School Psychology Jobs & Career Guide 2024

Here are the steps to becoming a school psychologist:

To become a school psychologist, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. You can also major in education or another related field based on state requirements. Before enrolling in this program, ensure the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) accredits it.

A master’s degree in psychology with a focus on school psychology is a specialized program designed to prepare students for careers as school psychologists.

This degree typically delves into subjects such as child and adolescent development, educational assessment, and interventions to support students’ emotional, social, and academic success. Students learn how to administer and interpret psychological tests and assessments, and how to implement evidence-based interventions in educational settings. The curriculum often includes courses on special education, crisis intervention, behavior management, and learning disabilities, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to address a wide range of challenges that students may face.

A master’s degree in this field often includes substantial hands-on experience through internships or practicum placements within schools. This real-world training is invaluable, allowing prospective school psychologists to gain experience under the supervision of experienced professionals in the field. Such experience not only enhances learning but also prepares graduates for state certification requirements, which may include a specific number of supervised hours in addition to passing a national exam.

Typically, a master’s degree will allow you to earn your state license and work as a school psychologist. It also increases your chances of working in academia, certain work environments, or private practice.

You can pursue a doctoral degree to be more marketable. A doctoral program takes 5-6 years with at least 90 semester hours and a year-long internship.

Additionally, candidates must pass the Praxis II School Psychologist (5402) Exam. Usually, the passing score is 155, but it changes after several years. You’ll need to check if your state requires this exam and the passing score required.

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers this exam before students can graduate. You must send your school transcripts and internship completion certificates for approval to sit for the school psychology exam.

Passing the Praxis II exams ascertains that candidates have acquired the minimum acceptable competency to work as professional school psychologists.

After receiving your state license, you can start working as a professional school psychologist. Most people find jobs as school psychologists in public schools. If you’re looking for more alternatives, you can try private schools, research settings, universities, student wellness centers, and preschools.

Remember, you’ll need to renew your state license periodically and take continuing education courses. Learn more about psychologist licensing by state.

Securing a license and a job as a school psychologist is not the end of your education. Like other careers, school psychology requires professionals to maintain their certifications. They must take continuing education programs to keep them up-to-date with the latest techniques.

The courses expose them to new theories and techniques for handling students at different levels. Courses for renewing school psychologists’ credentials vary from state to state.

Some states require professionals to undertake continuing education courses every 2-5 years. This involves 20 to 30-hour training in child psychology each year. School psychologists can attend psychology classes, webinars, or conferences to meet these hours.

You’ll also need to take some tests to earn Continuing Professional Development credits (CPD credits). Professionals must attain 75 CPD credits within the required years to renew their credentials. You gain CPD credits through university coursework, in-service training, self-study, workshops, and conferences.

Some states don’t have specific continuing education requirements. However, practicing school psychologists within those states must renew their credentials. Learn more with our list of CE providers.