NCSP (NASP) - Nationally Certified School Psychologist

The Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) certification is a professional credential for school psychologists who have met rigorous national standards set by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). This certification demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality school psychological services, adherence to ethical practices, and a dedication to lifelong learning and development. The NCSP is designed for school psychologists who wish to validate their specialized skills in working with students, families and educational staff to support students' learning and mental health needs.

Eligibility

• Graduate from a NASP-approved or accredited school psychology program, with at least 60 graduate semester hours

• Complete a 1,200-hour supervised internship in school psychology, with at least 600 hours in a school setting

• Demonstrate competencies in the domains of professional practice specified in the current standards through a portfolio submitted with the NCSP application

• Demonstrate competency through problem-solving report consistent with performance-based outcomes submitted with the NCSP application

• Pass the Educational Testing Service’s (ETS) Praxis School Psychology Examination

Completion Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Cost: 

• Student NASP Member: $70

• Early Career NASP Member: $95

• Other NASP Members: $125

• Nonmember: $250

Exam Format

To qualify for NCSP, applicants must pass the Educational Testing Service’s (ETS) Praxis School Psychology Examination. This exam contains 125 selected-response questions covering the following topics:

• Professional Practices that Permeate All Aspects of Service Delivery (40)

• Student-Level Direct and Indirect Services for Children, Families and Schools (28)

• Systems-Level  Direct and Indirect Services for Children, Families and Schools (25)

• Foundations of School Psychological Service Delivery (32)

The passing score on the ETS Praxis School Psychology Examination is determined by the National School Psychology Certification Board. Currently, 155 is the minimum passing score required by the NSPCB to obtain the NCSP credential.

Application Process

• Completed Online Application

• Pay the certification application fee online

• Have ETS send the School Psychologist Praxis Examination score report directly to NASP

• Have the educational institution send an official graduate transcript with the degree conferral date directly to NASP via email to [email protected]

Unless revoked, the NCSP credential is valid for 3 years and always expires on the last day of the month 36 months after the initial application was processed or the date of the most recent renewal. Renewal requires completing continuing education.

Renewal Fees

• $110 for NASP members

• $210 for nonmembers

Renewal Late Fees:

• More than 1 month, less than 6 months: $18 member/$35 nonmember

• More than 6 months, less than 12 months: $37 member/$70 nonmember

• More than 12 months, less than 18 months: $55 member/$105 nonmember

• More than 18 months, less than 24 months: $73 member/$140 nonmember

• More than 24 months, less than 30 months: $92 member/$175 nonmember

• More than 30 months, less than 36 months: $110 member/$210 nonmember

Applicants more than 3 years late on their renewal must reapply for the NCSP under the current standards.

Renewal applicants must complete 75 contact hours of continuing education (CE) within the 3-year certification cycle. Of these hours:

• 10 must be from NASP-approved and/or APA-approved providers

• 3 must be on topics related to legal regulation or ethical professional practices in school psychology

• 3 must relate to equity, diversity and inclusion (Beginning July 1, 2024)

First-time renewal applicants must also provide evidence of 1 year of professional support or mentorship.

• Praxis Free Test Prep Materials

• Praxis Test Prep (Cost $180) and Practice Exam ($24.95)

Other related certifications include:

• NBCC National Certified School Counselor (NCSC)

• NBCC National Certified Counselor (NCC)

• NBCC Certified Mental Health Counselor (CMHC)