A West Virginia school psychologist is certified by the West Virginia Department of Education. The school psychologist can also opt for licensure through the West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
According to the National Association of School Psychologists, the Department of Education (DOE) credential authorizes only work as a W-2 employee in a school setting. A Level 1 license issued by the Board of Examiners of Psychologists authorizes contractual work. A level 2 license authorizes the professional to work outside the school system.
All school psychology credentials require graduate education. School psychologists must pass a national examination to retain certification or licensure beyond the initial period. The Board of Examiners of Psychologists has set the passing score higher than the Department of Education.
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Select a West Virginia School Psychologist topic below…
- Requirements for School Psychologist Credentialing through the DOE
- Examination Requirement for DOE Certification
- The DOE Application Process
- Requirements for School Psychologist Licensing
- Application Process: Forms and Materials for School Psychologist Licensure
- Contacts and Additional Information Sources
Requirements for School Psychologist Credentialing through the DOE
A school psychology candidate must complete a master’s degree in order to obtain the Initial Professional Student Support Certificate. A candidate opting for an out-of-state program should make sure that the program is housed in a regionally accredited institution and that it is approved in the state where it is located. An in-state candidate can check program approval status on the site of Teach West Virginia (http://wvde.state.wv.us/teachwv/teachprep.html).
In order to attain the Professional Student Support Certificate, the school psychologist must have a recommendation from the county superintendent (http://wvde.state.wv.us/teachwv/certification.html). The school psychologist must complete six semester hours of coursework or achieve a salary rank of ‘MA plus 30’ before advancing to this level. At least two years of experience is required; at least one year must be attained in West Virginia.
The Permanent Professional Student Support Certificate requires additional experience.
Examination Requirement for DOE Certification
The school psychologist must pass the Praxis II examination for school psychologists at the level set by the state. The minimum score on version 0401 is 148.
When new versions are introduced, the test code and score requirements typically change. Information about current DOE requirements can be found on the ‘West Virginia’ page of Educational Testing Service (https://www.ets.org/praxis/wv/requirements).
An out-of-state candidate who has not yet taken the Praxis II may be issued a temporary permit provided other requirements have been met.
The DOE Application Process
The West Virginia Department of Education requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check (http://wvde.state.wv.us/certification/forms/firstime.html). Fingerprints are to be processed by the approved vendor, L-1/ MorphoTrust. Candidates may call 855-766-7746 to schedule.
An in-state candidate may have LiveScan fingerprints made. An out-of-state candidate should request fingerprint cards from the DOE and then submit the completed cards to the vendor. The DOE notes that the processing fee (currently listed as $45.35) must be submitted to L-1/ MorphoTrust as well.
Certification applications are available on the DOE site (http://wvde.state.wv.us/certification/forms/). An in-state candidate will use Form 20-S (Initial Student Support Certification). An out-of-state licensee will use Form 20-SA. A candidate who does not have an institutional recommendation and is not employed at a West Virginia public school will need a character reference. A candidate who is employed in an educational setting should have the immediate supervisor sign.
Transcripts must be original and must bear the seal of the university. Form 7 is necessary to authorize release of background check information.
Reciprocity candidates are to include a copy of their current certification with the application materials.
The application processing fee is $25. Application materials should be mailed to the Office of Professional Preparation in Charleston. The Department of Education reports that the typical processing time is 90 days. Application status can be monitored online.
Requirements for School Psychologist Licensing
A professional can qualify for Level 1 licensing through the Board of Examiners of Psychologists with a master’s degree, educational specialist degree, or Certificate of Advanced Studies; the degree must be granted by a regionally accredited institution.
The individual will need to work under supervision for three years. An internship can be credited as one year. The licensed individual’s status will be Supervised School Psychologist. A Supervised School Psychologist must submit quarterly reports. Supervision must meet minimum standards set by the Board (http://www.wvpsychbd.org/17-03.pdf). A supervision contract will be due with the application.
The West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists has set the Praxis II score requirement at the same level that is required for national certification by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Currently, the minimum score is 165. Candidates who took the examination prior to September 2008 may have taken a version where the threshold score was 660. A new version goes into effect in September 2014.
Like NASP, the West Virginia Board will accept scores up to nine years old.
Candidates who have not yet met the testing requirement can begin working under supervision. However, they will need to attempt the examination during the first twelve months that they hold the Supervised School Psychologist credential. They will need to pass the examination within two years of their application.
At the end of the supervision period, a candidate will have an oral examination. The candidate will need to submit practice samples and other required materials at least 30 days in advance of the oral examination.
A candidate is eligible for a Licensed School Psychologist Independent Practitioner (Level 2) license with a master’s, CAS, Ed,.D, or doctoral degree (http://www.wvpsychbd.org/Licensure%20Info%202010.pdf). However, school psychologists with education below the doctoral level will need additional supervised experience. They will first fulfill supervision requirements for Level 1. They will complete two additional years of supervised practice. During this time, they will attain advanced competencies: among them duty issues, client abandonment issues, and supervision. It is recommended that the Level 2 Supervised-School Psychologist gain experience in a private practice setting. This must be in accordance with West Virginia laws and rules. A candidate who works in a private practice setting will need work co-signed by the supervisor.
An individual with a doctoral degree does not need to meet supervision requirements at Level 1. However, at least one year of supervision will be required at Level 2. A professional with a doctoral degree who has not completed a qualifying internship will need to complete two years of supervised practice while working under the Board-issued credential.
Eligible individuals are advised to contact the Board for application materials. They may call 304-558-3040 or email psychbd at wv.gov. A mailing address will be required.
Additional Information
The Department of Education lists Trent Danowski as the contact person for support personnel licenses. Additional contacts are listed on the ‘Educator Certification’ page of the Department of Education website (http://wvde.state.wv.us/certification/). The DOE has provided a toll-free certification line: 1-800-982-2378.
The National Association of School Psychologists lists Lanai Jennings-Knotts as the state consultant.
The West Virginia School Psychologists Association is an additional resource for professionals (http://wvspa.org).
FAQs
How do I become a school psychologist in WV? ›
Requirements for School Psychologist Licensing. A professional can qualify for Level 1 licensing through the Board of Examiners of Psychologists with a master's degree, educational specialist degree, or Certificate of Advanced Studies; the degree must be granted by a regionally accredited institution.
Which state is easiest to get licensed as a psychologist? ›West Virginia. They don't have a list of required courses; they don't require that the program be designed for licensure; they don't require a certain specialty (many states only recognize school, clinical, counseling, health services, and I/O psychology); or a pre-doctoral, supervised experience.
What are the requirements for psychologist? ›1. A first B-degree with psychology as a major subject (3 – 4 years) 2. A postgraduate honours degree in psychology (1-2 years) 3. A professional masters degree in clinical psychology or research psychology (2 years).
What is on the Eppp exam? ›The EPPP poses questions in eight content areas: biological bases of behavior; cognitive-affective bases of behavior; social and multicultural bases of behavior; growth and lifespan development; assessment and diagnosis; treatment, intervention and prevention; research methods and statistics; and ethical, legal and ...
How do I become a licensed therapist in WV? ›The state of West Virginia requires candidates for licensure to obtain a master's degree in counseling or a very closely related field. A specialized training will also be accepted, such as clinical counseling, rehabilitation counseling, addictions or substance abuse counseling, etc.
What state has the highest demand for psychologists? ›...
1. Delaware.
| Total Psychologist Jobs: | 32 |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary: | $118,166 |
| Lowest 10 Percent Earn: | $88,000 |
| Highest 10 Percent Earn: | $157,000 |
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $139,110 |
| California | $130,920 |
| Hawaii | $125,660 |
| Oregon | $124,340 |
Outpatient Care Center Psychologist
As some of the highest-earning psychologists, those who work in outpatient care centers make an average salary of $133,660, according to the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
As such, you don't need a psychology degree to start training. Instead, you need to have a background in one of the listed 'Core Professions', which include Mental Health Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Social Work, amongst others.
What is the fastest way to become a psychologist? ›To become a clinical psychologist, you'll need a doctoral-level degree, either a PhD or a PsyD. Most clinical psychologist doctoral programs will require five to seven years of study to complete beyond the bachelor's and master's degrees.
How many years is a psychology degree? ›
A bachelor's degree in psychology is an undergraduate-level degree that typically takes four years to complete. At many universities, students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
What do clinical psychologists do Example? ›You'll work with people of all ages on a wide range of psychological difficulties in mental and physical health. This can include anxiety, depression, psychosis, 'personality disorder', eating disorders, addictions, learning disabilities and family or relationship issues.
How do I become a licensed psychologist in Wisconsin? ›Applicant must have graduated from a regionally accredited institution with a doctoral degree in psychology. Complete supervised experience. One year of supervised experience following conferral of the doctoral degree. The person supervising the applicant must have a psychologist license.
What happens if you fail EPPP? ›Retaking the EPPP
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology is a crucial part of certification and licensure, and without a passing score, candidates may not be granted licensure to practice psychology in their state or province.
Seventy-six percent of all candidates who took the exam between April 2008 and July 2010 — and 82 percent of first-time test-takers — passed, the researchers found. "There's a myth among students that the pass rate is considerably lower than that," says lead author Jack B. Schaffer, PhD.
What is the big 6 Domains on EPPP? ›The EPPP (Part 2-Skills) includes six domains, with each domain representing a specific percentage of the examination: scientific orientation (6%), assessment and intervention (33%), relational competence (16%), professionalism (11%), ethical practice (17%), and collaboration, consultation, supervision (17 %).
What states have LPC reciprocity with Texas? ›Texas does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for counselor licensure. You must meet the same licensure requirements applicable to all new candidates.
How do I become a counselor in Ohio? ›Ohio's Education Requirements for Counselor Licensure:
Master's degree from a clinical mental health counseling program, clinical rehabilitation counseling program, or addiction counseling program accredited by the council for accreditation of counseling and related educational programs “CACREP.”
| Overall Rank | City | City Livability |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | McAllen, TX | 43 |
| 2 | El Paso, TX | 33 |
| 3 | Eau Claire, WI | 10 |
| 4 | Mankato, MN | 49 |
Average R 7 651 per month.
What college has the best psychology major? ›
- Princeton University.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- Harvard University.
- Stanford University.
- Yale University.
- University of Chicago.
- Johns Hopkins University.
- University of Pennsylvania.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, psychologists are not. Psychiatrists prescribe medication, psychologists can't. Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness. Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients.
How long does it take to get a PHD in psychology? ›Overall, it takes approximately five to eight years after receiving a bachelor's degree to obtain a Ph. D. in psychology. A master's degree usually takes two to three years to complete, followed by an additional four to six years for a doctoral (Ph.
What type of psychologist is in high demand? ›Clinical psychology, for example, is expected to grow in demand at an especially fast rate in line with similar growing demand for almost all healthcare positions.
What is the fastest growing field in psychology? ›Substance Abuse Counseling
The demand for substance abuse counseling is on a dramatic upward trend. There's an anticipated 23 percent growth in job opportunities for substance abuse counselors by the year 2026.
According to students studying psychology, there is quite a lot of reading that you need to do. Psychology is one of the more difficult degrees and many of your assignments will require you to cite your sources and will require you to back up a lot of the arguments that you have.
Can you call yourself a psychologist with a bachelor's degree? ›Technically anyone can call themselves a "psychologist", as the title is not protected by law (unlike say General Practitioner).
Can a teacher become an educational psychologist? ›It used to be possible to make the leap from teaching to educational psychology quite quickly, which explains why many EPs are former teachers. These days it's a longer transition. You generally need a first degree in psychology, after which you have to complete a three-year doctorate programme.
Can I do a psychology masters without a psychology degree? ›Am I eligible for a Masters in Psychology? Most university entry requirements ask for at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree to enrol on an MSc Psychology. This can be in any subject – including a psychology degree that wasn't accredited by the BPS.
What is the shortest time to become a psychologist? ›In most cases, becoming a licensed psychologist can take as little as eight years or as long as 12 years. If you are considering a career in psychology, it is important to be aware of all of the educational and training requirements it takes to become a licensed psychologist.
How fast can you get a psychology degree online? ›
How Fast Can I Get an Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree? The study times vary, but an accelerated degree in psychology may allow learners to complete their training in less than two years. These programs usually feature 120 credits, the same as traditional programs, though the courses are condensed.
Can you become a psychologist with a BA in psychology? ›A bachelor's degree (B.A/B.Sc) in Psychology will help you explore the many aspects that psychology has to offer. However, you cannot become a psychologist right after your graduation. You need to study further for that.
What is the easiest degree to get? ›- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
A bachelor's degree in psychology builds critical thinking and analytical skills employers value while preparing students for graduate study in the field. Learners can pursue a BA and explore psychology alongside other liberal arts, or they can earn a BS and build additional science and mathematics competencies.
Is it worth it to get a degree in psychology? ›A degree in psychology opens up many opportunities to have a positive effect on someone's life. For example, as a practitioner in the field, you may help people overcome the effects of trauma, deal with a mental illness, face a mental health crisis or achieve personal goals.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a clinical psychologist? ›A typical distinction is that general psychologists focus on healthier people, while clinical psychologists focus on people with more serious mental health issues.
What mental illnesses do clinical psychologists treat? ›Some clinical psychologists work exclusively on specific mental, emotional and behavioral issues. These range from short-term problems, such as difficulties resulting from relationship conflict or work stress, to more serious and often chronic conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction.
Can a psychologist diagnose mental illness? ›Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or another specialty such as counseling or education. They are trained to evaluate a person's mental health using clinical interviews, psychological evaluations and testing. They can make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy.
What qualifications are needed to be a psychologist? ›1. A first B-degree with psychology as a major subject (3 – 4 years) 2. A postgraduate honours degree in psychology (1-2 years) 3. A professional masters degree in clinical psychology or research psychology (2 years).
What are requirements to be a psychologist? ›A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is required in Psychology. The curriculum focuses on personality development, psychotherapy, stress management, and neuro-psychology. Postgraduate specialisation is available, with an MA or M.Sc. in Psychology, Social Work, or Counselling.
How are psychologists and psychiatrists different? ›
Differences in Practice
Both psychologists and psychiatrists can provide psychotherapy. However, most psychiatrists treat patients primarily by prescribing medication, while psychologists mainly rely on providing talk and/or behavioral therapy.
In order to qualify for licensure in Iowa, you must obtain a degree at the doctorate level, either a Ph. D. or a PsyD. Your doctorate must be in Psychology or a closely related field such as educational psychology. Studying for a Masters degree is a crucial part of becoming eligible for licensure as a psychologist.
How do I become a licensed psychologist in Missouri? ›To become a licensed psychologist in Missouri, you must complete a doctoral program in psychology that includes a year of related supervised professional experience. Acceptable programs may result in either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology degree.
How many times can you take the Eppp in Texas? ›Is there a limit on the number of times someone can sit for the EPPP? Council rule §882.6. Limitation on Number of Examination Attempts. (a) An applicant may take an examination administered or required by the Council no more than three times.
What states have Psypact? ›PSYPACT legislation has been enacted in 14 states: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.
Can psychologists prescribe medication in Iowa? ›Patients must have a designated primary care physician for a psychologist to be able to prescribe to them. A prescribing psychologist will have a collaborative practice agreement with a physician at all times.
How do I become a child psychologist in Iowa? ›- Gain one year of supervised professional experience (SPE) in your area of training. ...
- Complete the Application for Psychology Licensure. ...
- Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). ...
- Receive your license from the Board.
To become a counselor in Iowa, you will need to have attended a graduate program that consisted of a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework. The school is required to have an accreditation from an agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
What are the differences between psychologist and psychiatrist? ›Differences in Practice
Both psychologists and psychiatrists can provide psychotherapy. However, most psychiatrists treat patients primarily by prescribing medication, while psychologists mainly rely on providing talk and/or behavioral therapy.
| Psychologist Educational Track | School Programs | Average Education Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree | View Programs | 4 Years |
| 2. Earn A Master's Degree | View Programs | 2 Additional Years |
| 3. Earn a PHD or PsyD | View Programs | 2-4 Additional Years |
How long does it take to become a counselor? ›
Because of the master's degree and licensure requirements to become a licensed counselor, it can take three to five years to complete graduate school, internship and supervised hours.
What happens if I fail EPPP? ›The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology is a crucial part of certification and licensure, and without a passing score, candidates may not be granted licensure to practice psychology in their state or province. Luckily, a candidate who does not pass the EPPP may retake the exam.
What is a good EPPP score? ›Raw Scores converted to Scaled Scores ranging from 200 to 800. ASPPB recommends passing score of 500 for independent practice as a psychologist = Roughly 70% • “Unofficial” score immediately.
What is the pass rate for the EPPP? ›The results showed that although 90 percent of individuals reported passing the EPPP the first time they took it, the likelihood of passing was related to race/ethnicity, perceived benefits of accessing test preparation resources and type of doctoral degree.
What is Paypact? ›What is PSYPACT? PSYPACT is an interstate compact designed to allow licensed psychologists to practice of telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries legally and ethically without necessitating that an individual become licensed in every state to practice.
How do I transfer my psychology license to Florida? ›If you already have your license to practice psychology in another state, you can still apply for licensure in Florida through the Florida Board of Psychology. You will need to submit an application for Licensure by Endorsement by mail or online.
Can I see my therapist while traveling? ›Yes. It is not the Board's intention to limit a California licensee's ability to provide services to a client in California (16 CCR 1396.8(a)(1)). Assuming the case is appropriate for telehealth, the licensee is permitted to provide such services to any client located in California.