Professional standard for psychologists approved in Kazakhstan

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Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan’s Minister of Labor and Social Protection has approved a unified professional standard for psychologists. Specialists working with childhood trauma, athletes or in private practice will now be subject to clearly defined requirements for education, experience and qualifications.

What requirements have been introduced for psychologists

The professional standard was developed after Kazakhstan adopted a separate Law on Psychological Practice for the first time on July 2, 2026.

According to the professional standard, a psychologist’s main task is to provide qualified, ethical and evidence-based assistance to children and adolescents, people with disabilities and developmental disorders, as well as those seeking psychological support privately.

Such assistance includes:

psychological assessment;
counseling;
psychological correction;
rehabilitation and habilitation;
prevention of psychological problems and educational outreach.

Who will be subject to the requirements

The list of specialists who will be required to confirm their qualifications includes:

child psychologists;
psychologists specializing in special psychopedagogy;
private-practice psychologists;
sports psychologists.

Education, experience and courses: what will be required

The standard provides a detailed profile of specialists working in these areas. The document clearly sets out:

Required level of education. For example, higher education such as a bachelor’s degree, specialist degree or residency;
Work experience requirements. For example, where a specialist has higher and/or postgraduate education in psychology or psychiatry;
Links to non-formal and informal education. For example, training through professional associations and industry organizations;
The main purpose of professional activity. For example, promoting the psychological well-being, development and social and psychological adaptation of children and adolescents aged 3 to 18;
A list of job functions and skills. For example, organizing and conducting initial consultations with parents, assessing children’s developmental levels, and analyzing and interpreting the results obtained.

The document states that the professional standard will be used to establish unified requirements for the content and level of psychologists’ professional training, qualifications and competencies. It will also serve as a basis for developing educational programs and setting requirements for psychologists’ training, supervision and related areas.

The order will take effect on October 13, 2026.

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What requirements have been introduced for psychologists

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Education, experience and courses: what will be required