North Carolina Psychology Board Licensure

Licensure of School Psychologists in North Carolina

Licensure of school psychologists in North Carolina is currently done by two credentialing bodies, the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the North Carolina Psychology Board (NCPB). DPI licenses school psychologists for the provision of psychological services in their employment with local education agencies (LEAs). NCPB licenses all other psychologists, including school psychologists, for the provision of psychological services in other settings in the state, including private schools, state agencies (DEC's, mental health centers, university counseling centers, state hospitals, etc.), and private practice.

DPI Authority: Public School Laws of North Carolina. Authority is held over school psychologists who are employed by DPI and each LEA.

NCPB Authority: North Carolina Psychology Practice Act. Authority is held over all of the practice of psychology in North Carolina. There are a limited number of exemptions provided for in the Act, one of which is for school psychologists who are employed by LEA's and DPI but in no other settings. Thus, someone who is contracting with an LEA to provide psychological services must be licensed by the NCPB.
NC Dept of Public Instruction
NC Psychology Board

Levels of Licensure

Level II, Masters/Specialist

Level III, Doctoral

Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA): Masters, Specialist, or Doctoral Degree

Licensed Psychologist: Doctoral Degree

At Licensed Psychologist level, provision of health services also requires a Health Services Provider. This is optional for LPAs and Provisional Psychologists.

Levels of Independence

Both levels independent

LPA: supervision required for most activities which can be reduced over time

Licensed Psychologist: independent after one-year postdoctoral supervised experience for most.

Degree Requirements

Masters/Specialist w/minimum of 60 semester hours.

Doctoral: as required by university

LPA: minimum Masters/Specialist with at least 45 semester hours & must meet requirements in rules

Doctoral: minimum 60 semester hours exclusive of internship/practica and thesis/dissertation hours.

Application Process

Required: transcripts
NTE School Psychology Praxis examination
LEA recommendation
fees

Required: application form
transcripts
national generic and state examinations
minimum three references (1 doctoral), supervisor forms for all professional experience
fees

Fees

Licensure fees:
In state: $45.00, Out of state: $65
National exam application fees: $80-100,
National exam fee $55
Renewal every 5 years; fee paid by district.

Application fee: $100
State examination: $100
National examination: $375
Health Services Provider Certification: $50
Renewal Fee: $200
Renewal every two years

Applicable Ethical Standards

National Association of School Psychologists

American Psychological Association (per statute)

The preceding material was adapted from a fact sheet prepared by
Randy Yardley, M.A., Staff Psychologist
North Carolina Psychology Board
PO Box 41109
Greensboro, NC 27404-1109
(336) 334-4369
(336) 334-3703 (fax)

Board Office:
895 State Farm Road, Suite 101
Boone, NC 28607.
(828) 262-2258
(828) 265-8611(fax)

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