Opinion of the Commission of Psychologists on the update of the NACE-BEL codes 2025
Opinion on the update of the NACE-BEL codes 2025
The Psychologists’ Commission was asked by Minister Simonet to provide an opinion and proposals concerning the NACE-BEL codes applicable to psychological activities, as well as ways to simplify the administrative burden on self-employed psychologists and those working in organisations.
Summary of the proposals:
Mandatory registration with the Psychologists’ Commission for all NACE-BEL codes related to psychology.
Redefinition or expansion of the “psychology activity” category to include all acts performed as a psychologist (excluding acts reserved for accredited clinical psychologists).
Inclusion of psychologists holding a master’s degree in clinical psychology without visa or accreditation under the general activity code.
Creation of a new code for accredited clinical psychologists, requiring the federal visa, accreditation by the Communities and registration with the Commission.
Creation of a separate code for clinical psychologists-psychotherapists, to clarify their status within the legal framework of psychotherapy.
Context
The new NACE-BEL 2025 nomenclature, which entered into force on 1 January 2025, introduced category 86.93 – Activities of psychologists and psychotherapists, comprising:
- 86.931 – Psychology activities
- 86.932 – Psychotherapy activities
The Commission notes that these categories do not yet accurately reflect the diversity of activities carried out by psychologists.
It also highlights the administrative complexity of registering with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE), as well as the legal uncertainties regarding the use of the title “psychologist” or “accredited clinical psychologist”.
Main proposals
1. Mandatory registration with the Commission
For any activity carried out as a psychologist under NACE-BEL 86.93, to guarantee control of qualifications and compliance with the code of ethics.
2. Redefinition of code 86.931 – General psychology activity
To include all acts performed as a psychologist, except those reserved for accredited clinical psychologists.
86.931 – General psychology activity – registration with the Psychologists’ Commission; all acts performed as a psychologist, except those reserved for accredited clinical psychologists.
3. Creation of a code for clinical psychology (86.932)
Reserved for accredited clinical psychologists holding the federal visa and Community accreditation.
86.932 – Clinical psychology activity – registration with the Psychologists’ Commission; autonomous practice of clinical psychology by an accredited clinical psychologist.
4. Creation of a code for clinical psychology – psychotherapy (86.933)
For accredited clinical psychologists practising psychotherapy.
86.933 – Clinical psychology activity with a specialisation in psychotherapy – registration with the Psychologists’ Commission; autonomous practice of psychotherapy by an accredited clinical psychologist.
These proposals aim to clarify the legal and administrative framework of psychological professions in Belgium and to reduce the administrative burden placed on psychologists.
The Commission of Psychologists remains available to collaborate on the implementation of these changes, deemed essential to ensure coherence between legal, professional and ethical obligations.