Are you passionate about helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally? Becoming a school psychologist in Montana might be your calling! At TinyEYE, we provide online therapy services to schools, and we understand the importance of qualified professionals in educational settings. Let's break down the pathways to obtaining your Class 6 School Psychologist Specialist Licensure in Montana.
Three Pathways to Licensure
Montana offers three different pathways to meet the requirements for Class 6 School Psychologist licensure, as outlined in the Administrative Rules of Montana 10.57.434. Here's a simplified guide:
- Pathway 1: Hold current credentials as a nationally certified school psychologist (NCSP) from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
- Pathway 2: Complete a specialist level degree from a NASP accredited school psychologist program, including a 1200-hour internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting.
- Pathway 3: If you don't have a specialist level degree from a NASP accredited program, you can still qualify by completing a master’s degree or higher in school psychology or a related field from an institutionally accredited college or university, along with a recommendation from an approved specialist program, which includes a 600-hour internship in a P-12 school setting.
Additional Requirements
Before you can obtain your licensure, you must also:
- Complete and verify the free, online course "An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana."
Provisional Licenses
If you meet all the requirements but have an unrestricted, expired out-of-state school psychologist license and have not earned 60 professional development units (PDUs) within the past five years, you can still apply for licensure through the licensing system. Here’s how:
- The system will guide you to the correct Class 5C provisional license application. This provisional license allows you to be employed in Montana as a school psychologist while you complete 60 PDUs. It is valid for up to three years from the date of validation.
Additionally, if you have earned a master’s degree or greater in school psychology or a related field but have not yet completed a School Psychologist preparation program, and are currently enrolled in such a program, you can apply for a Class 5B provisional license. This license also allows you to work as a school psychologist in Montana while completing the specialist program, and it is valid for up to three years.
Application Process
Ready to apply? Follow these steps:
- Submit your online application through the licensing system Teach Montana (TMT).
- Ensure all application materials and required fees are received before your application is evaluated.
- Note that incomplete applications will be purged after 90 days.
For more information, please follow this link.
