Are you aspiring to become a school psychologist in Illinois? Whether you're an in-state applicant or coming from another state, the Illinois State Board of Education has specific requirements for obtaining and renewing your licensure. This guide will walk you through the key steps and requirements, making the process easier to understand.
Basic Requirements
To start, you'll need to obtain a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Support Personnel Endorsement in School Psychology. Here are the basic requirements:
- For applicants with a valid, comparable out-of-state license:
- A copy of your valid, comparable out-of-state license
- A master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
- NCSP certification (Nationally Certified School Psychologist) which now satisfies Illinois licensure requirements
- For applicants without a valid, comparable out-of-state license:
- A master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
- Proof of completion of a State Approved Program (use ISBE form 80-02S)
- Completion of coursework in teaching exceptional children, reading methods, and methods of teaching English language learners
- Passing the School Psychologist Test (#237)
Specific Requirements for the Title "School Psychologist"
According to Illinois School Code, to use the title "School Psychologist," you must:
- Hold a master's degree or higher in psychology or educational psychology with a specialization in school psychology
- Complete 250 hours of practicum in a school setting or child study center
- Complete a 1200 contact hour internship under the supervision of a credentialed school psychologist
- OR hold a valid NCSP credential
Provisional School Service Personnel Certificate
If you hold out-of-state credentials with comparable endorsements, you can obtain a Provisional School Service Personnel Certificate valid for two full fiscal years. During this period, you must complete testing requirements and address any deficiencies.
Continuing Education Requirements
To renew your PEL, you must meet professional development requirements:
- PEL renewals are valid for five years after professional development requirements are met
- Holding the NCSP satisfies requirements for PEL renewal
- Those without the NCSP must obtain 120 continuing professional development hours every five years
Ensure your Illinois Educator Information Number (IEIN) is on the attendance list of each workshop you attend. Professional development must be provided by an Illinois approved provider.
Scope of Practice
With an SEA credential, school psychologists can provide services in various settings including public schools, early childhood and pre-K settings, private and charter schools, colleges, universities, clinical settings, and other agencies. They can also provide contract services in schools.
School psychologists with at least three years of full-time experience can provide clinical psychological services outside the school setting under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist. However, they cannot provide services to students in the district(s) that employ them, and independent private practice requires licensure from the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation.
Supervisory Endorsement
To obtain a supervisory endorsement, you must:
- Hold a master's or higher degree
- Complete eight semester hours of graduate professional education, including courses in supervision and school administration
- Have at least two years of appropriate school service personnel experience
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