Texas requires psychologists to complete 1,750 internship hours within a doctoral program and 1,750 internship hours after graduating for a total of 3,500 hours. An exception is made for individuals with industrial/organizational psychology degrees. They can complete all 3,500 hours after graduating. However, the administrative code states that psychologists cannot practice outside of their area of training. Are they saying that I/O psychologists can only practice I/O psychology? They can legally do that without a license. https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=22&pt=21&ch=463&rl=11
In one of the other threads recently someone was saying their state required licensure for I/O. Without additional knowledge, I would read what you posted to mean that they are required to have a license and it does list "must." The difference is instead of an internship they just need 3500 hours of work supervision, 1.5 years or so at 40+ hours a week at a normal job with an I/O supervisor. If they aren't required, and there are no benefits to doing s0 (maybe there is) and it takes more than just "normal" working time/effort, it would be strange for someone to pursue it. It reminds me of concealed carry in AK. You can concealed carry in AK without a permit if you are over 21 years old and allowed to own a handgun. If for some reason you want to have a permit they have a process/law for you to get one.
This is Texas' definition of the practice of psychology. I guess I/O psychologists are covered under the part that talks about organizational effectiveness and presenting oneself to the public as a psychologist. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.501.htm When I search for I/O job openings in Texas, the titles are "specialist," "consultant," "partner," "associate," and "analyst." The job titles don't have "psychologist" in them, so this is probably why people in the I/O psych field don't need to be licensed. Also, most of these jobs don't require a doctoral degree.
Because in most if not all states they are required to if they want to use the term "Psychologist". Their association has tried to lobby against that requirement and as noted there are modified requirements in some states.
Considering that a master's degree is the standard for I/O psychology, it sounds like a waste of time and money to earn a doctorate just to become licensed. I/O psych professionals usually earn a doctorate to make themselves more marketable as consultants, but neither a doctorate nor a license is required for that.
Interesting. Perhaps that's in case an Arkansan wants to CC in a state where Arkansas has reciprocity?
You are correct about the motive. Reciprocity is the only reason but since the standard is relatively low it isn’t one of the more recognized states.