33.1: How Do You Become a SEPP Practitioner?

Depending upon the country in which students undertake training and the timing of pursuing psychology studies during an individual’s career, some will identify early that they wish to become a sport, exercise, and performance psychologist, whilst others will not make such a decision until choosing the area in which postgraduate psychology studies is required. Given the field of SEPP is diverse and varied in the type of work that a psychologist can do, whilst presenting more opportunities,it can often also be challenging to those looking to enter the field to gain understanding exactly what they want to do in the field (Eubank & Tod, 2019).

My decision to become a sport and exercise psychologist (i.e., performance psychologist) occurred early on, when contemplating life after a career as a professional ballet dancer. Experiencing a significant injury leading into my final year of pre-professional training led me to seek professional assistance, which in the early 1990s was sparse in terms of practitioners with an understanding of the context of performing arts. This led to exploring the types of psychology training that were available in Australia at the time, and I discovered sport and exercise psychology, which appeared to be the closest thing I could find regarding the application of psychology to performance outcomes (see Moyle, 2019a).

Regardless of when interest in the area of SEPP arises, it is important for those wanting to become a sport and exercise psychologist to clearly understand the training and accreditation requirements of the respective country they plan to study and/or work in. Ill-informed decisions regarding courses and training pathways can mean that accreditation and/or registration requirements are not met, which can be a costly exercise in both time and money.

33.1.1. Training and Accreditation

In Australia, those interested in the SEPP area have to undertake a specific training pathway of at least six years to achieve general registration as a Psychologist, and a further two years of supervised practice within a Registrar program to achieve “endorsement” as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) implements the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, which regulates 15 health professions within Australia. Each health profession is represented by a national board and respective regional (i.e., State) boards, with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) being responsible for Psychology.

To meet general registration requirements, individuals have to undertake a four-year sequence of study in psychology within an accredited training program. This is followed by one of three pathways: (a) Either a fifth- and sixth-year Master’s degree or combined PhD/Masters or Doctorate; (b) Fifth year degree plus one-year internship; or (c) Two-year internship program¹. Upon acceptance into an accredited program, individuals can then apply to obtain provisional registration which allows them to practice under supervision during their upcoming training pathway. If option two or three is selected, applicants must also pass the National Psychology Exam to obtain general registration (see Figure 33.1).

Figure 33.1. AHPRA Pathways to Registration

Image credit: www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration/General

Post-general registration, psychologists can apply for endorsement in one of the nine recognised psychology disciplines in Australia (i.e., clinical neuropsychology, clinical, community, counseling, educational and developmental, forensic, health, organisational, and sport and exercise). This involves completion of an accredited discipline-specific postgraduate program (i.e., Masters, Masters/PhD,or Doctorate), plus approximately two years of postgraduation supervision in the area of endorsement by an approved and endorsed supervisor within a Registrar Program (see Figure 33.2). Once completed, psychologists then qualify to become ”endorsed” in that area of practice (i.e., sport and exercise psychology) and are entitled to use the legally protected titles associated with the discipline (e.g., Sport and Exercise Psychologist, Sport and Exercise Psychology).

Figure 33.2. AHPRA Pathways to Endorsement

Image credit: www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Endorsement/Pathways-to-endorsement

Within the Australian context, practitioners are trained in general psychological skills and knowledge first, and as psychologists with expertise in working within sport, exercise, and performance settings second (Sebbens et al., 2012). This provides a broader education and training base, and focuses upon working with individuals as whole people, not ”just” athletes or performing artists—that is, it is more than performance enhancement or mental skills training alone. Aligned with this approach is the accreditation of postgraduate programs, whereby the course approvals and accreditation processes ensure that courses incorporate achievement of general competencies that are consistent across all psychologists (see Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, 2019), plus the additional competencies that uniquely distinguish each of the nine endorsement areas from one another (see Psychology Board of Australia, 2019).

33.1.1.1. Becoming a Psychologist and/or Working in Other Countries

Whether exploring local requirements or considering working in another country, it is important for future practitioners to understand the varying accreditation, registration, licensed and/or chartered status requirements of training and practicing as a psychologist. In most countries, psychology is a regulated health profession which means that it is protected by law, and therefore operating or calling oneself a Psychologist and/or Sport and Exercise Psychologist when previous training might not meet the statutory requirements could result in formal notifications, legal charges, or significant fines. Whilst there are similarities between some countries regarding training, practicum, or internship requirements to meet accreditation or registration standards, many pathways possess nuances that can vary in their occurrence whether at undergraduate, postgraduate, or internship stages within the training process. Therefore, it is essential that when investigating options, that individuals obtain the correct advice.

Further Information:

• Canada - https://cpa.ca/students/career/becomingapsychologist/
• Europe - www.europsy.eu/quality-and-standards/europsy-basic/national-requirements
• South Africa - www.hpcsa.co.za
• UK - https://careers.bps.org.uk/area/sport-exercise/how-do-i-become-one
• USA - www.apa.org/support/us
• Asia & South America – Various pathways dependent upon country and regulatory frameworks (see Schinke, McGannon, & Smith, 2016).

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Reference

¹ The 4+2 internship pathway closes on 30^th June 2022.