Top 10 School Psychologist Certifications

Certifications are important for school psychologists because they provide evidence to employers that the psychologist is qualified to practice in their area of expertise. Certifications demonstrate a level of professional competency and can help school psychologists stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications may be required or preferred by certain employers and can open up job opportunities that may have otherwise been unavailable. Certifications also provide a sense of credibility and recognition among peers and colleagues in the field.

This article reviews the best certifications for School Psychologists and how they can help to advance their career.

What are School Psychologist Certifications?

School psychologist certification is the process of becoming an officially certified school psychologist. It involves completing a master’s degree in school psychology, passing a national exam, and obtaining state licensure. This certification can help school psychologists to access better employment opportunities and potentially higher salaries. It also serves as a way for employers to know that they are hiring someone who has met certain qualifications and standards of competency in their field.

Certified school psychologists can have a positive impact on students by providing services such as individualized assessment, counseling, and therapy; developing interventions for students with behavioral or learning difficulties; consulting with teachers and parents; managing crises; and advocating for students’ rights. The knowledge they gain through their certification can help them to better understand the unique needs of each student, allowing them to provide more effective support. Additionally, certified school psychologists often work closely with other professionals in the field of education, helping to create an environment where all students receive the best possible education.

Pro Tip: Get certified as a school psychologist through the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). NASP is recognized by all states and provides comprehensive training and certification for those pursuing a career in school psychology. Additionally, gaining experience through internships and volunteer work can help to further increase your chances of landing a job in this field.

Related: What does a School Psychologist do?

Top 10 School Psychologist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to School Psychologists today.

1. National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Certification

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is a professional organization that provides certification to school psychologists. This certification is designed to demonstrate that a school psychologist has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality services to students and families in the school setting.

To become certified, an individual must have a master’s degree in school psychology from an accredited university, complete a supervised internship, and pass the Praxis II: School Psychology Examination. The Praxis II exam consists of two parts: an academic component and a performance component. The academic component covers topics such as child development, learning theory, assessment, intervention strategies, and research methods. The performance component requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

It typically takes two years or more for individuals to complete all of the requirements for NASP certification. During this time, individuals should work closely with their supervisors and mentors to ensure they are meeting all of the requirements for certification.

The cost of obtaining NASP certification varies depending on the individual’s educational program and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the Praxis II exam or any other required exams or courses needed for certification.

2. American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) Certification

The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is a professional organization that offers certification in various areas of psychology. This certification is designed to demonstrate a psychologist’s commitment to excellence and dedication to the highest standards of professional practice. It also serves as an important indicator of a psychologist’s knowledge and experience in their chosen field.

The ABPP offers certification in nine specialties: Clinical Health, Clinical Neuropsychology, Counseling, Forensic, Group Psychotherapy, Organizational & Business Consulting Psychology, Psychoanalysis, School Psychology, and Couples & Family Psychology. Each specialty requires different levels of education and experience as well as passing an examination specific to that specialty area.

In order to become certified by the ABPP, applicants must first meet the educational requirements for their chosen specialty area. This includes having earned a doctoral degree from an accredited institution and completing any additional coursework or training required by the ABPP. Applicants must also have at least two years of supervised clinical experience in their chosen specialty area before they can sit for the exam.

Once all educational requirements have been met, applicants must register for and pass the appropriate examination for their chosen specialty area. The cost of registration varies depending on the specialty but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Once an applicant has successfully passed their exam they will be awarded ABPP certification in that specialty area.

Overall it typically takes between two and four years to complete all of the educational requirements necessary to become certified by the ABPP depending on the individual's background and experience level.

3. National Register of Health Service Psychologists (NRHSP) Certification

The National Register of Health Service Psychologists (NRHSP) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize psychologists who have met the highest standards of professional practice in psychology. It is administered by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, Inc., an independent, non-profit organization. The NRHSP Certification is available to all licensed psychologists who meet certain eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for NRHSP Certification, applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited university and have at least two years of postdoctoral experience in health service psychology. Applicants must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). In addition, applicants must submit documentation verifying their training and experience as well as letters of recommendation from two professionals familiar with their work.

The process of obtaining NRHSP Certification typically takes six to nine months from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application packet that includes all required documents and fees. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, applicants will be invited to take the EPPP exam. After passing the exam, applicants will then need to complete a background check before they can receive their certification.

The cost for NRHSP Certification depends on several factors such as the type of membership selected (e.g., full or associate), whether or not additional exams are required, and any applicable state fees or taxes. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$900 USD for initial certification and $50-$100 USD per year for annual renewal fees.

4. American Psychological Association (APA) Certification

American Psychological Association (APA) Certification is a voluntary credentialing program offered by the American Psychological Association. It is designed to recognize psychologists who have achieved a high level of professional competence in their area of specialty. The APA Certification Program is open to all licensed psychologists and requires that applicants demonstrate knowledge, skills, and experience in their specialized field.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for APA Certification. The process begins with an application which must be accompanied by documentation of the applicant's qualifications, such as a copy of their license and any relevant certifications or degrees. Once the application is approved, the applicant will need to take an exam administered by the APA Board of Examiners and submit additional documentation demonstrating their expertise in their chosen specialty area.

Once all requirements are met, applicants can apply for certification from the APA Board of Examiners. The cost of applying for certification varies depending on the type of certification sought, but typically ranges from $500 - $1,000 USD.

5. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Certification

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a nationally recognized accreditation organization for counseling programs. CACREP accreditation is voluntary and signifies that a program meets the standards of quality set by the profession. It provides assurance to the public, employers, and other stakeholders that graduates from CACREP accredited programs have met rigorous professional standards.

It typically takes two years to complete the process of obtaining CACREP accreditation. The first step is to submit an application packet which includes documentation such as course syllabi, faculty credentials, and student learning outcomes. After submission, CACREP staff will review the application materials and make an initial determination regarding eligibility for accreditation. If eligible, a site visit will be scheduled with an assigned team of reviewers who will assess whether or not the program meets all CACREP standards. Following the site visit, a final decision on accreditation status will be made by the CACREP Board of Directors.

The cost of obtaining CACREP accreditation varies depending on factors such as program size and type (e.g., master’s or doctoral). Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 in fees for initial applications plus additional costs associated with hosting a site visit team if necessary.

In summary, obtaining CACREP certification is a lengthy process that requires substantial effort from both faculty and staff members at counseling programs seeking this recognition. However, it can provide valuable assurance to stakeholders that graduates from these programs have met high professional standards in their training and education.

6. International School Psychology Association (ISPA) Certification

The International School Psychology Association (ISPA) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes school psychologists who have met the highest standards of excellence in their field. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a commitment to professional development and ethical practice.

To become certified by ISPA, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, including:

• A master’s degree in school psychology from an accredited university or college
• At least 1,500 hours of supervised experience in school psychology
• Passing the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Praxis II exam
• Completion of a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in school psychology within the past five years
• Completion of an approved ethics course or equivalent training
• Submission of three letters of recommendation from qualified professionals
• Payment of all applicable fees.

Once these requirements are met, applicants must submit their application to ISPA for review. The process can take up to six weeks to complete. Once approved, applicants will receive their certification card and certificate. The cost for certification varies depending on the country where the applicant resides; however, it typically ranges between $100-$200 USD.

7. National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) Credential

The National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) Credential is a professional credential issued by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). It is designed to recognize those school psychologists who have met rigorous standards of practice and demonstrate a commitment to high-quality professional practice.

To obtain the NCSP, an individual must first meet all eligibility requirements, which include: completing a graduate degree in school psychology from an accredited program; obtaining a valid license or certificate in school psychology; and passing the Praxis II School Psychology Exam. Once these requirements are met, an individual can apply for the NCSP.

The process of obtaining the NCSP takes approximately 4-6 months from start to finish. The application fee is $200 for NASP members and $250 for non-members. In addition, there may be additional fees associated with taking the Praxis II Exam and submitting official transcripts from your graduate program.

Once you have completed all of these steps, you will receive your NCSP credential and can begin practicing as a certified school psychologist in any state that recognizes it.

8. Education Specialist in School Psychology (EdS) Degree

An Education Specialist in School Psychology (EdS) degree is a professional degree that prepares graduates to work as school psychologists. This degree is typically offered at the graduate level and requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. The program focuses on the application of psychological principles to educational settings, such as schools, colleges, and universities. It also covers topics related to mental health, learning disabilities, and behavior intervention.

Typically, an EdS in School Psychology takes two years to complete if attending full-time or three years if attending part-time. Most programs require applicants to have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in psychology or a related field. In addition, some programs may require applicants to have taken prerequisite courses in psychology or education prior to admission.

The cost of obtaining an EdS in School Psychology can vary significantly depending on the institution and program chosen. Generally speaking, tuition for this type of program ranges from $15,000-$30,000 per year for public universities and up to $50,000 per year for private institutions. Additional costs may include books and materials fees, technology fees, lab fees, and other miscellaneous expenses associated with attending college.

In order to obtain an EdS in School Psychology students must complete all coursework required by the program they are enrolled in as well as any additional requirements set forth by their state licensing board. Upon completion of the program students will be eligible for licensure as school psychologists in most states.

9. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Credential

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Credential is a professional license that allows individuals to practice as mental health counselors in the United States. The LPC credential is issued by state licensing boards and requires applicants to meet specific educational, experience, and examination requirements.

In order to become an LPC, individuals must complete a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution. Depending on the state, additional supervised clinical experience may be required. After completing their education and experience requirements, applicants must then pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). This exam is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and tests for knowledge and skills necessary to practice as an LPC.

The cost of becoming an LPC varies depending on the state of licensure. Generally, it will cost between $200-$500 for application fees, examination fees, and any other associated costs. It can take several months or longer to receive your license once all of the requirements have been met.

10. Certified Educational Therapist (CET) Credential

A Certified Educational Therapist (CET) is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of educational therapists who work with students with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, and other special needs. The CET credential is awarded by the Association of Educational Therapists (AET) and requires a minimum of two years of full-time experience in the field.

To obtain the CET credential, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher in education or a related field, as well as at least two years of full-time experience working with students with special needs. Applicants must also complete an approved course in educational therapy from an accredited institution and pass the AET's certification exam.

The cost to apply for the CET credential is $250. Once approved, applicants must pay an annual renewal fee of $50 to maintain their certification.

Do You Really Need a School Psychologist Certificate?

Yes, a school psychologist certificate is an important part of the educational process. School psychologists are responsible for helping students with their academic and social-emotional needs. They provide supportive counseling to students and families, assess learning and behavior problems, develop intervention strategies, consult with teachers and administrators on student issues, and conduct psychological assessments. These activities require special training and knowledge that can only be obtained through a certification program.

School psychologists need to understand the different types of learning disabilities, mental health disorders, and other issues that affect children in the school setting. They must also have an understanding of how to diagnose these conditions and develop effective treatment plans. A school psychologist certificate ensures that the person has been properly trained in these areas.

In addition to providing direct services to students, school psychologists often work closely with teachers and administrators in developing classroom interventions and developing individualized education plans (IEPs). Having a certification allows them to better understand how to create effective strategies based on each student’s unique needs. This helps ensure that all students receive the most appropriate support they need to succeed in school.

Finally, having a school psychologist certificate is also beneficial for those looking for employment opportunities in this field. Employers look for individuals who possess specific skills related to working with children in a school setting. A certificate from an accredited program provides evidence that an individual has met certain standards of knowledge and proficiency necessary for this role.

Related: School Psychologist Resume Examples

FAQs About School Psychologist Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a school psychologist?

Answer: To become a school psychologist, you must have a minimum of a master’s degree in psychology or education with an emphasis in school psychology. You must also complete an approved program that includes supervised experience and meet state licensing requirements.

2. What is the difference between certification and licensure for school psychologists?

Answer: Certification is the voluntary process of verifying that an individual has met predetermined standards set by a professional organization or by the state, while licensure is the mandatory process of obtaining permission from the state to practice one’s profession. Licensure requires meeting certain educational and experience requirements, passing exams, and completing continuing education requirements.

3. What types of certification options are available for school psychologists?

Answer: The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) offers two levels of certification – Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) and Diplomate in School Psychology (DSP). The NCSP provides recognition for those who meet established standards of practice, while the DSP recognizes professionals who have achieved advanced levels of practice through additional training and experience.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a school psychologist?

Answer: It typically takes one to three years to become certified as a school psychologist depending on your educational background and experience level. This includes completing an approved program, gaining supervised experience, taking necessary exams, and meeting other state-mandated requirements.

5. Is certification required to work as a school psychologist?

Answer: While certification is not always required to work as a school psychologist, it may be beneficial for job seekers when applying for positions because it demonstrates expertise in their field and commitment to professional development.