Are you considering a career as a school psychologist in Michigan? Great choice! School psychologists play a vital role in the educational system, helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. At TinyEYE, we understand the importance of having qualified professionals in schools, which is why we offer online therapy services to support educators and students alike. Here's a straightforward guide to help you navigate the certification process in Michigan.
Getting Started: Certification Requirements
To work as a school psychologist in Michigan, you need either a Michigan School Psychologist Certificate or a Preliminary School Psychologist Certificate. The application process is handled through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
Preliminary School Psychologist Certificate
This certificate is valid for 3 years and is available to individuals who meet the following requirements:
- Complete a graduate degree in an approved school psychology certification program (no less than 45 semester credit hours).
- Complete a 600 clock-hour, supervised practicum in school psychology.
- Possess a valid out-of-state school psychologist certificate or license if the program was completed in another state.
Renewing Your Preliminary Certificate
A one-time, 3-year renewal can be granted upon application and verification of one of the following:
- Six (6) semester credit hours in an approved school psychologist program from an Educator Preparation Institution. The credit must be completed since the issue date of the preliminary psychology certificate.
- A valid, out-of-state school psychologist certificate.
School Psychologist Certificate
This certificate is valid for 5 years and is available to individuals who meet the following requirements:
- Possess a current or expired Preliminary School Psychologist Certificate.
- Complete a state-approved specialist-level degree or the equivalent (no less than 60 semester credit hours) in school psychology with a 1200 clock-hour internship from an Educator Preparation Institution (EPI).
Out-of-State Applicants
If you completed your education outside of Michigan, you might qualify for a School Psychologist Certificate valid for 5 years if you:
- Complete a specialist-level degree or the equivalent (no less than 60 semester credit hours) in school psychology with a 1200 clock-hour internship from an out-of-state Educator Preparation Institution.
- Possess a valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), or a valid, standard school psychologist certificate from the state where the program was completed.
Renewing Your School Psychologist Certificate
This certificate is renewable for 5 years using one of the following options:
- Option A: Complete one of the Education-Related Professional Learning options listed below, since the issue date of the most recent school psychologist certificate or renewal, and log them into MOECS.
- Option B: Hold a valid Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate.
- Option C: Hold a valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential.
- Option D: Hold a valid out-of-state school psychologist certificate (one-time renewal only).
Education-Related Professional Learning
To renew your certificate, you must complete one of the following Education-Related Professional Learning options since the issue date of the most recent certificate or renewal:
- 6 semester credit hours appropriate to the content and grade level of the certificate and endorsement from a regionally accredited college or university.
- 6 semester hours in a planned course of study* from a college or university recognized by Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
- 150 Michigan State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) appropriate to the content and grade level of the certificate and endorsement.
- 150 hours of Michigan District Provided Professional Development (DPPD) appropriate to the content and grade level of the certificate and endorsement.
- Any combination of the above.
*Credits in a planned course of study may include credits taken as part of an education-related master's or higher degree or credits in a program that leads to an endorsement.For more information, please follow this
link.
