Licensure Information for School Psychologists The School Psychology program at ACU prepares students for licensure by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. The School Psychology program also prepares students to apply for certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP).

Licensure requires meeting the requirements of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. In addition to the degree in School Psychology, students must pass a national exam for licensure: the National School Psychology Examination (ETS/NTE #40) for licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) as well as the passing of a state jurisprudence exam, which focuses on state laws of practice.

TSBEP rules and regulations change frequently. It is the responsibility of the professional to remain informed of these changes. TSBEP has set rigid deadlines and guidelines, and students should request their information packet, review it carefully in order to be well prepared for the licensure process. The licensure process is an expensive process. Candidates should be prepared to spend as much as $1000 to obtain licensure. The TSBEP address follows:

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450
Austin, TX 78701
512-835-2936 Phone
512-835-2436 Fax

Certification - NASP offers the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. All graduates of ACU are expected to apply for and receive the NCSP. Beginning fall, 2002, all students are required to take and pass the NCSP examination at the completion of their studies (during internship is recommended). To obtain certification as an NCSP, you must have your credentials reviewed by the NCSP Board (administered by the National Association of School Psychologists). Successful completion of the NCSP examination will then earn you the NCSP certification. NCSP certification requires ongoing continuing professional development with 75 documented clock hours of inservice education every three years in order to keep the NCSP certificate. An application packet for the NCSP may be obtained from:

National Association of School Psychologists
4340 East West Highway, Suite 402
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-657-0270

Pending program approval by NASP, students should complete the following steps for NCSP application:

1.  Download the application form from the NASP website, request it via e-mail from cert@naspweb.org, or call the NASP office at (301) 657-0270, x228. 

2.  Complete pages 7, 8 , and 12 of the application

3.  Complete pages 9, 10, and 11, including the case study.

4.  Complete pages 14, 15, and 16, and obtain the necessary signatures.

5.  Complete a content area verification form (see page 18) for any course in which the title of the course does not clearly reflect content that addresses all aspects of the NASP requirement.  Obtain the appropriate signatures.  Include course descriptions and/or syllabi.  (This will help the Board to evaluate the appropriateness of your preparation in specific areas.)

6.  After you graduate, get an official copy of your graduate transcript, (it must show the date graduation.)  Complete page 19 and attach the correct payment if paying by check.

For more information about NASP membership, NCSP certification, NASP publications, and other relevant information, contact NASP:

National Association of School Psychologists
4340 East West Highway, Suite 402
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
301-657-0270 phone
301-657-0275 fax

Student membership for $50 per year. Student members receive the Communique', a monthly magazine devoted to school psychology issues, the School Psychology Review, and discounts on NASP publications.

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Student membership for only $25 per year. Includes discounted conference fees, newsletters, and legislative updates.

For more information visit the TASP website.

AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

APA Membership Department
750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242

For more information about APA membership, APA publications, and other relevant information, visit the APA website.

Student membership is $41 per year. Includes reduced rates on APA publications, subscription to the APA monitor, and other goodies.