Evaluation Of Foundational Knowledge In Psychology As Required By The
(Amended) MRA
All applicants for initial registration with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in
Psychology must be evaluated on their acquisition of a broad base of knowledge in the
field of Psychology on which they can build the core competencies in Psychology within
their areas of interest and expertise. Canadian Psychology Regulators agreed to evaluate
applicants seeking entry to the profession on the following foundational knowledge areas
by July 1, 2004.
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Applicants should identify at least one full credit psychology course or two halfcredit psychology courses (graduate and/or undergraduate beyond introductory
courses in each of the following four general areas of study in Psychology.
For clarity, we are looking for at least 1 course that took place over the duration
of two semesters or at least 2 courses that took place over the duration of one
semester.
Introductory courses (e.g. “intro to…”) are not acceptable.
Please include both title and a brief course description for any courses listed
below
Graduates from a doctoral program in psychology that is accredited by the
Canadian Psychological Association are deemed to meet the Foundational
Knowledge criterion set out in the criteria for Degrees in Psychology Acceptable
to the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology. As such, graduates of a
CPA Accredited Program are not required to list coursework in the section of the
application concerning Foundational Knowledge.
1. Knowledge in the biological bases of behaviour (for example, physiological
psychology, comparative psychology, neurophysiology, sensation and perception,
psychopharmacology)
2. Knowledge of the cognitive-affective bases of behaviour (for example, learning,
cognition, motivation, emotion)
3. Knowledge of the social bases of behaviour (for example, social psychology, group
processes, community psychology, environmental psychology, organizational and
systems theory, cultural issues)
4. Knowledge of psychology of the individual (for example, personality theory, human
development, psychopathology, individual differences)