Approved University Programs

Specialist level (60+ graduate credits) and doctoral level programs in school psychology are reviewed and approved by NASP by providing evidence of consistency with the NASP Standards for Graduate Preparation of School Psychologists. The NASP standards provide the foundation for program review and approval.   NASP is one of the specialized professional associations (SPAs) of the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), previously the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and conducts program reviews as a part of the CAEP unit accreditation process. CAEP accredits units (e.g., Schools of Education), not programs, but does provide “national recognition” status (full or with conditions) to NASP-approved programs in CAEP-accredited units. NASP also conducts reviews of school psychology programs that are not in CAEP units and that submit materials for review by NASP on a voluntary basis.

Kentucky University Programs

Key: Program Level, SL=Specialist Level and DL=Doctoral Level. The NASP approval/national recognition status of the program (full or with conditions) is also listed, followed by the initial year of approval.

Kentucky School Psychology Credentialing Requirements

Accepts NCSP as a route to school based credential.

SEA Credential:
School Psychologist: Requires a masters or specialist degree and a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours. The NCSP also is accepted as a route to obtaining a school psychologist credential.

A Provisional Credential does not require a graduate degree but requires coursework to be completed and a university recommendation. It is 1 year for full-time internship, 2 years for a half-time internship, and it is nonrenewable for completion of internship year. If the internship is not completed in 1 year, the student must petition the Education Professional Standards Board for an extension.

Field experience requirements are aligned with NASP standards (minimum of 1200 hour internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting). Applicants must also pass the Praxis II.

Continuing Education Requirements:
72 hours of continuing professional development, or 6 graduate hours and 3 years of practice, every 5 years. NASP-approved continuing professional development hours are accepted towards renewal.

Scope of Practice:
The SEA credential does not allow for private practice outside the schools. To practice outside of schools, one must apply through the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychologists or the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.

Kentucky State Resource Links