psychologists Fully Registered in Canada.

2.1 Complete the Online Application Form

2.1 a) Here is a link to the Online Application Guide which should be reviewed before starting with the Online Application:
https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Online_Transfer_Application_Guide.pdf

2.1 b) Here is a link to the actual Online Application System:
https://secure.nsbep.org/applicant_login.php

2.2 Provide Supporting Documentation to accompany your Application (included as part of the online application but listed below)

2.2.1 Curriculum Vitae
2.2.2 Photo ID
2.2.3 Criminal check
2.2.4 Child Abuse Check / Declaration

For more information about the supporting documentation mentioned above,  consult the explanatory PDF below:
https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Supporting_Documentation.pdf

2.3 Arrange for Confirmation of Standing Form to be completed and provided to the NSBEP by all jurisdictions where registration as a psychologist is held
This form is part of the online application form, but it can also be accessed below:
https://www.ns-rp.ca/confirmation-of-standing-form/ 

Once all requirements of your application are completed and the application is submitted, the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology will review your application.  The assessment process and criteria is outlined in the following PDF:
https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Registration_Requirements_CanadianPsychologists.pdf

Application Timelines for CFTA Transfers 
The NSBEP aims to process complete applications for eligible interprovincial transfers (or denial) within 5 business days of receipt. A complete application includes all information and supporting documentation necessary for the NSBEP to make a decision. If additional information or documentation is required, the application process will take longer. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Note: To align with our monthly review cycle for other registration items, we encourage submission by the 15th of the month. See the NSBEP Meeting Dates page for details.

Once the NSBEP has completed its assessment of your application materials, the registration decision will typically be sent to you via email.

There are two possible outcomes following this assessment by the NSBEP:

  1. If it is determined that you meet the requirements of a transfer, the NSBEP may approve your name for placement on the Register of Psychologists, pending your completion of the Attestation Process. The Attestation Process is required in order for applicants to review and familiarize themselves with local jurisprudence.
    Temporary registration is available, if required while one is waiting for their application to be reviewed.
  2. If you do not meet the criteria for transfer, the NSBEP must decline the Transfer application.In the event that your application is declined, you will be informed in writing of the criteria not met and provided with the opportunity to appeal this decision.  Please review the process here: https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Registration_Appeal_Process.pdf

Once an application for registration is approved for placement on the Register of Psychologists, the NSBEP requires the applicant to complete the Attestation Process

Once the Attestation is completed, and the registration fee is paid, the applicant is registered with the NSBEP. Information concerning the registration fees and professional liability requirements is outlined via this link:
https://www.ns-rp.ca/about-nsbep/all-fees/

For More Information:

1. Online Application Guide
https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Online_Transfer_Application_Guide.pdf
2. Supporting Documentation Explanatory PDF
https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Supporting_Documentation.pdf
3. Information concerning the Attestation Process:
https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Information_Attestation.pdf
4. Registration Requirements and Criteria
https://www.ns-rp.ca/downloads/Registration_Requirements_CanadianPsychologists.pdf

We welcome enquiries by either phone or email.  However, email may offer the opportunity for you to receive a considered response and often makes communication more efficient as the applicant and the NSBEP Office may be in different time zones.  If you have asked for a reply, a staff member will answer your email as soon as possible. We aim to respond within 24-48 hours on working days but may respond more quickly if we are able to do so. The NSBEP staff and contact information is available via the contact us page: https://www.ns-rp.ca/contact-us/
  1. Association of Canadian Psychology Regulatory Organizations (ACPRO)
    http://www.acpro-aocrp.ca/
  2. Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS)
    http://apns.ca/ 
  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
    http://www.cpa.ca/
  4. Fair Registration Practices Act (FRPA) Office
    https://novascotia.ca/lae/RplLabourMobility/FRP.asp
  5. Careers Nova Scotia
    https://careers.novascotia.ca/
We welcome your comments. Is there:
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  • content that can be clarified?
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Please note this section is for visitors to submit comments. Submissions through this form are not responded to. Please see the “Contact Us” section if you are making an enquiry and wish to receive a response.

CONTACT Us

  • Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology
  • Email: nsbep@nsbep.org
  • Phone: 902-423-2238
  • Mailing and Courier Address below (all couriers accepted)
  • 103-287 Lacewood Dr., Suite 331 Halifax NS B3M 3Y7
  • Please enclose documents in an envelope or package for secure handling.

BUSINESS HOURS

  • Monday - Friday
  • 9:00AM - 1:00PM
  • Excluding Statuatory Holidays

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis:


  • The Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology (NSRP) is a regulatory body that oversees the practice of psychology to ensure public safety and professional standards. We do not provide emergency services, crisis intervention, or referrals to psychologists.

    For immediate support, please contact one of the following confidential mental health and addictions services:
  • Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167 (24/7 support)
  • Emergency Services: Call 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department
  • Mental Health and Addictions Intake: 1-855-922-1122 (to access community-based services)
  • For non-emergency inquiries about finding a psychologist, you may contact the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) at https://apns.ca/ for referral information.

Copyright © 2021 Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology.