NOC 31200: Psychologists

What psychologists do

Psychologists assess and diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients, provide therapy, conduct research and apply theory relating to behaviour and mental processes. Psychologists help clients work toward the maintenance and enhancement of psychological, physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning. They work in private practice or in clinics, correctional facilities, hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centres, community service organizations, businesses, schools and universities, and in government and private research agencies.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Examine and assess behaviour, diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients and provide therapy
• Help clients manage physical illness and disorders
• Counsel individuals and groups to achieve more effective personal, social and vocational development and adjustment, and offer mediation services
• Use standard psychological tests for assessment
• Plan intervention programs and conduct program evaluation
• Apply psychological theory and principles regarding behaviour and mental processes such as learning, language development, memory and perception to develop treatment programs
• Formulate hypotheses and experimental designs, review literature, conduct studies and publish research papers, educational texts and articles
• Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops or symposia
• Provide consultation services to government and other organizations.
• Conduct applied psychology and/or experimental research.
• Sub-specialties include behavioural psychology, child psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, industrial psychology, neuropsychology, social psychology or sports psychology.

Job titles under NOC 31200

12 job titles are classified here, including clinical psychologist, psychological associate, psychologist.

• chartered psychologist
• child psychologist
• clinical psychologist
• educational psychologist
• neuropsychologist
• provisional psychologist
• psychological associate
• psychologist
• registered psychologist
• research psychologist
• school psychologist
• sports psychologist

Employment requirements

• A doctoral degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation "Psychologist" in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
• A master's degree in psychology is required for the designation "Psychologist" in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
• A master's degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation "Psychological Associate" in Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
• A period of supervised practical experience is required in most jurisdictions.
• Successful completion of the written Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is required in most provinces.
• Oral examinations and board interviews are required in some provinces.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
• Written ethics and jurisprudence exams may be required in some jurisdictions.
• Psychologists can become specialized in a particular area through training and experience.

Psychologists wages in Canada

Low, median and high hourly wages from Job Bank’s 2025 wage data. Annual figures assume full-time work (1,950 hours a year).

Not in this group

Similar jobs classified under a different NOC code:

• Psychiatrist (NOC 31100)
• Psychology assistant (except university) (NOC 41403)
• Psychology professor - university (NOC 41200)
• Psychology research assistant (except university) (NOC 12113)
• Psychometrist (NOC 41409)
• Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301)

Frequently asked questions

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