Here's a step-by-step guide to understanding the requirements and procedures for each tier of licensure:
Tier 1 License
Currently, a Tier 1 license for school psychologists is not available in Minnesota.
Tier 2 License
A Tier 2 license is valid for two years and expires on June 30 of the expiration year. This license can be renewed up to three times. When applying for a Tier 2 license, use the Tier 2 Related Services Application.
Initial Tier 2 Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Provide evidence of completion of a school psychology program not accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and not hold a National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP); OR
- Provide evidence of completion of a master's degree, or equivalent, in a school psychology program. Candidates must also provide verification of completion of two or more years of preparation in the licensure program as a school psychologist AND be enrolled in a school psychologist program.
If enrolled in a school psychologist program, the program provider must:
- Verify that the applicant has completed two years or more of preparation (transcripts may be used as documentation),
- Affirm the program provider will assist the candidate in designing the learning experience, AND
- Provide supervision of the candidate.
The hiring district must:
- Request a Tier 2 license from the Board, AND
- Affirm that the candidate will participate in an evaluation.
If the applicant is enrolled in a school psychologist program, the hiring district must:
- Affirm that the candidate will not replace a Tier 3 or Tier 4 licensed school psychologist, AND
- Assign a school psychologist who holds a Tier 3 or Tier 4 license to supervise the candidate.
Renewal of a Tier 2 License
For renewal, the program provider must show that the applicant has made meaningful progress. The hiring district verifies, for each renewal, that the applicant participated in:
- Mentorship and teacher development and evaluation.
Tier 3 License
A Tier 3 license is valid for three years and expires on June 30 of the expiration year. This license may be renewed indefinitely. When applying for a Tier 3 license, use the Tier 3 License Application.
Initial Tier 3 Application Requirements
The applicant must:
- Have completed a preparation program in school psychology that is accredited by NASP, OR
- Hold an NCSP credential from NASP.
Tier 4 License
A Tier 4 license is valid for five years and expires on June 30 of the expiration year. This license may be renewed indefinitely. When applying for a Tier 4 license, use the Tier 4 License Application.
Initial Tier 4 Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Meet all Tier 3 license requirements, AND
- Have three or more years of working experience as a school psychologist.
Renewal of Tier 3 or Tier 4 License
Clock Hours
- A school psychologist must complete 75 clock hours, including current mandatory requirements if holding a Tier 3 license.
- A school psychologist must complete 125 clock hours, including current mandatory requirements if holding a Tier 4 license.
Clock Hour Exemption
A school psychologist may use the NCSP credential from NASP in lieu of all clock hours, to renew a school psychologist license. If the NCSP credential expires during the license's renewal period, the local relicensure committee must prorate clock hours completed at 25 hours per year and require completion of a prorated number of hours for the years the credential is not in effect. Mandatory requirements may also be met through the credential process. The school psychologist should provide evidence to the local relicensure committee for review.
Permissions and Testing
The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board does not authorize or issue permissions for school psychologists. A school psychologist is not required to pass content, pedagogy, or basic skills examinations to obtain or renew a school psychologist license.
For more information, please follow this link.
