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Best school psychologist certifications

School psychologist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an school psychologist to employers. However, not all school psychologist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a school psychologist are Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), Board Certified Specialist in School Psychology, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Below is a list of the best school psychologist certifications. Obtaining an school psychologist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

6 best school psychologist certifications

1. Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

2. Board Certified Specialist in School Psychology

School psychology is a general practice and health service provider specialty of professional psychology. School psychologists apply the science and practice of psychology to youth, families, learners of all ages, and the schooling process. School psychology practice promotes the protection and fosters the promotion of the educational and personal development of students.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 

3. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst is an independent practitioner who also may work as an employee or independent contractor for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic (e.g., analogue) behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. The BCBA designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions. The BCBA is able to effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

4. Certified in Hospital Psychology (CHP)

For psychologists looking to expand their skill sets and influence individuals outside the typical clinical setting, hospital psychology can be a rewarding career opportunity. The unique situations presented inside the walls of a medical facility can be challenging, and psychologists need to be aware of those resulting implications.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

5. Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)

The Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certification validates that educators have the global educator technology literacy competencies needed to provide a rich, custom learning experience for students. MCE certification is ideal for educators-in-training, faculty of teacher training colleges, and in-service educators. Microsoft offers a comprehensive e-learning curriculum, 21CLD, to help educators prepare for this rigorous exam.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

6. Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)

A CDMS designation communicates professional credibility. Your credential: - Validates specialized knowledge of disability management through examination - Verifies requisite levels of education and experience - Demonstrates commitment to upgrading skills - Requires adherence to a code of professional conduct.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

What is the best certification for a school psychologist?

The best school psychologist certification is Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). The Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) is awarded by the National Association of School Psychologists. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this school psychologist certification:

  • To become a certified Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 3 year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for school psychologists?

The most in-demand school psychologist certification is Nationally Certified School Psychologist based on all active job postings. Having this school psychologist certification will give you access to more school psychologist jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact a school psychologist career and salary?

The Nationally Certified School Psychologist certification will help you to secure a psychology instructor position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A psychology instructor's average salary is $70,065 whereas school psychologists make an average salary of $78,431.

Best certifications

The most common combination of school psychologist certifications include: Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), Board Certified Specialist in School Psychology, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Online courses for school psychologists to earn certifications

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14. Online Learning Design for Educators

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This specialization is for educators seeking to improve and expand their repertoire of online teaching skills related to the design, development and delivery of effective and engaging online courses and lessons for school age and adult learners.\n\nLearning in the 21st century no longer takes place exclusively between the four walls of a physical classroom. With advances in technology, learners now expect to be offered flexible study modes outside of the traditional face-to-face model. This...

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