The Old Qualification Pathway (Bachelor's + Previous Master's Degree)
Old Pathway for Qualification (Non-Abilitating Degree)
Law No. 163/2021 also includes transitional provisions specific to those who have obtained (or are obtaining) a psychology degree under the previous non-abilitating educational system and for those who have completed the professionalizing internship according to the regulations currently being phased out.
The pathway differs based on whether the candidate has completed the post-graduate internship.
A) Five-Year Degree Under the Old System
- Graduates of the five-year degree program under the old system are not affected by this reform. To obtain the qualification for the profession of Psychologist, they must follow the pre-reform pathway (according to the provisions set by the Ministerial Ordinances that govern the State Examination sessions).
According to Article 2 of Decree No. 554 of June 6, 2022, the State Examination sessions for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 are called by the Ministry of University and Research. Five years after the enactment of Law No. 163/2021, graduates who have completed their internship according to previous regulations may request to take the examination at a university offering a Master's degree in Psychology during the scheduled evaluation sessions.
B) Graduates of the 3+2 Previous System Until the Academic Year 2022/23
For graduates (or those about to graduate) of the LM-51 program under the previous non-abilitating system, Interim Decree No. 567 of June 20, 2022, specifies that:
- The practical-evaluative internship (TPV) consists of professionalizing educational activities corresponding to 30 ECTS credits completed in operational contexts at qualified external entities affiliated with universities, for a total duration of 750 hours.
- According to Decree No. 567/2022, it is no longer possible to complete the internship at Italian or foreign university facilities and laboratories.
The Ministry stipulates that all individuals who have obtained or are obtaining a Master's degree in psychology under previous non-abilitating educational systems must acquire qualification for the practice of psychology by passing:
- A practical evaluative internship, which consists of professionalizing educational activities corresponding to 30 ECTS credits at qualified external entities affiliated with universities, totaling 750 hours.
- A single practical evaluative test, which will consist of an oral exam focusing on the activities performed and the aspects of professional legislation and ethics.
An explanatory diagram of the two pathways (A and B) described above is provided below:
Last update
17.12.2024