FAQ

• A link between National and State associations

• A collective voice for professional concerns and dissemination of information

• Unified power in soliciting the assistance of State legislators and regulatory agencies

• Making known the needs and opinions of school psychologists

• Support for shaping and defining the future of our professional roles

• Opportunities to join our group in advocacy in action events

• Access to ASPP grant funding opportunities such as The Public Policy Institute (PPI) Student Grant provides funding for school psychology graduate students to attend the NASP PPI in Washington, D.C.

• Support for the ethical practice of school psychology. ASPP adopts the standards and ethics of NASP and will consult with members regarding the delivery of school psychology services to Pennsylvania's children.

• Benefit from discounted rates at our annual conferences and workshops,

• Access to our ASPP Insight Publication and members-only resources are invaluable for continuous learning and growth.

• Access to mini grant and student research grant opportunities

• Connection to other school psychologists within the state through regional events and social media platforms

• Opportunities to seek advice and support from fellow professionals  

At ASPP, we're committed to advocating for the recognition and resources necessary for school psychologists to excel. Through our advocacy efforts, we secure paid internships, push for loan forgiveness, and work toward NCSP certification parity, all of which directly contribute to your professional development and well-being.

As an ASPP member, you'll also gain access to exclusive professional development opportunities. Benefit from discounted rates at our annual conferences and workshops, where you'll engage with the latest research-based practices and innovative strategies. Additionally, our ASPP Insight Publication and members-only resources are invaluable for continuous learning and growth.

Being a member of ASPP is about fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within our community. Through regional engagement initiatives and recognition of members' achievements, ASPP provides a supportive network for sharing knowledge, best practices, and developing collaborative relationships that benefit our entire team.

ASPP offers three competitive funding opportunities annually. The Mini-Grant provides financial assistance to practicing school psychologists or faculty to effectively carry out the profession of school psychology, or to school psychology graduate students to enhance their knowledge or skills. The Student Research Grant provides financial assistance to graduate students to advance their research. The Public Policy Institute (PPI) Student Grant provides funding for school psychology graduate students to attend the NASP PPI in Washington, D.C. Check our grants funding page for more information.

We always welcome new voices. We value your experiences and contributions. Each committee is composed of volunteers who are excited about supporting ASPP and advocating for our profession. There are opportunities for varying levels of involvement based on your availability. If you are interested in joining an ASPP committee, please fill out this form. We are excited to have you join us!

In order to be certified as a school psychologist in Pennsylvania, an individual must:

• Be a United States citizen OR hold a permanent residency visa and file a Declaration of Intent to Become a Citizen form;
• Complete a graduate degree in school psychology with the recommended coursework 
• Attain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher as noted on a graduate transcript
• Pass the School Psychology (K-12) Praxis exam (Code 5403) with a qualifying score of 155 or higher
• Complete an approved internship experience consisting of at least 1,000 hours
• Be recommended by an institution of higher education; and
• Submit appropriate application forms (via the TIMS online portal) and fees. 

TIMS, the Teacher Information Management System, is a one-stop shop that offers a variety of certification functions for educators, school administrators, and the public. This is where you will apply for your level 1 certification and level 2 certification. 

Pennsylvania currently has two levels of certification.  The initial certificate, Level I, is valid for a specific number of service years, during which time you must complete established requirements.  Upon completion of those requirements, the Level I may be converted to a Level II certificate.  If not converted, the Level I lapses.  You cannot be employed in a Pennsylvania public school with a lapsed certificate.

Please ensure you access the Pennsylvania Department of Education website to review the certification process. Link to this website is here: PA Certification- Out of State

You must identify the comparable Pennsylvania certificate for which you will be applying (Specialist- School Psychologist PK-12, 1875).  Obtain all official transcripts (both bachelors and beyond). Obtain a photocopy of your current and valid state certificate comparable to the PA certificate you are seeking if available. Confirm that the required tests have been completed and reported to PDE. You must take the PA required tests and meet the PA qualifying score. No other tests can be substituted or exceptions made.  Complete and submit the application in TIMS.

One must hold the proper state-issued credential to practice as a school psychologist in any given state or territory. Specific requirements vary across states. Be sure to check credentialing requirements for the states where you want to work. 

Pennsylvania does not require Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credentials but it is encouraged. Pennsylvania DOES require a state license (Level 1 Educational Specialist for the first three years, Level 2- after the first three years upon completion of continuing education coursework).  

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) sets standards for graduate preparation, credentialing, professional practice, and ethics. Graduates of NASP-approved and NASP-accredited programs receive quality preparation across all domains of practice and can have a streamlined process for applying for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential.

Applicants must complete an organized degree program of study that is officially titled "School Psychology" that consists of at least 60 graduate semesters/90 quarter hours. At least 54 graduate semester/81 quarter hours must be exclusive of credit for the supervised internship experience. Applicants for the NCSP must provide evidence of meeting coursework requirements through official transcripts sent directly to NASP from the institution.  In addition, completion of a sequence of supervised experiences that occurred prior to and exclusive of the internship is required. The individual must complete a 1,200-hour internship in school psychology, of which at least 600 hours must be in a school setting. The internship must be recognized through institutional (transcript) documentation. The Praxis School Psychologist exam #5403 measures whether entry-level school psychologists have minimum acceptable competency (knowledge) for professional practice. The Praxis School Psychologist exam is required by numerous state education agencies to work as a school psychologist.

The main difference between a PA certification and NCSP certification includes internship hour experience. Pennsylvania requires 1000 hours the National Association of School Psychologists (NCSP) requires 1200 hours. In addition, attending approved NASP approved or NASP accredited graduate programming. 

Most states explicitly require a degree in "school psychology." Some states may provide alternative pathways, though in most states, that individual may need to go back to school to fill any gaps. Consult your State Education Agency (SEA) or other relevant credentialing agency for guidance specific to your state.