The 2030 Criteria come into effect for any and all applications received on or after January 1, 2030. This is almost 4 years from now. That means that if you are currently enrolled in a graduate degree, you have almost 4 years to complete that program and apply under the current (2023) Criteria. If you are about to begin said program (say in 2026), you would still have about 3 years to complete that program and apply. If you cannot complete your program and apply under the current Criteria (i.e., before January 1, 2030), then you will need to ensure that your program meets the new 2030 Criteria and/or you are prepared to fulfill all remaining requirements extra to (or outside) your degree(s). 

Said another way, if you are already enrolled in a graduate program in hopes of registering as a psychologist in the future, you should either:

1. Submit a COMPLETE application to have your academic credentials reviewed prior to January 1, 2030. In this case, the current (2023) Criteria in effect will apply and your application will not be evaluated using the 2030 Criteria. OR:
2. Ensure that your program fulfills our 2030 Criteria if you plan to apply on or after January 1, 2030. (If it doesn't, you may begin to seek out alternative options for fulfilling the 2030 Criteria.)

This is very important. A complete application is an application that includes a correctly and fully completed application form, accompanied by all corresponding documents, and fee payment.

Sometimes applicants will partially or even entirely fill out and submit an application form, thinking this constitutes an application by a certain date. However, it does not. An application must be complete to be considered for review by CAP. Thus, the date that will determine which criteria are used in an evaluation is the date when a complete application is received by CAP. If an application form is filled out incorrectly, this causes delays that also constitute an incomplete application, even if payment and documents have been received.

You should start your application process as early as possible, including reading everything on our webpages, preparing all parts of your application, and having your required documents sent to CAP as early as possible. You cannot apply before you graduate, just as always, but you can be on top of what the process requires to reduce delays. If you wait until the last minute (i.e., the last few months of 2029), it may be very difficult to ensure your documents and a correct application are received by us. 

CAP-approved programs are currently collaborating with CAP regarding updated approvals under the 2030 Criteria. If you are expecting to graduate before 2030, you should apply to CAP before January 1, 2030 to ensure you are accepted under our current criteria. 

If you are expecting to graduate in 2030 or after, please check back frequently for updates, as well as consulting with your program, regarding applying through the CAP-approved program pathway.