School Psychology Licensure in Minnesota: Become a School Psychologist in MN
Minnesota’s school psychologists are credentialed by the Minnesota Department of Education under the category “related services licensure”. Minnesota school psychologists may offer direct and indirect services to students from pre-k to grade 12. Full licensure can be granted immediately upon completion of a qualifying program at the specialist level.
Minnesota grants temporary limited school psychologist licenses to individuals who have not yet met all requirements; this is done in cases where there is documented need on the part of the school district. Limited intern licenses may be granted to students who are completing degree requirements in a school setting.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has developed online Bachelor’s and Master’s in Psychology programs with several emphases to select from as well as a CACREP accredited online Master’s in Counseling. Click here to learn about the psychology and counseling programs at SNHU.
Grand Canyon University (GCU) - M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.
Liberty University - Master's in School Counseling Online (M.Ed.) Click here to contact Liberty University and request information about their programs.
Walden University - MS in School Counseling. Click here to learn about the psychology and counseling programs at Walden University.
The University of West Alabama - EdS School Counseling and MEd School Counseling Degrees. Click here to learn about the counseling programs at the University of West Alabama.
Campbellsville University - Online Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling. Click here to learn about the counseling programs at the Campbellsville University.
Select a Minnesota School Psychologist topic below…
- Education Requirements for First-Time School Psychologist Licensure
- Limited Intern Licensure
- Requirements for Limited Licensure
- Application Process: Forms and Materials
- Contacts and Additional Information Sources
Educational Requirements for First-Time Licensure
There are two pathways to initial licensure: completion of a program approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) or credentialing as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP); this credential is also granted by NASP (http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/Licen/RelServLic/index.html).
Pathway 1: Candidates may attend a NASP-approved program anywhere in the nation. NASP approves programs at both the specialist and doctoral level. The degree represents at least 60 semester hours of coursework and supervised experience; there must be at least 54 semester hours of coursework exclusive of internship. Students may earn a master’s en route to a higher degree. Doctoral programs include at least 90 semester hours of coursework; there will be at least 78 semester hours exclusive of dissertation and internship. Some programs, termed “respecialization”, accept students with graduate degrees in closely related fields; they do not necessarily confer an additional degree. A student may view a national directory of NASP-approved programs online (http://www.nasponline.org/certification/index_grad.aspx).
Pathway 2: Candidates may pursue NCSP certification. A 60-semester hour program is a prerequisite. The program does not necessarily have to be NASP-approved. However, graduates of programs that do not have NASP approval are required to demonstrate competence through submission of a case study and professional portfolio. Portfolio instructions are found in the application packet for Non-NASP graduates (http://www.nasponline.org/certification/NON_NASP_approved_NCSP_app.pdf).
NASP sets minimum internship hours for all candidates, regardless of approval or accreditation. Certification candidates must complete 1,200 hours of internship with at least 600 hours served in a school setting.
The Praxis II examination for school psychologists is another certification requirement. The examination is administered by ‘paper delivery’. The required score for certification is 165. Candidates who took the examination in the past may have taken a version of the exam which utilized a different scaling system; this is acceptable. Candidates whose scores are more than ten years old will need to retake the examination.
A candidate handbook can be downloaded from the ETS site. The test is offered at sites around the nation approximately four times per year. Testing fees are currently listed as $115. The NASP Certification Department can be reached by phone at 866- 331-NASP or 301-657-0270.
Limited Intern Licensure
A student who has completed a master’s but needs to complete an internship as part of a NASP-approved school psychology program may apply for a Limited Intern License. The individual must be supervised by the college or university. A licensed school psychologist must provide direct supervision. The Department of Education notes that interns may not fill a school psychology vacancy.
The intern license is issued for one year. It authorizes service at a particular charter school or school district (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=8710.1050). One renewal is allowed.
Requirements for Limited Licensure
Limited licensure is granted when a school district or charter school is unable to locate a fully qualified professional (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=8710.1250). In order to qualify as a school psychologist, an individual must hold at least a master’s degree in school psychology (http://www.nasponline.org/certification/state_info_list.aspx). The limited license is issued for one year. Additional temporary licenses may be issued if the professional is making sufficient progress toward full licensure and if the institution still needs the professional’s service; NASP notes that a condition is that the employing institution is still unable to find a fully qualified school psychologist. To move up to a standard credential, the license holder will need to finish a NASP-approved program or achieve NCSP certification.
The Application Process
Minnesota uses an online application system (https://w1.education.state.mn.us/MIDMSWEB/MDELogin.html). Candidates may click “create account” to initiate the process.
Requests for expedited processing of applications may be made by the school district that will be employing the individual.
Certificates are renewed on a five-year basis. There is a professional development requirement.
Additional Information
The educator licensing division can be found online at http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/Licen/index.html. Interested individuals may email mde.educator-licensing at state.mn.us or dial 651-582-8691.
NASP lists Related Services Specialist Mary Hunt and Director of Educator Licensing Richard Wassen as state consultants.
Private practice requires a license issued by the Minnesota Board of Psychology (http://www.psychologyboard.state.mn.us/). This option is only available to those who hold doctoral degrees.
The Minnesota School Psychologists Association, a NASP affiliate, is another professional resource (http://www.mspaonline.net/). Membership in this organization does not authorize an individual to work in the schools.
