# Psychologist, counsellor or psychometrist: the HPCSA categories

> What the HPCSA registration categories for psychology mean, the PS, PRC and PMT number prefixes, what each category may do in broad terms, and how to check a number on the iRegister.

Published 2026-10-21.

In South Africa, psychologists, registered counsellors and psychometrists are all registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), through its Professional Board for Psychology. Each is a separate registration category with its own number prefix and its own scope of practice.

This guide explains the categories in plain words. It is not a full statement of the rules. The Board sets each category's scope of practice and has changed it over time, so for detail, read the Board's current documents on [hpcsa.co.za](https://www.hpcsa.co.za).

## The three categories and their prefixes

| Category | HPCSA number starts with | Example format |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Psychologist | PS | PS 0123456 |
| Registered counsellor | PRC | PRC 0012345 |
| Psychometrist | PMT | PMT 0012345 |

The number is often written with or without the space after the prefix. The example numbers above are made up to show the format.

## Psychologist (PS)

A psychologist has a master's degree in psychology, has completed an internship, and has passed the Board's examination. Psychologists register in one or more categories, such as clinical, counselling, educational, industrial or research psychology, or neuropsychology. The category shapes the work: an educational psychologist, for example, works mainly with learning and development.

In broad terms, psychologists may carry out psychological assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy, within the limits of their registration category.

## Registered counsellor (PRC)

A registered counsellor has a four-year degree in psychology that includes a practicum, and has passed the Board's examination. In broad terms, registered counsellors provide screening, basic assessment, short-term supportive counselling and psychoeducation, and refer people to a psychologist or another professional when more is needed. The Board's rules exclude certain kinds of tests from their work, such as diagnostic and projective tests.

## Psychometrist (PMT)

A psychometrist is registered to work with psychological tests: giving them, scoring them and reporting on the results, within the limits the Board sets on which tests they may use. Psychometrists do not provide psychotherapy.

## What "counsellor" means in this directory

This directory uses three categories, taken from how practitioners describe themselves on the source directories:

| Category in this directory | Listed | HPCSA prefix | Listings showing that prefix |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Psychologists | 5 669 | PS | 4 687 |
| Counsellors | 1 690 | PRC | 828 |
| Psychometrists | 245 | PMT | 198 |

The last column counts listings that show an HPCSA number with that prefix, from a directory profile or from the HPCSA register. Many practitioners do not publish their number, and we cannot match every profile to the register, so a missing number does not mean a practitioner is unregistered.

Our counsellor category is wider than the HPCSA's registered counsellor. Of the 1 690 counsellors listed, 1 148 use "Registered Counsellor" in a job title, and 828 show a PRC number. Another 473 use titles such as General Counsellor, Wellness Counsellor or Specialist Wellness Counsellor, and not the Registered Counsellor title. Wellness counsellor and specialist wellness counsellor are registration tiers of the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP), a body outside the HPCSA. If you need an HPCSA registered counsellor, check for a PRC number.

Among the 5 669 psychologists listed, job titles mention clinical psychology 2 651 times, counselling psychology 1 236 times, educational psychology 1 233 times and neuropsychology 110 times. A practitioner can list more than one title.

## How to check a number

Search the number on the HPCSA iRegister. Our guide [How to check an HPCSA number](/guides/how-to-check-an-hpcsa-number/) shows the steps. Check that the name matches and that the registration is current.

Fees also differ by category. The median published fee for one session is R1 200 for psychologists (from 723) and R600 for counsellors (from 654), October 2026. See [psychologist fees in South Africa](/guides/psychologist-fees-south-africa-2026/).

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between a psychologist and a registered counsellor?

Both are registered with the HPCSA. A psychologist has a master's degree, an internship and a wider scope that includes diagnosis and psychotherapy. A registered counsellor has a four-year degree and provides screening, short-term supportive counselling and referral.

### What do PS, PRC and PMT mean on an HPCSA number?

PS is a psychologist, PRC a registered counsellor and PMT a psychometrist. The prefix is followed by a seven-digit number.

### Is every counsellor in this directory registered with the HPCSA?

No. Our counsellor category includes 473 counsellors who use titles such as General Counsellor or Wellness Counsellor rather than Registered Counsellor. Some register with other bodies, such as the ASCHP. Look for a PRC number if you need an HPCSA registered counsellor.

### What does a psychometrist do?

A psychometrist gives, scores and reports on psychological tests, within limits the HPCSA sets. Psychometrists do not provide psychotherapy.

### Where can I read the official scope of practice?

On the HPCSA website, under the Professional Board for Psychology. The Board's documents are the authority; this guide is a plain summary.

Canonical page: https://therapistsplug.com/guides/psychologist-vs-counsellor-vs-psychometrist/. Compiled from public directory listings, October 2026. Every figure carries its n and month.