𝟱+𝟭 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀! Important Updates

An advance copy of the new 5+1 Internship Guidelines has been released, bringing changes that affect both current interns and those starting after 1 December 2025.

✅ Key points to know:

• Case studies/reports no longer required: From 1 December 2025, submission of case studies/reports to Ahpra is no longer mandatory.
• Exemption for current interns: Provisional psychologists who complete their internship and apply for general registration before 30 November 2025 are exempt from submitting case studies/reports and logbooks. Supervisors must still submit a final assessment of competence.
  (The logbook must still be reviewed regularly—e.g. weekly, or fortnightly if part-time—by the supervisor(s). If Ahpra requests the logbook, it must be submitted to Ahpra within 14 days of the request.)
• Supervisor discretion: Supervisors may still request case studies/reports or similar tasks to assess progress toward competency. These are not submitted to Ahpra but may be part of your training.

For all the details and to gain a thorough understanding of the 5+1 internship program, we encourage all current and future provisional psychologists undertaking the 5+1 internship pathway to read the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA):

• Advance copy: Guidelines for the 5+1 internship program (December 2025)
• Updated Guidelines for the 5+1 internship program – transition fact sheet

Stay informed and make sure you’re up to date before these changes take effect!

It is important to note that the updated PsyBA forms have not yet been released in line with the Advance copy: Guidelines for the 5+1 internship program (December 2025) or professional competencies for psychologists (effective 1 December 2025). It will be important for provisional psychologists and board-approved supervisors alike to keep a close eye on when these forms are released. Including but not limited to; 

• INPP-76 - Internship Program Plan (17 January 2025) 
• CHPS-76 Change of Principal Supervisor (18 September 2024)
• Final Assessment of Competence (28 October 202) 

To help you navigate some of the frequently asked questions so far, we have worked through the advance copy: Guidelines for the 5+1 internship program (December 2025) to give you a quick reference. 

FAQs 

What is the minimum required ratio for supervision for the 5+1 Internship from December 1, 2025?
There are three key sections of the 2025 5+1 Internship Guidelines that discuss both the frequency for supervision-based tasks, and minimum volume of supervision requirements as well as some recommendations. These are as follows:
5.4
It is recommended that supervision occur on a weekly basis while the provisionally registered psychologist is practising. The supervisor may vary the frequency and duration of supervision meetings during the internship according to the needs of the provisional psychologist and practice context, provided there is regular supervision for the entire duration of the program and the overall minimum supervision hours (80 hours) are met.
3.5.1
The logbook must be reviewed regularly (e.g. weekly, or fortnightly if part-time), by the supervisor(s). If Ahpra requests the logbook, it must be submitted to Ahpra within 14 days of the request.
3.4 (Table 1)
A minimum of 50 hours of total supervision must be individual supervision with the principal supervisor. 80 hours of supervision equates to approximately 1 hour of supervision for every 18 hours of practice. However, the frequency of supervision is determined by the supervisor.

At Provisional Psychologist Hub, we require a minimum of 1 hour per week of supervision (or the fortnightly equivalent) with at least 75% attendance over the year. This ensures supervisors have sufficient oversight to meet all program requirements outlined in the guidelines. This requirement is detailed in our service agreement and is not expected to change after 1 December 2025.

While the Board has not mandated a specific supervision frequency or ratio, they have provided a clear framework to guide supervisors in determining the appropriate volume and frequency. This includes:
• Reviewing logbooks weekly for full time roles and fortnightly for part time roles
• Considering the needs of the provisional psychologist
• Accounting for the level of risk in the role and the psychologist’s level of competence
• Undertaking a minimum of hour 80 hours of supervision equating to approximately 1 hour of supervision for every 18 hours of practice

Although there is flexibility within the new guidelines, we recommend that supervisees maintain a ratio of 1 hour for every 18 hours of practice while also meeting our minimum expectation of 1 hour weekly. Your supervisor ultimately determines the appropriate frequency and volume of supervision based on your specific context.

Can I start my internship when I submit my INPP-76 to the board? 

We encourage you to read over the sections outlined below. You will need to consider your own situation and employment. We encourage you to reach out to our team to discuss your individual circumstances and decide when it is appropriate to commence your internship. https://www.provisionalpsych.com.au/contact

3.1.2. Applying for entry into the 5+1 internship program

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.

However, 

3.8 Arranging an internship

It is a requirement that the provisional psychologist’s proposed work role is approved by Ahpra prior to commencing client contact.

  Remember, when commencing that the board cannot approve your internship to commence until your transcripts have been received from your educational institution advising completion of your 5th year. If you are putting your internship program plan in earlier than your completion date remember that you should not commence your internship activities until your 5th year is officially complete - you are able to undertake a Working In Addition to Placement in the mean time. Liaise with your educational institution on anticipated dates for issuance of your transcripts and ensure that the board has these and when they will be submitted to the board. To find out more about the Working In Addition to Placement program click here.

Why do I have to write all this information in my INPP-76? 

3.3 The internship program plan

The internship program plan (INPP-76) is an agreement between the supervisor(s), the provisional psychologist, and the Board. It is a formal arrangement or contract and is required to be detailed, individualised and ensure the provisional psychologist can achieve the required threshold competencies to be eligible for general registration. It outlines three key components: 

1. How the proposed psychological practice will enable the provisional psychologist to achieve the professional competencies required for general registration. 
2. How, and in what ways, the supervisor(s) will contribute to the provisional psychologist’s learning process. 
3. Proposed education and training activities that the supervisor(s) consider appropriate.

Provisional Psychologist Hub encourages you to take the time to understand the purpose of the INPP-76 document and provides you with pre-recorded webinars to step you through the process of completing the documentation. We believe this process is important given the INPP-76 communicates to the board how you plan to meet the requirements of the internship program and is often referred to throughout the internship. 

What is the maximum term for the 5+1 Internship Program? 

3.7 While there is no maximum timeframe for completion, applicants must meet the requirements of the Recency of Practice standard.

This has changed from the 2013 5+1 Internship Guidelines, which previously held a maximum term of 5 years. 

Has there been any change to the minimum term for the 5+1 Internship Program? 

3.7 The internship is designed to be completed in one year (if working full time), allowing for holidays and leave. The minimum time for completing the 5+1 internship is 44 weeks full time. However, in line with the provisional psychologists’ responsibility to monitor and manage their wellbeing and self-care, leave periods are encouraged. 

This time frame has not changed from the 2013 version of the 5+1 Internship Program Guidelines. 

Do 4+2 Interns still need to do case reports?
There is an advanced copy of the changes to the 4+2 Internship Guidelines effective 1 December 2025. At this stage, case reports are still required for 4+2 Interns with no indication of a change to this expectation.

Is the NPE still required for 5+1 Internships? What do I need to know? 

3.6 Provisional psychologists completing the 5+1 internship pathway must successfully pass the National Psychology Examination (the exam) before applying for general registration. The exam is designed to test the threshold professional competencies for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.

This is consistent with the previously released 2013 5+1 Internship Guidelines however, do be aware that if you are taking the exam after December 1, 2025 that you will be assessed in line with the updated National Psychology Exam Curriculum and the updated Professional Competencies for Psychologists. 

Advance copy: Guidelines for the National Psychology Exam 

The guidelines have been amended to include the updated competencies for general registration, and an exemption for some international psychologists with equivalent qualifications. These guidelines take effect from 1 December 2025. 

These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the updated National psychology exam candidate manual and the updated National psychology exam curriculum. Both the manual and curriculum also take effect from 1 December 2025.

PDF (Guidelines) (374 KB)

Word (Guidelines) (207 KB,DOCX)

PDF (Manual) (498 KB)

PDF (Curriculum) (369 KB)

I have completed all my internship tasks, passed the NPE, and achieved the volume of hours in line with the 2013 version of the 5+1 Internship Guidelines, with the exception of case reports. Can I apply for general registration?
Supervisors may still request case reports or similar tasks to assess progress toward competency. Discuss with your supervisor to determine if you have achieved competence in all areas and you are ready for the completion of the final assessment of competence.

Progress reports no longer need to be submitted to the Board from 1 December. I have a report due at the end of November—do I need to submit it to the Board?
Because your report is due before 1 December 2025, you should still prepare and submit it to the Board. The Psychology Board’s changes take effect from 1 December onwards, so anything due prior to that remains under the current guidelines.

Even if the timing feels a bit unfair being so close to the change, it’s safer to follow the existing guideline than risk a technical non-compliance. If in doubt, you can also check directly with Ahpra—but generally, the Board requires reports that fall due before the implementation date to still be lodged.

Progress reviews should continue to be undertaken with the principal supervisor after 1 December 2025 and every 6 months during the internship. The change is that the format of these reviews is determined by the principal supervisor.

Have the requirements for professional development changed? 

Yes. The volume of hours is the same as the 2013 5+1 Internship guidelines but there is now a requirement to demonstrate a health equity and human rights approach when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as well as people from diverse groups. Professional Development is now referred to as Education and Training Activities. 

 4.3 Provisional psychologists should undertake 60 hours of education and training activities throughout their internship, ensuring these are aligned with their scope of practice, to assist in developing all professional competencies. The principal supervisor will determine the type of activities required to meet all professional competencies. These competencies include demonstrating a health equity and human rights approach when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as well as people from diverse groups. Education and training activities can include attending lectures, seminars, presentations, workshops, short courses and conferences. They can also include learning by reading (e.g. peer reviewed journal articles or readings to be undertaken for the National Psychology Exam), and other self-directed learning approved by the principal supervisor. Professional societies and/or associations, higher education providers, workplaces and commercial providers may offer appropriate education and training activities, as can colleagues and supervisors.

Do I still need PsyBA Approval to change my secondary supervisor? 

No, you do not need to advise Ahpra of a change or addition to your secondary supervision arrangement, you do however, need your principal supervisor's approval. This is a change from the 2013 5+1 Internship Guidelines where you needed your principal supervisor's approval and submit your request to Ahpra. We do recommend that whenever undertaking supervision that you verify your supervisor's status using the PsyBA Find a Supervisor Search here;  this provides you with assurance you are seeing a supervisor who is current and registered. 

6.2.3 It is the principal supervisor’s role to approve a change of secondary supervisor. When a principal supervisor approves a secondary supervisor, they must ensure that the secondary supervisor holds BAS status by checking Ahpra’s find a supervisor online search. If a secondary supervisor does not have the appropriate Board approval, the supervision they provide will not be recognised towards the supervision hours for the internship. There is no requirement to advise Ahpra of this change.

What do I need to do instead of Progress Reports?

3.5 Required reporting

A progress review should be undertaken every 6 months by the principal supervisor and provisional psychologist. This should form part of the supervisory activities and does not need to be submitted to the Board unless requested.

3.5.2. Progress review 

It is considered good practice to review the provisional psychologist’s progress towards developing professional competencies. This should occur at least once every 6 months during the internship. The format of these reviews is determined by the principal supervisor. The Board does not require submission of these reports; however, they will need to be made available to the Board on request.

We suggest you set this process out at the commencement of the supervisory relationship and set due dates to complete the Progress Review. 

How frequently do I need to complete logbooks?

3.5.1
The logbook must be reviewed regularly (e.g. weekly, or fortnightly if part-time), by the supervisor(s). If Ahpra requests the logbook, it must be submitted to Ahpra within 14 days of the request.
Failure to maintain an accurate logbook may result in the Board not recognising a period of supervised practice and/or initiating an investigation into the professional conduct of the provisional psychologist and the supervisor. 

What do I need to know when there are changes to my work role?

4.2.3. 

Requests to approve a new work role, or any substantial amendment to an existing Board-approved work role (such as a change in duties), must be submitted to Ahpra in the form of an amended internship plan. The updated plan must be signed by the supervisor and the provisional psychologist and include a position description for each proposed new role. 

The provisional psychologist can begin to accrue hours of supervised practice in a new or substantially amended work role from the date that the supervisor signs the revised plan. 

Provisional psychologists intending to undertake a new work role, or who are making amendments to an existing work role, should submit their revised internship plan and the formal position description ideally before the anticipated change in work role, or no later than 28 days after the change in work role.

Provisional Psychologist Hub suggests you keep an eye on the Health Practitioner Register for your listing to be updated ensuring your approved work role and principal place of practice information is current. 

Can provisional psychologists undertaking an 5+1 internship Program work as a contractor?

Provisional Psychologists can not work as a contractor. Provisional psychologists can instead be engaged as casual, part-time, full-time, or volunteer employees. The most recent release of the 5+1 Internship guidelines more explicitly defines working independently.

4.2.2. Work roles not in scope Provisional psychologists are not permitted to work independently or establish an independent private practice. This is because the provisional psychologist has not completed their supervised training, and general registration is required for independent practice. Independent practice is defined as a practice in which a psychologist operates as a sole trader, contractor, or in a business arrangement with other sole traders and receives a fee for services from a client or third party (such as a referring agency). The Board may approve applications to work in a private practice with other psychologists if the role meets the requirements of the internship and there will be sufficient support and supervision for the provisional psychologist.

Cultural Supervision has been added, does this need to be with a board-approved supervisor? 

Yes, cultural supervision needs to be provided by a board-approved supervisor. 

5.4.4. Cultural supervision 

Provisional psychologists who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander may wish to include culturally informed supervision as part of their supervision plan. This may include cultural mentoring and/or cultural supervision, or supervision with an Indigenous psychologist. This type of supervision must be provided by a Board-approved supervisor. These hours will be counted toward the minimum 80 hours of supervision. 

It is important to verify that the supervisors you are engaging with for principal supervision, secondary supervision or cultural supervision are board-approved and current. You can search their board-approved supervisor status on the PsyBA Find A Supervisor. 

I need to take extended leave or discontinue the 5+1 internship. What documents do I need to complete to ensure I can return to the internship program in the future?

6.3 Discontinuing the internship 

If a provisional psychologist decides to discontinue the internship, they must notify Ahpra in writing of the decision to surrender provisional registration. This should be done no later than 28 days after the internship is discontinued. If the provisional psychologist chooses to resume their training at a later date, they must re-apply for provisional registration. A CHPS-76 form (detailing progress to date) is required to be submitted when the internship is discontinued. If the provisional psychologist wishes to apply to start a new internship, Ahpra may not recognise the previously supervised practice if this form is not provided. 

Ahpra will not recognise prior supervised practice if a completed CHPS-76 report for the period was not provided, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

The requirement of a CHPS-76 to be completed at the time of discontinuing the internship is a welcome addition to the Guidelines for the 5+1 internship program (December 2025). Completing this document ensures that the provisional psychologist can discontinue the internship program, assured that their hard work is recorded and acknowledged by PsyBA. This ensures that you can return to the internship program with your psychological practice, supervision and education and training activities hours previously logged. 

7.1.2. Extended leave 

Extended leave may be granted for a period of up to 12 months (with the possibility of extension), in exceptional circumstances. If a provisional psychologist requires extended leave from supervision longer than eight weeks and up to 12 months, they must seek approval from Ahpra in advance, in writing. If approval is granted, they can recommence the current internship after the period of leave without penalty. Please refer to the extended leave provisions for provisional psychologists on Ahpra’s website. However, if a provisional psychologist’s extended leave from supervision is longer than 12 months, they are required to discontinue the internship and apply for recognition of prior supervised practice when starting a new internship at a later time. Ahpra may decide not to recognise all or part of the previously completed supervised practice. Ahpra will consider factors such as the length of the extended leave, the reasons for the leave, and the degree of contact with the profession in that time, including any self-directed learning or education and training activities undertaken. Information on requirements for recommencing practice after an extended break is also available in the Board’s Recency of practice policy.

When preparing to take extended leave we encourage you to refer to the Board’s Extended Leave Provisions for Provisional Psychologists fact sheet. At Provisional Psychologist Hub we advocate that provisional psychologists taking extended leave also complete a CHPS-76 at the time of ceasing the internship. This safeguards against unforeseen changes in circumstances and gives you reassurance that your psychological practice, supervision and education and training activities up to your final date have been recorded, signed by your principal supervisor and submitted to PsyBA. In our experience this makes a much smoother return, even if you do only take 8 weeks as planned. 

Provisional Psychologist Hub is available to help you navigate the 5+1 Internship Pathway you can learn more About Us and Contact Us to support you through to registration.