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CREDENTIALS and CERTIFICATES, Description and Q & A |
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 1. Board Certified Sport Psychologist-Diplomate
This is the highest credential that can be obtained through the ABSP. It signifies that the holder has advanced training and experience in Sport Psychology and is especially aware of ethical, methodological, and research issues associated with the application of methods to enhance the psychological performance of athletes. Board Certified Sport Psychologists study the efficacy of their interventions on an on-going basis to insure clients receive reliable interventions and services based on methods having a high degree of ecological validity.
Continuing education requirements also insure the public that Board Certified Sport Psychologists are kept up-to-date on the latest advances in Sport Psychology.
Although some holders of the Diplomate and Certified Sport Psychologist credential are also licensed or certified clinical, counseling, health, or applied psychologists, the professional board certified sport psychology and diplomate credentials signify advanced competence and knowledge relative to enhancing the performance of athletes.
These credentials should be considered independent of clinical and similiar specialties. In other words, holders of the board certified and diplomate credential are trained and certified to practice sport and performance psychology in its own right outside of the scope or domain of clinical, counseling, or health psychology, an important distinction.
2. Board Certified Sport Psychologist
See above. Diplomates are distinguished from this category of credential on the basis of having more post-doctoral experience (at least 3 years) than a Board Certified Sport Psychologist and having passed a rigorous written and oral diplomate's examination.
3. Master Coach of Sport Psychology
Holders of this credential have a graduate degree in psychology or closely related field. It is the credential of choice for non-psychologist practitioners in Sport Psychology.
This credential is especially valuable for coaches, physical education teachers, and trainers who have advanced degrees and are interested in learning about the latest research in Sport Psychology, as well as interventions (mental training) designed to enhance the psychological performance of athletes.
It is also available to psychologists new to Sport Psychology. The curriculum (certification program) fulfills the Additional training in Sport Psychology and Experience/Practice requirement for eventual board certification.
Holders of this certificate have completed a rigorous academic and applied curriculum and training program in Sport Psychology.
4. Certified Coach of Sport Psychology
Holders of this credential usually are coaches and certified teachers of specific sports (e.g., tennis teachers, golf instructors). This credential is also ideal for physical education teachers, recreation department instructors and coaches not possessing a graduate degree.
In addition, it is ideal for athletes who want to learn about Sport Psychology outside the context of being a reciprient of mental training interventions.
Holders have completed a comprehensive curriculum in Sport Psychology.
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- I'm a Clinical Psychologist, why should I pursue a special credential, afterall I can call myself a Sport Psychologist anyway?
The APA code of ethics deems that psychologists only practice within the scope of their competence and training. Unless you have special training or unique experience in Sport Psychology you should seek additional training.
The American Board of Sport Psychology training leads to the only credential(s) that specifically conveys to colleagues and the public that the holder is a doctoral level Psychologist and Board Certified Sport Psychologist.
Other organizations offer hybrid designations that do not distinquish doctorate holders in psychology or psychologists from persons holding other degrees (e.g., Ph.D. in Physical Education).
The ABSP credential was conceived of to help Psychologists gain recognition for competence and specialization as a SPORT PSYCHOLOGIST and provide a recognized title for psychologists only; BOARD CERTIFIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGIST (a designation other degree holders cannot legally use). |
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- Why should I pursue a Master or Certified Coach credential?
If you are a psychologist new to Sport Psychology, the curriculum and training offered in these programs can function as a stepping-stone to eventual board certification.
For other practitioners (e.g., coaches, teachers); you will gain insight into the latest research and methods of practice in Sport Psychology. The ABSP programs emphasize critical thinking, learning to engage in research, and evaluating the effectiveness of sport psychological interventions. You will be ahead of the competition once you complete the ABSP program, and in the end your athletes and clients will benefit the most.
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