Important Update Commencement of Internship

Important Update for 5+1 Interns and Supervisors

Following a significant number of enquiries from 5+1 interns seeking clarification about commencing their internship after lodging the INPP-76 form, we have undertaken a detailed review of the most recent documentation issued by the Psychology Board of Australia and Ahpra.

Key Update

The previous wording from section 3.8 of the 5+1 Internship Guidlienes that required Board approval before commencing direct client contact has now been removed from the official documentation.

The following statements remain current:

INPP-76 Form – Internship Program Plan Section D, Question 7 states:

“Supervision will be deemed to commence from the date on which the internship program plan is signed, provided it is subsequently approved. You may accrue client contact hours through direct client contact once your supervisor has deemed you ready to do so. You do not have to wait for the Board to approve your plan.”

5+1 Internship Guidelines Section 3.1.2 states:

“Ahpra will assess the internship program plan and only approve it once the degree has been completed. Provisional psychologists can start their internship immediately after lodging the plan. The provisional psychologist can begin to accrue client contact hours through simulated client contact and, once the supervisor assesses they are ready, through direct client contact.”

What This Means in Practice

In light of this clarification, we now support:

• Commencement of supervision from the date the INPP-76 form is lodged with the Board.

• Accrual of client contact hours (including direct client contact) once the principal supervisor has assessed and approved readiness.

• No requirement to wait for formal Board approval before beginning practice.

However, it is essential that interns understand:

• If the INPP-76 form is not ultimately approved by the Board, any practice or supervision hours completed during that period will not be counted toward the internship program.

Supervisor Discretion Remains Central

Approval to commence direct client contact remains at the discretion of the principal supervisor.

The initial supervision session provides an opportunity to:

• Assess the supervisee’s readiness,

• Confirm workplace supports and safeguards,

• Outline any preparatory steps required before direct client contact begins,

• Clarify documentation and risk management expectations.

A Welcome Clarification

We anticipate this clarification will be welcome news for many 5+1 interns. It provides greater flexibility in commencement processes while maintaining appropriate supervisory oversight and professional safeguards.

As always, supervisors and interns are encouraged to carefully review official documentation and ensure compliance with current regulatory requirements.