Psychpolitics

Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: Exodus 31:6

The 2021 Psychology regulations which were implemented under Dr Zirima’s watch have clarified how persons register to become interns and then requirements needed to be fulfilled to become a fully registered psychologist. It’s been clear to us that though the Psychology regulations of 2021 is clear on the requirements to register as a psychologist, this is what is often taken for granted as common knowledge is not that obvious and common. As Society of Zambezi Psychology– an association which serves the interests of psychology– we hereby set the common to be very common by laying out a step-by-step approach to register as a psychologist in Zimbabwe. Our aim is that if one follows this step-by-step approach it will be easy for that person to get registered as an intern psychologist.

The first step requires one to have a base qualification. That is to possess at least five Ordinary level passes including English, Mathematics, and a Science subject (p7,8 2021 Psychology Regulations). This part is most common as most Universities use it as the standard guide for their admissions requirements.

The second step requires one to have a 3-4 year honors degree in psychology that is approved by Allied Health Practitioner Council of Zimbabwe (AHPCZ). An honors degree in psychology is clearly stated on p7 2021 Psychology Regulations as a key requirement. In areas where a master’s in that area is yet to be available at a local university one can be allowed to register in a particular category as an intern without a master’s degree. This is laid out under section 14 on transition (p26 2021 Psychology Regulations).

The third step is to have a master’s degree in psychology in the category one seeks to be registered. This as of 2021 is mandatory as psychology is defined as a Master’s Practice in Psychology Regulations of March 2021 (p14). This means for one to register as a psychologist as of 2021 one needs to be in possession of a Master’s in psychology qualification in the relevant category of registration(p7, 2021 Psychology Regulations) For instance, an MSc in Educational Psychology holder can register in the category of Educational Psychology.

The fourth step is to find a supervisor who can supervise your internship work for one year. Usually, such information is found in member associations such as the Society of Zambezi Psychology (SZP) and Zimbabwe Psychology Association (ZPA). One can also directly contact AHPCZ requesting for such information, or they can simply check with their website. When a supervisor has been found and agreed, he/she provides a letter proving that such agreement has been made. That letter, together with the stated requirements of academic qualifications as stated from step one to three, must be presented to AHPCZ for review. If they are satisfied the AHPCZ will for a fee issue one a practice certificate together with a registration certificate as an intern psychologist in a specific category.

Step five involves the actual internship at a registered institution (usually public institutions). A maximum of six months is permitted for one to do internship in private practice. However, if one fails to secure placement at a public institution one can write to the board and seek approval to finish their internship in private practice. After the one year Allied Health Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (AHPCZ) supervised internship practice one has to submit a file(contains work done during internship as required in the syllabus) electronically to AHPCZ (p16 Psychology Regulations). When one passes, they are called for a virtual Board Exam (p15, 2021 Psychology Regulations).The pass mark is 60% (p16 2021 Psychology Regulations). If one passes the board exams one can then enter private practice, but the first year one practice with an experienced registered psychologist in their category of registration(p25, 2021 Psychology Regulations).

As Society of Zambezi Psychology (SZP) we look forward to see you practicing competently for the better of psychology.

Prosper K Mushauri

SZP Coordinator