Are you considering a career as a school psychologist in Alaska? Navigating the licensing requirements can be complex, but we’re here to break it down for you. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a school psychologist in the Last Frontier.
Initial Certification
Alaska offers an Initial Certificate for the first two years of employment. To qualify, applicants must meet all certification requirements, including:
- Graduation from a program approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) or the American Psychological Association (APA).
- Meeting the criteria for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) designation.
If you lack six semester hours of credit earned in the five years preceding your application, or specific coursework in Alaska studies and multicultural education, you can apply for a Provisional Type C Special Services Certificate. This certificate is valid for two years, during which you must complete the required coursework to transition to a regular Type C Special Services Certificate.
Type C Special Services Certificate
After three years of employment and meeting all other requirements, you can receive a Type C Special Services Certificate. This certificate allows you to work as a school psychologist within the state’s education system.
School Psychology Master Teacher Certificate
Once you have the Initial Certificate and the NCSP, you are eligible for the School Psychology Master Teacher Certificate. This advanced certification further validates your expertise and commitment to the field.
Provisional Certificate
A Provisional Certificate can be issued if you still need to complete the Alaska studies and multicultural education courses. This certificate is non-renewable and valid for two years. To avoid a lapse in certification, you must complete the required coursework and apply for the regular Type C Special Services Certificate before the Provisional Certificate expires.
Endorsement in School Psychology
To receive an endorsement in school psychology, you must hold a master’s or higher degree in school psychology, be recommended by an institution with an approved program, and complete a 1200-hour internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting. Alternatively, maintaining the NCSP can also fulfill this requirement.
Continuing Education Requirements
School psychologists with a Type C Special Services Certificate must complete a minimum of six graduate semester hours within the credential's life. At least three of these hours must be at the upper division or graduate level. For those holding the NCSP and the Master Teacher Certificate, submitting your NCSP is sufficient for renewal and requires no fee, but must be done every three years.
Scope of Practice
The SEA credential limits practice to school settings. To practice outside of schools, you must apply through the Board of Professional Counselors or the Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners. A doctorate is required for private practice licensure.
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