Kazakhstan introduces state registry for psychologists to curb unqualified practice

September 9, 2026 at 12:15 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has published draft rules for a mandatory state registry of psychologists. The registry will require practitioners to verify their education and qualifications, and unregistered individuals will be barred from offering psychological services or using the title 'psychologist'. The move follows a new law on psychological activity that took effect on September 2, 2026.

Key Facts

The draft rules were published on the Open NPA portal by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
Unregistered individuals will be prohibited from providing psychological services and using the title 'psychologist'.
Psychologists must hold a higher or postgraduate education degree in psychology or a scientific degree to register.
From January 1, 2028, psychologists will be required to have a professional certification.
The registry will include 17 specialization areas, such as child psychology, clinical psychology, and sports psychology.

Registry Requirements

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection published the draft rules on the Open NPA portal. The registry will include psychologists in private practice, employees, and those working in state institutions. Psychologists must have a higher or postgraduate education in psychology or a scientific degree, with foreign diplomas requiring recognition in Kazakhstan. From January 1, 2028, certification information will be added to the registry, and each specialist will receive a unique identification number. Psychologists must upgrade their qualifications at least once every five years.

Public Access and Specializations

The public part of the registry will show the psychologist's name, region, specialization, and status. The full registry will contain information on education, workplace, qualification level, and professional development. Psychologists can choose from 17 specialization areas, including child psychology, clinical psychology, and sports psychology. Online psychologists must display their registry status and education information on their accounts or websites.

Enforcement and Exemptions

Psychologists who violate the law or harm a client's life or health may be removed from the registry. The requirement does not apply to psychologists in law enforcement, special state bodies, the Armed Forces, and other military formations. The new law took effect on September 2, 2026, aiming to protect citizens from pseudo-specialists.