In what capacity do provisional licenses operate?

Provisional licenses in the field of psychology are designed to allow individuals to gain practical experience under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. This approach ensures that provisional licensees are still developing their skills and competencies while actively participating in the field. The requirement for continued supervision is vital because it provides a safety net for both the provisional licensee and the clients they serve, ensuring that the provisional licensee's work is overseen by a licensed professional who can provide immediate feedback and guidance.

This structure is meant to facilitate learning in a real-world environment while still maintaining a high standard of care. By operating under supervision, provisional licensees are better equipped to transition into full licensure upon meeting the necessary requirements, including completing the required hours of supervised experience and adhering to ethical and professional standards.

The other choices, while they may describe various attributes of licenses in certain contexts, do not accurately reflect how provisional licenses function in practice.