Course Details

Course TitlePreparation for Board Certification in Police & Public Safety Psychology
Date Varies
ProviderCONCEPT Continuing & Professional Studies (Palo Alto University)
Phone650-434-2381
Emailcaps@paloaltou.edu
Website https://training.concept.paloaltou.edu/courses/Preparation-for-American-Board-Police-and-Public-Safety-Psychology-Board-Certification
LocationPalo Alto
Credit Hours3
Instructor(s)Jeni McCutcheon, PsyD, ABPP & Gary Fischler, PhD, ABPP
Method of InstructionOnline (Asynchronous/Self-paced)
Approving AgencyAPA
Course Syllabus

Course Description


NOTE: This 6 hour CEU course is approved for 3 hours of POST CPE credit.

This self-paced training on Preparing for Board Certification in Police & Public Safety Psychology is presented by Jeni McCutcheon, PsyD, ABPP & Gary Fischler, PhD, ABPP. Psychologists who practice in police and public safety psychology (PPSP) often choose to have their competence recognized through board certification by the American Board of Police and Public Safety Psychology (ABPPSP), one of the 15 specialty boards of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). This program is presented by the current National Chair of Examinations (NCE) and his immediate predecessor, and will describe the distinctive PPSP knowledge areas, including cultural competence; ethical, legal and practice standards; essential PPSP functions; and the unique aspects of police and public safety personnel and organizations. It will describe the benchmarks and foundational PPSP competencies necessary to practice in its four primary domains: assessment, clinical intervention, operational support, and organizational consultation. The program will provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply for board certification, including preparing the Practice Sample, choosing work samples, and technical submission requirements. An overview of the board certification process, including submitting the initial application, submitting the Practice Sample, obtaining feedback from the Practice Sample Review Committee, and the Oral Examination process, will be provided. This course covers how to create and implement a plan to obtain the knowledge and experience needed to apply for board certification, to experience the benefits of board certification, to succeed in the application and examination process, and to identify helpful resources.

Course Objectives

  • Describe the benefits of board certification in police and public safety psychology

  • Describe the process by which a psychologist demonstrates competence through board certification

  • Describe the role of a professional mentor in the board certification process

  • Describe the differences between the four primary domains and functional competencies in police and public safety psychology

  • Describe resources to assist in becoming a board-certified specialist