What is the major difference between a provisional license and a full license?

The key distinction between a provisional license and a full license lies in the requirement for continued supervision. A provisional license is often granted to individuals who are in the process of completing their training or accumulating the necessary experience to qualify for a full license. As part of this transitional phase, individuals with a provisional license typically must work under the supervision of a fully licensed professional. This supervision ensures that the provisional licensee receives guidance and feedback, promoting their development and safeguarding the interests of clients.

In contrast, a full license allows psychologists to operate independently without the need for supervision, indicating that they have met all educational, training, and examination requirements set forth by the licensing authority. This independence is crucial for practicing as a licensed psychologist, as it validates that the individual has demonstrated competence in the field.

Other aspects, like licensing fees or geographical restrictions, do not fundamentally differentiate between provisional and full licenses as they can vary independently of the licensing status. Similarly, practice area limitations do not inherently arise from the distinction in licensing status but may depend on the individual's specific qualifications, training, or the regulations set by the state licensing board.