The specific requirements for licensing depend on the state where you live, so be sure to check state law's in the area where you plan to practice. In many cases, you will be required to complete a specific period of supervised residency work (often one to two years) after earning your graduate degree. Finally, you will then need to pass the required exams, which may include both oral and written components.
Becoming a psychologist can be a long, challenging and sometimes frustrating process, but the rewards can be well worth the efforts. After putting in long hours studying, training and working towards earning your degree and becoming a licensed psychologist, you can finally begin putting the skills and knowledge you have acquired to good use.
References:
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm
2Richmond, R.L. (2009) To become a psychologist. Guide to Psychology and Its Practice. Found online at http://www.guidetopsychology.com/be_psy.htm
