Career roadmap
How to Become a School Psychologist
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a school psychologist, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a school psychologist: (1) earn a bachelor’s in psychology, (2) enter a school psychology program, (3) complete practicum, (4) complete a year-long internship, (5) get credentialed. Most people need about 3 years after a bachelor’s. BLS lists “master's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a school psychologist
Earn a bachelor’s in psychology
Or a related field.
Enter a school psychology program
NASP-approved.
Complete practicum
Supervised school work.
Complete a year-long internship
1,200 hours.
Get credentialed
State credential and NCSP.
Education and training requirements
A specialist-level degree (Ed.S.) or doctorate in school psychology plus a supervised internship is typical.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Master's degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Internship/residency |
| Typical training time | 3 years after a bachelor’s |
Certifications and licenses
- State school psychologist credential: Required to practice in schools.
- NCSP: Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
- Crisis prevention training: PREPaRE or similar.
- BCBA: Optional behavior credential.
Skills to build now
Start with psychological assessment, special education law, and behavior analysis, and practice empathy and communication. Learning the school psychologist vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Intern: Supervised year.
- School Psychologist: Caseload.
- Lead Psychologist: Mentor others.
- Special Education Director: Lead programs.
Get a head start
Our self-paced School Psychologist training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long does it take to become a school psychologist?
Most people need about 3 years after a bachelor’s of training. A specialist-level degree (Ed.S.) or doctorate in school psychology plus a supervised internship is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a school psychologist?
Yes. BLS lists a master’s degree as typical, and most states require a specialist-level program (about 60 graduate credits) with a 1,200-hour internship, or a doctorate.
What certifications are available for school psychologists?
Common credentials include State school psychologist credential, NCSP, Crisis prevention training, and BCBA. School psychologists need a state education credential to work in public schools; private practice requires a psychology license.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-3034 (School psychologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for School psychologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.