Consistent with its mission and objectives, and in recognition of the development of psychology around the world, the General Assembly of the International Union of Psychological Science adopted the following statement as policy in July 2006:

The International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS) supports legislative recognition, or the equivalent, of Psychology as an autonomous profession, based on established standards of education and training anchored in scientific psychology.

The Union is pleased to make this policy statement available to further the development of psychology as a profession.
For information and elaboration please contact the Union through the Secretary-General at:

                        Pierre Ritchie, Secretary General
                        pritchie@uottawa.ca
                        Fax: +1-613-562-5169

pdf file with policy statement

Background : There has been substantial interest among IUPsyS National Members about (1) psychology gaining formal recognition as an independent profession that contributes to human welfare, and  (2) providing a basis for establishing national licensing as psychologists as the profession strives to address societal needs. This goal typically leads to ‘accreditation’ of training programs and ‘certification’ of individuals. 
Accreditation and certification are commonly the initial steps toward instituting governmental recognition and licensure.  Licensure may be a necessity if psychologists are going to practice their specialties in hospital or other institutional settings and in the community in parity with other providers of services.  It is the general case that government regulation and licensure of psychologists reflects that the discipline in that country has reached a level of development and usefulness in addressing societal needs. 
In view of these developments in psychology and its capacity to provide important professional services that advance human welfare, the Assembly of the International Union of Psychological Science formally adopted a new policy at its meeting in 2006.

Letter sent to National Members January 2007