What do I need to submit to the BBS?

  • Examination Eligibility Application
    • You can download the application here
    • Pages 2 – 4 of the application provide a checklist of documents that need to be submitted (summarized below)
  • Check or money order for the fee
    • Additional details are included in the Examination Eligibility Application
  • Photograph
    • July 2020 the BBS updated the application and a photo is no longer required
  • Examination Security Notice
    • Included in the Examination Eligibility Application
  • Experience Verification Forms
    • You should NOT submit your weekly logs. The logs must be retained in case the BBS requests them as part of an audit.
    • Personal Psychotherapy hours are reported on the bottom of the first page of the application not on an experience verification form.
    • Original documents must be submitted.
  • A copy of your W-2 for each employment setting in which you were paid as an Intern
    • This requirement does not apply to hours logged as a Trainee.
    • If you were paid for your service as an Intern you must submit a W-2 for each employment setting.
    • For the most recent year, you can submit a current pay stub in lieu of W-2.
    • Copies of your W-2s should be submitted (not the originals).
  • A volunteer letter for each employment setting in which you were a volunteer as an Intern.
    • If you did not receive payment for your work as an intern you must submit a letter from the employer confirming your volunteer status in lieu of submitting a W-2.
    • This requirement does not apply to hours logged as a Trainee.
    • Original documents must be submitted.
  • Responsibility statements from each supervisor from whom you are claiming experience.
    • If you have misplaced one of the forms you should get a new form signed by your supervisor.
    • Original documents must be submitted.
  • Letter of agreement for offsite supervision
    • If you received supervision from an offsite supervisor you must submit a signed letter of agreement. A sample letter can be downloaded here.
    • Offsite supervisors are permissible in all work settings except a private practice.
    • Original documents must be submitted.

 

Additional Tips

Do not use a binder or tabs.  We have spoken to the BBS about this issue and they have stated that they do not want the application submitted in a binder and they do not want you to use tabs.  Their preference is that you submit all of your paperwork with the application on top.  If you are sending a return self-addressed envelope, it should be placed on top.

Make sure your paperwork is 100% complete.  This sounds pretty basic, but according to the BBS the number one reason applications are rejected is that they are missing information.  Check and double-check your application and all of your forms.

Retain a copy of every document. You will be submitting your original documents to the BBS. Make certain that you retain a copy of every document you submit.

Include a self-addressed envelope. By including a self addressed envelope your documents will be returned to you.

Separate your weekly logs and experience verification forms by pre- and post-degree. Given that the BBS requirements vary pre- and post-degree, the BBS needs to be able to separate your hours by status when reviewing them. If your forms overlap the date that you graduated it is impossible for the BBS to separate and accurately count your hours by status.  TrackYourHours automatically separates your pre- and post-degree forms for you.

Include all signed Experience Verification Forms in sequential date order.  When you print your forms double check to make certain that you have included all forms and that each sheet includes signatures in the proper place.  Organize the forms in sequential order by date to make them easier to review.

Name change. If your legal name has changed since registering with the BBS you must complete and submit a name change request form with your application.

Ensure that your graduate course work meets all the requirements. The BBS lists accredited and approved schools, so you can see if your program is on the list.  If not, it is possible to take CEUs that meet the BBS criteria.

Ensure that your supervisor’s license was valid at the time he/she supervised you.  You can lookup the status of your supervisor’s license by clicking here.

Organize your weekly experience logs in sequential date order.  The BBS does not require you to submit your weekly logs with your application, but they may request them if they have questions about your hours after reviewing your Experience Verification Forms.  Organizing your weekly logs now will ensure that you have them ready in case they are requested.

When should I expect to hear back from the BBS? The BBS no longer provides updates to their application processing times on their website and they specifically state that applicants should not contact them to ask about the status of their application.