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What is a school psychological examiner and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Dé Bryant Ph.D.,
Dr. Joey Collins
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A school psychological examiner is an individual who assesses the needs of students in schools who may qualify for special education services or other learning interventions. These professionals conduct interviews and evaluations of students and providing psychological and counseling support to students, faculty, and school staff. A school psychological examiner also coordinates with other educational professionals in handling students who need psychological support services and ensures the safety of both students and staff.

Most school psychological examiners have a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. Many have a master's degree or higher and at least one endorsement in special education. These individuals also go through relevant postgraduate qualifications and specialist training. A school psychological examiner should possess strong communication, interpersonal and analytical skills, and should be adept at working with students, staff, families, and social workers.

A school psychological examiner can make up to $87,000 a year, and the career field is expected to grow 14% in the next 10 years.

What general advice would you give to a school psychological examiner?

Dé Bryant Ph.D.Dé Bryant Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor, Indiana University South Bend

New graduates at the beginning of their career should find out what gives them joy. Yes, student loans are coming up fast on their heels. Yes, they feel society's pressure to "make something of themselves." Yes, they may have others who depend on their earning power. Despite all those realities -- or more accurately, because of them -- start a career by asking what about this path makes me feel all the work of my undergraduate years was worth it. Build from that foundation even if it only makes sense to you.
ScoreSchool Psychological ExaminerUS Average
Salary
6.8

Avg. Salary $86,900

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.4

Growth rate 14%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.20%

Asian 3.34%

Black or African American 6.18%

Hispanic or Latino 10.44%

Unknown 3.44%

White 76.39%

Gender

female 66.90%

male 33.10%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
9.4

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.5

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

School psychological examiner career paths

Key steps to become a school psychological examiner

  1. Explore school psychological examiner education requirements

    Most common school psychological examiner degrees

    Bachelor's

    48.8 %

    Master's

    37.0 %

    Doctorate

    10.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific school psychological examiner skills

    SkillsPercentages
    K-1228.51%
    Adaptive13.25%
    Assessment Measures9.72%
    Behavior Management7.71%
    Developmental Disabilities7.39%
  3. Complete relevant school psychological examiner training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New school psychological examiners learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a school psychological examiner based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real school psychological examiner resumes.
  4. Research school psychological examiner duties and responsibilities

    • Lead dialectical-behavioral therapy groups (DBT) for individuals with borderline personality disorder diagnosis.
    • Complete re-evaluations and functional behavioral assessments for children who are classify with emotional disturbance, autism, and specific learning disabilities.
    • Provide therapeutic intervention to individuals dealing with PTSD, anxiety, panic disorders, depression, and personality disorders.
  5. Prepare your school psychological examiner resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your school psychological examiner resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a school psychological examiner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable school psychological examiner resume templates

    Build a professional school psychological examiner resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your school psychological examiner resume.
    School Psychological Examiner Resume
    School Psychological Examiner Resume
    School Psychological Examiner Resume
    School Psychological Examiner Resume
    School Psychological Examiner Resume
    School Psychological Examiner Resume
    School Psychological Examiner Resume
    School Psychological Examiner Resume
    School Psychological Examiner Resume
  6. Apply for school psychological examiner jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a school psychological examiner job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first school psychological examiner job

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Average school psychological examiner salary

The average school psychological examiner salary in the United States is $86,900 per year or $42 per hour. School psychological examiner salaries range between $58,000 and $128,000 per year.

Average school psychological examiner salary
$86,900 Yearly
$41.78 hourly

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School psychological examiner reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2020
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Variety, supporting kids, testing and analyzing, teams.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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