New Polish regulations impacting the psychology profession require supervised practice for those starting after May 18, 2026.
New Regulations for Psychologists in Poland
New regulations governing the profession of psychologist in Poland introduce significant changes, particularly affecting those entering the job market. The key date – May 19, 2026 – marks the boundary between the current and new procedures for obtaining full professional qualifications.
Maintaining Existing Qualifications
Individuals who begin working as psychologists no later than May 18, 2026, will retain the ability to practice under the current rules. This means they will not be required to complete an additional period of work under the supervision of a more experienced specialist. After this date, the situation will fundamentally change.
The New Supervised Practice Requirement
Starting work on May 19, 2026, or later, automatically means entering the new system. In practice, this involves a mandatory supervised practice period, encompassing approximately 150 hours of collaboration with a professional supervisor. This extends the process of obtaining full qualifications and formal authorization.
Model Aligned with Other Professions
The new regulations introduce a model similar to those functioning in other public trust professions. Young psychologists will be required to gain experience under supervision, which is intended to improve the quality of services provided, but will also lengthen entry into the market in full.
Impact on Recent Graduates
The changes will be particularly felt by recent psychology graduates and those who have not yet worked formally in the profession. The issue may also affect those performing tasks on the fringes of psychology, such as in education or HR, if their responsibilities are not clearly qualified as psychological services.
How to Meet the Requirements Before the Changes
Experts, including the Polish Psychological Society, point to several solutions to maintain existing qualifications. The key is to formally begin working in the profession before the specified date.
Possible Actions to Qualify
Possible actions include taking employment as a psychologist, starting a business (e.g., under PKD code 86.93.Z), launching unregistered activity, or providing services through platforms offering psychological support. However, it is important that the scope of duties clearly include psychological services.
The Deadline is Firm
The deadline of May 19, 2026, is absolute – there will be no possibility of supplementing or circumventing it after the fact.
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