We have finished the Degree in Psychology. Now what? Do we consider doing a master’s degree, do we apply to the PIR or to exams in another branch of psychology? Do we practice directly in any field?

We can take any of these options, but before we exercise them we have to consider if we intend to practice as a member. But we should ask ourselves Is it possible to work as a psychologist without being a member of the board?

What does it mean to be a member?

The Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos (COP) is an institution in charge of regulating the professional practice of psychology in Spain.

Its tasks are extensive, since it is the institution in charge of watching over the interests of both professionals and their clients, establishing regulations (such as the code of ethics) that imply the recognition of a series of rights and guarantees, contributing to advise and train its members and promoting the development of psychology. It also fights against the existence of professional intrusion from other occupational sectors.

The fact of being a member of a group that brings together most of the professionals in the sector, so that facilitates contact with the professional and the formation of groups and committees dedicated to or specialized in different areas. Likewise, in order to be a member, it is necessary to have training in regulated psychology (specifically, the degree or diploma in psychology), which implies a higher level of security with regard to clients in terms of the knowledge and qualification of the subject within the scope of psychology.

Despite the fact that it involves an economic cost (membership involves the payment of a six-monthly fee), membership also has a number of benefits beyond those mentioned above. Some of the most relevant include the already mentioned legal advice in case of need and the possibility of consulting the deontological commission in case of ethical conflicts, the inclusion in a job bank, the obtaining of accreditations, the possibility of being trained in different courses that allow to maintain a continuous training (some courses are distance learning while other courses have discounts) or the possibility of benefiting from the agreements and relationships of the college with different institutions and companies.

Historical Obligation

The need to become a member of the association has been linked to psychology in Spain since its beginnings.

In 1974, Law 2/1974 on Professional Associations was drawn up, which indicated that any activity regulated by a professional association required registration with that association in order to be carried out . This would include psychology from 1979 onwards, when Law 43/1979 on the creation of the Official College of Psychologists was established.

Since then, this provision has been ratified throughout history in various laws, including Law 7/1997, which considered it an indispensable requirement for the exercise of the professions to be incorporated into the corresponding association, and which required only registration in one of them if there were different regional associations in the State, or Law 25/2009, which also includes the obligation to register in the Professional Association in Articles 3 and 5, modifying some aspects of the 1974 law.

As we can see, throughout history it has been necessary to be a member of a college in order to practice. However, in recent years there has been controversy regarding whether or not it is necessary to be a member of a professional association in order to practice as a psychologist. In 2013, the Preliminary Draft Law on Professional Services and Associations was drawn up, which delimited and reduced the type of professions that required membership in order to practice in the legal, technical and health fields . In the latter case, various branches linked to medicine and other disciplines were included, but clinical psychologists were excluded.

This meant that the psychologist’s performance would not require registration with the Official College of Psychologists. However, it was argued that the professional performance of the psychologist requires guarantees regarding having the necessary training to do so, since it involves an intervention that if given in a negligent manner and without sufficient preparation can put the integrity of their patients or clients at risk. This is why the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness has determined in its latest draft the re-inclusion of psychology within the professions that do require membership .

Membership: indispensable?

In conclusion, at present, for the legal practice of psychology in Spain, membership of the Official College of Psychologists is required. This is compulsory for those who work in both public and private clinical practice . Failure to do so is an act punishable by law, and is considered a punishable administrative offence.

On the other hand, those professionals who are not linked to clinical-sanitary practice are not legally obliged to register unless their activity is directly aimed at citizens, due to the consideration that the constitution establishes the imperative of freedom of association. Despite this, it is advisable, since even without being a legal imperative it is required in many jobs and can offer attractive advantages to its members.