Texas school psychology specialists are credentialed by the Texas State Board of Psychologists. Licensure is based on graduate education and on examination. As part of their graduate education, school psychology specialists complete an internship that is the equivalent of at least one academic year. The credential earned is Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP).
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Select a Texas School Psychologist topic below…
- Education and Experience Requirements for School Psychologists in TX
- Alternate Pathway to School Psychologist Certification (NCSP Certification)
- Required Examinations
- Criminal Background Check
- Internationally Educated Candidates
- Other Licenses School Psychology Specialists May Qualify For
- Application Process: Forms and Materials
- Contacts and Additional Information Sources
Education and Training
A school psychology student will need education at the graduate specialist level. The student who completes a program that has been approved by the National Association of School Psychologists or accredited by the American Psychological Association is considered to meet educational requirements (http://www.tsbep.state.tx.us/how-to-become-licensed/66). The APA accredits programs at the doctoral level. NASP approves programs at the specialist level as well (http://www.nasponline.org/certification/documents/NASP-Approved-Programs.pdf); specialist programs include at least 60 semester hours of education and training.
Other programs may be accepted if found equivalent. The student will need coursework in each of the following:
- Biological basis of behavior
- Social basis of behavior
- Multicultural basis of behavior
- Human learning
- Child or adolescent development
- Psychopathology or exceptionalites
- Instructional design
- School organization and operation
- Psychoeducational assessment
- Socio-emotional assessment
- Behavior management
- Counseling
- Consultation
- Ethical, legal, and professional issues
- Practicum
- Research and statistics
There is not necessarily a one- for-one correspondence between content areas and courses. A course may be listed in as many as three categories. However, the Board notes that it is preferable to have a different course for each.
The school psychology specialist will also need an internship that meets Board standards. NASP-approved specialist programs include at least 1,200 hours of internship; at least half the required hours are accrued in school settings. NASP-approved programs at the doctoral level include at least 1,500 hours of internship. Candidates who graduate from programs not accredited by APA or NASP and who are not in possession of an NCSP credential will submit a form documenting supervised experience.
Alternate Pathway: National Certification
An individual may also qualify on the basis of a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) certification, issued by the National Association of School Psychologists. Candidates who graduate from NASP-approved programs will have met most requirements for the credential.
Candidates who did not graduate from a NASP-approved program can submit a professional portfolio and case study to demonstrate that they have achieved the necessary competencies. The portfolio is submitted electronically.
Examination
The Texas Board requires two examinations at the LSSP level: the Praxis II examination for school psychologists and a jurisprudence examination.
Required scores on the Praxis II will depend on the version of the test attempted. The threshold is 660 for tests administered before September 13, 2008. It is 165 on test #0401 (the sole version in use from September 2008 to September 2014). Registration information and test preparatory materials are available on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website (https://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials/0401).
The jurisprudence examination is taken after the Board grants authorization. The jurisprudence exam is open book and may be completed at home. The required score is 90%. A school psychologist is eligible to work under supervision for a limited time period before taking the examination. The examination fee is currently $210.
Criminal History Checks
Licensure is dependent on clearing fingerprint-based criminal history checks carried out by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI. The Board encourages candidates to have their fingerprints made before submitting applications; this can alleviate delays.
In-state candidates are to have fingerprints captured electronically through the state’s vendor, MorphoTrust. The Board notes that there are 70 locations within Texas. Candidates may browse a list of addresses and operating hours; it is organized by region within the state (http://www.l1enrollment.com/locations/?st=tx). The candidate may schedule online through the IdentoGo by MorphoTrust website (http://www.identogo.com/FP/texas.aspx).
The background check fee will be paid to the vendor. The fee is currently listed as $41.45. MorphoTrust will forward the fingerprints to the licensing agency.
Out-of-state candidates may have fingerprints made manually, then send them to the vendor for digitalization. A law enforcement official must make the prints and sign the fingerprint card.
Out-of-state candidates may make a written request to the Board for fingerprint packets. Fingerprint packets will include, in addition to instructions, a fingerprint card, applicant fingerprint pass, and envelope addressed to the vendor. The fee due the vendor is $41.45. The law enforcement agency that captures the prints may assess an additional fee.
Questions about the fingerprinting process can be directed to 888-467-2080.
The Board can, for a fee, pre-evaluate criminal history of potential applicants. An individual may opt for pre-evaluation before enrolling in a license-qualifying program (http://www.tsbep.state.tx.us/files/agencydocs/criminalhistoryevaluationform.pdf).
The Application Process
Application packets are available for download on the Board site (http://www.tsbep.state.tx.us/how-to-become-licensed).
The candidate must provide three reference letters from psychologists or school psychology specialists. These are to be on the forms provided in the application packet. Candidates who are submitting documentation of supervised experience need submit only two references. Application carries a $220 fee.
The application form notes that the application, fee, reference letters, and supervised experience form (f required) must be sent together. It is permissible to submit the other required documents later.
Official score reports from the school psychologist examination must come directly from ETS. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school. Documentation of NCSP status will be accepted in lieu of a score report.
There are special application policies in place for military spouses relocating to Texas.
Internationally Educated Candidates
As per 463.25 of Board Acts and Rules, internationally educated candidates with degrees comparable to those granted by regionally accredited U.S. institutions are eligible for licensing. There are additional steps that should be carried out before making formal application to the Board (http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub). The University of Texas-Austin can determine whether a foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. master’s or doctoral degree.
Other Licenses School Psychology Specialists May Qualify For
Doctorally educated candidates may also be eligible for licensing as psychologists through the State Board of Psychologists. They will need to pass two additional examinations: the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and an oral examination. The oral examination is based on a vignette drawn from the psychologist’s specialty area (e.g. school psychology). Supervised practice requirements are set higher for licensed psychologists.
School psychology specialists without doctoral degrees may pursue the Licensed Psychological Associate credential. This credential would allow for supervised practice outside school settings. The National Association of School Psychologists notes that most of the state’s school psychology specialists would qualify.
Additional Information
The Texas State Board website includes links to the applicable laws and rules (http://www.tsbep.state.tx.us/act-and-rules-of-the-board). There is also a page on new developments (http://www.tsbep.state.tx.us/new-developments-and-requirements).
Applicants may call the Board at 512-305-7700.
The Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP) is an additional professional resource (http://www.txasp.org/).
FAQs
The requirements for the LSSP credential include completion of a graduate degree in school psychology or closely related field, a passing score on the national exam for school psychology and eligibility for certification as a National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) or educational equivalent.
What subjects are needed to become a school psychologist? ›
A three-year Bachelor's Degree majoring in Psychology or the equivalent thereof. An Honours Degree in Psychology. A Master's Degree in Psychology approved by the HPCSA.
What is the difference between a school psychologist and an educational diagnostician? ›
Educational Diagnostician vs.
School psychologists must also have knowledge of the many causes of learning disabilities and delays and behavioral problems. However, school psychologists are more likely to help students with their emotional well-being and social behavior than with their academic performance.
Do you need a PHD to be a psychologist in Texas? ›
For licensure, the state of Texas requires that you not only earn a doctorate consisting of at least 60 credit hours, no more than 12 of which can be internship or practicum-related.
What degree do you need to be a school psychologist in Texas? ›
TSBEP Credential:
All other applicants must have completed a graduate degree in psychology from a regionally accredited academic institution, and have completed at least 60 graduate level semester credit hours, no more than 12 of which may be internship hours.
How much do LSSP interns make in Texas? ›
How much does a School Psychology Internship make in Texas? As of Oct 21, 2022, the average annual pay for a School Psychology Internship in Texas is $48,699 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.41 an hour. This is the equivalent of $936/week or $4,058/month.
What qualification do I need to be an educational psychologist? ›
To qualify for a position as an educational psychologist, candidates need to earn a doctorate.
Can a teacher become an educational psychologist? ›
It used to be possible to make the leap from teaching to educational psychology quite quickly, which explains why many EPs are former teachers. These days it's a longer transition. You generally need a first degree in psychology, after which you have to complete a three-year doctorate programme.
Is math required for psychology? ›
Most psychology undergraduate programs have a math requirement — but don't let this deter you from pursuing an online psychology degree.
Can a school psychologist diagnose you? ›
The short answer is yes. LEPs can diagnose if they have the training and knowledge in that area. It can be a necessary part of private practice.
How much does an Educational Diagnostician make in Texas? As of Oct 31, 2022, the average annual pay for an Educational Diagnostician in Texas is $70,110 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $33.71 an hour.
Can a school psychologist diagnose anxiety? ›
School psychologists are the point persons because of their knowledge and training to identify initially and then to assess further anxiety symptoms in children.
Which state is easiest to get licensed as a psychologist? ›
West Virginia. They don't have a list of required courses; they don't require that the program be designed for licensure; they don't require a certain specialty (many states only recognize school, clinical, counseling, health services, and I/O psychology); or a pre-doctoral, supervised experience.
Can you be a psychologist with a Masters in Texas? ›
There are a number of health care and mental health professionals whose training includes psychological knowledge, but psychologists are the only mental health professionals who are required to have a doctorate (either a PhD, PsyD, or EdD).
What is a psychologist salary in Texas? ›
The average Psychologist - Ph. D. salary in Texas is $108,035 as of October 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $97,890 and $120,425.
What are school psychologists called in Texas? ›
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
In Texas, you are more likely to hear the acronym, LSSP, when referring to a school psychologist. LSSP stands for Licensed Specialist in School Psychology.
Do you need a master's degree to be a school counselor in Texas? ›
Successfully complete a school counselor preparation program. Passed the school counselor certification exam. Hold, at a minimum, a 48-hour master's degree in counseling from an accredited institution of higher education. Have two creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher.
Who can supervise an LSSP in Texas? ›
(1) Supervision within the public schools may only be provided by a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology who has a minimum of 3 years of experience providing psychological services within the public school system without supervision.
Where do school psychologist get paid the most? ›
Alaska is the best state in the country for school psychologist jobs, and Alaska has the second-highest median salary in the country. The median salary for school psychologists in Alaska is $102,218.
...
1. Alaska.
| Total School Psychologist Jobs: | 55 |
|---|
| Highest 10 Percent Earn: | $139,000 |
3 more rows6 Apr 2021
School counselor salary in Texas
How much does a school counselor make in Texas? According to the BLS's Occupational Employment Statistics, the average annual salary in 2021 for school counselors in Texas was $59,560 or $28.64 an hour.
How much does a Guidance Counselor, Elementary School make in Texas? The average Guidance Counselor, Elementary School salary in Texas is $47,653 as of October 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $41,466 and $54,194.
What is the difference between a school psychologist and a school counselor? ›
School counselors focus more on improving mental health and behavioral symptoms through individual and group counseling and education. Typically, they serve the entire school population. School psychologists focus on understanding behavioral symptoms and academic issues via testing, researching, and assessing.
Can you become a psychologist without a degree? ›
As such, you don't need a psychology degree to start training. Instead, you need to have a background in one of the listed 'Core Professions', which include Mental Health Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Social Work, amongst others.
How long does it take to train as an educational psychologist? ›
The Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology (DECPsy) is a three-year programme of professional training in educational psychology, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Can I be an educational psychologist with a Masters degree? ›
No. Educational psychology is a specific practitioner discipline, training in which is open to suitably qualified graduates of recognised undergraduate psychology degrees. Find out more about training in educational psychology.
How much does an Ed Psych earn? ›
New jobs added in the last day. Jobs in Reed.co.uk, ranging from £31,825 to £53,813.
Is an educational psychologist in high demand? ›
Job Outlook for Educational Psychologists
The overall employment outlook for psychologists is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in the psychology field will grow 14% through 2028, which is much faster than average.
Does psychology require a lot of writing? ›
The ability to write well is one of the most important skills you can gain as a psychology major. Most psychology courses require a significant amount of writing, including essays, case studies, research reports, and other papers.
What type of math is used in psychology? ›
The APA suggests that most of the math requirements in psychology revolve around statistics and quantitative analysis. You'll use this as a practicing psychologist to interpret scientific data and theories in the field, or as a researcher to articulate and provide evidence for those theories yourself.
Can an LSSP diagnose ADHD? ›
A school psychologist can identify students as having ADHD and is probably the most qualified professional to make this determination. There is no requirement in either Federal Code of Regulations or in California Education Code for a medical doctor to make this diagnosis.
Alongside this myth is the idea that the speech therapist, occupational therapist, or school psychologist, ruled autism out. Again, these professionals do NOT diagnose autism independently. Specialists of this nature are often on diagnostic teams but do not independently diagnose OR rule out autism.
Can a school psychologist give an IQ test? ›
Yes, school psychologists do engage in individually administered intelligence assessment.
How do you become a school diagnostician in Texas? ›
An educational diagnostician is required to have a valid classroom teaching certificate and three years of classroom teaching experience in a public or accredited private school.
How much does a professor with a PHD make in Texas? ›
How much does a Professor - Education make in Texas? The average Professor - Education salary in Texas is $101,005 as of October 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $84,356 and $174,866.
How do you get a Texas educational diagnostician certificate? ›
CERTIFICATION
- Successfully complete all coursework.
- Complete all required practicum hours and observations.
- Complete the degree program.
- Have three years of classroom teaching experience in a public or accredited private school.
- Hold at minimum a master's degree.
- Pass the state TExES certification exam.
School psychologists are trained in child psychopathology and behavioral assessment practices and have the expertise to evaluate whether students are presenting with ADHD.
What issues do school psychologists deal with? ›
School Psychologists regularly deal with students with disabilities; behavioral issues including suicidal or homicidal behaviors; family issues that affect their disposition; and students who are bullying or being bullied.
Can a school psychologist diagnose bipolar? ›
The school psychologist's role in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children varies. A psychologist working in a pediatric setting may be more integrally involved in the diagnostic process by actively evaluating the child, obtaining data from a variety of sources and examining differential diagnoses.
Which field of psychology is the easiest? ›
Factors such as whether the program is more heavily based in science or liberal arts affect the level of difficulty. At the graduate level, the master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology is probably the easiest to attain. As doctorates go, the Doctor of Psychology (Psy. D.)
What is the highest paying state for psychologists? ›
The Best States for Psychologists by Salary
| State | Salary |
|---|
| New Jersey | $139,110 |
| California | $130,920 |
| Hawaii | $125,660 |
| Oregon | $124,340 |
1 more rowWe found that Delaware is the best state in the nation for psychologists, and people in Monterey earn the most in the field.
...
1. Delaware.
| Total Psychologist Jobs: | 32 |
|---|
| Average Annual Salary: | $118,166 |
| Lowest 10 Percent Earn: | $88,000 |
| Highest 10 Percent Earn: | $157,000 |
1 more row6 Apr 2021
Generally, these requirements include:
- a doctoral degree in psychology;
- passage of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology;
- passage of the Jurisprudence Examination;
- a minimum of 1,750 hours of supervised experience received in a formal internship within a doctoral program; and.
For licensure, the state of Texas requires that you not only earn a doctorate consisting of at least 60 credit hours, no more than 12 of which can be internship or practicum-related.
How much can you make with a masters in psychology in Texas? ›
How much does a Psychologist - M.A. make in Texas? The average Psychologist - M.A. salary in Texas is $92,464 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $78,368 and $104,931.
Who makes more psychologist or therapist? ›
Clinical psychologists typically make a lot more than other types of therapists. The average clinical therapist salary is about $98,000, which is tens of thousands more than licensed mental health counselors and clinical social workers usually make.
How much do PSYD make in Texas? ›
How much does a PSYD make in Texas? As of Oct 27, 2022, the average annual pay for the PSYD jobs category in Texas is $84,473 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $40.61 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,624/week or $7,039/month.
What is the highest paying occupation? ›
Highest Paying Occupations
| OCCUPATION | 2021 MEDIAN PAY |
|---|
| General internal medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
| Family medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
| Emergency medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
17 more rows8 Sept 2022
To qualify for a position as an educational psychologist, candidates need to earn a doctorate.
Can I teach without a certificate in Texas? ›
Since 1995, Texas law has allowed school districts to issue a school district teaching permit (SDTP) to someone who does not hold a teaching certificate (Texas Education Code §21.055). A teacher employed on a school district teaching permit is not certified by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
How much does an LSSP make in Houston? ›
How much does a LSSP make in Houston, Texas? As of Oct 25, 2022, the average annual pay for the LSSP jobs category in Houston is $75,270 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $36.19 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,447/week or $6,272/month.
Texas psychologists must pass three licensing examinations. Two are taken before the provisional license is issued. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is a national board examination.
Can a qualified teacher become an educational psychologist? ›
No, you need to have completed a Master's degree in order to register as an Educational Psychologist. You will thus have to complete a Bachelors degree then an Honors degree and finally a Master's degree.
Can I be a school counselor with a bachelor's degree in Texas? ›
Complete Degree Requirement
Prospective school counselors must possess a master's degree from an accredited school and complete a state-approved school counselor preparation program.
How much do Texas high school counselors make? ›
The average salary for a school counselor in Texas is $59,000 per year. School counselor salaries in Texas can vary between $36,500 to $74,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
What is the fastest way to become a teacher in Texas? ›
Becoming a Classroom Teacher in Texas
- Obtain a Bachelor's Degree - You must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. ...
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program - You must complete an Approved Educator Preparation Program.
Those aiming to be permanently certified educators in Texas are still required to obtain standard certification. To acquire an emergency teacher certificate, Texas-based students must undergo training at a state-approved Alternative Certification Program (ACP).
Can you teach in Texas without a degree? ›
You must hold a graduate degree from a university or college that has a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board accreditation. A post-graduate certificate can be finished in one year, and you can even opt for a master's degree in any specific subject or education.
