Introduction

In a statement made on the 4th of February 2025, the HPCSA introduced a new registration conversion programme called the Developmental Pathways Programme. While this announcement presents new opportunities for psychologists, many practitioners still have questions about how this pathway will be implemented. At Cognition & Co, we wanted to highlight the key takeaways from the official document we received to help clarify the process.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Developmental Pathways Programme, a practitioner must have been registered with the HPCSA for a minimum of three (3) years. Additionally, they must have been actively engaged in practice and compliant with CPD requirements during this time.

The definition of “practice” is broad and includes any role where a psychologist applies their professional skills, whether in clinical work, research, teaching, administration, policy development, or advisory roles. The HPCSA requires applicants to submit a detailed history of their professional practice, including any gaps in employment and the reasons for them.

Categories Available for Conversion

The Developmental Pathways Programme allows registered psychologists to apply for conversion into any of the following categories:

• Clinical Psychologist
• Counselling Psychologist
• Educational Psychologist
• Industrial Psychologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Research Psychologist
• Registered Counsellor
• Psychometrist

Requirements for Transitioning

Practitioners who wish to transition into a new category must choose one category and submit a comprehensive application, including all necessary documentation. This application must include a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating experience relevant to the new registration category.

Once an application is approved, the practitioner is required to complete a 12-month internship in the new category before writing the National Board Examination. Only after successfully passing the exam can they be registered in their new category with the HPCSA.

Internship Considerations

One of the most significant aspects of the Developmental Pathways Programme is the internship requirement. Applicants must secure an internship placement on their own, as the HPCSA does not allocate internship sites. The internship may be completed in a private practice setting, provided it meets the minimum standards for the new registration category.

It is important to note that the internship must be pre-approved before commencement, and any hours completed before approval will not be counted. Additionally, the HPCSA does not mandate that internships be paid, meaning that remuneration is at the discretion of the internship site.

Appeals and Responsibilities

If an application is unsuccessful, the practitioner has the right to appeal the decision. However, all applicants are responsible for ensuring that their internship program adheres to the minimum competency standards for their chosen category. These standards must be met before applying for registration in the new category.

Additional Considerations

This programme provides an opportunity for career growth and specialization within psychology without requiring a full retraining process. However, the commitment required—including an additional internship and another board exam—should not be underestimated. Practitioners interested in applying should carefully assess the feasibility of meeting all the requirements before beginning the application process. We are certain that the HPCSA will provide more details about the Developmental Pathway Programme in the coming months; Cognition & Co will do our best to stay up-to-date with any developments in this area.