The requirements for practicing as a psychologist in South Africa are:
- A Master’s degree in Psychology
- a completed internship in the required field of practice
- successful completion of the board exam set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
The Professional Board for Psychology of the HPCSA has compiled an Ethical Code of Professional Conduct to which all psychologists are expected to adhere. In adhering to this code psychologists are committed to increasing knowledge of human behaviour and of people’s understanding of themselves and others, and to the utilization of such knowledge for the promotion of human welfare.
Psychologists are guided by the following ethical principles in the pursuit of these ideals:
- Competence
- Integrity
- Professional and Scientific Responsibility
- Respect for people’s human rights and dignity
- Concern for others’ well-being
- Social Responsibility