Requirements
The requirements for obtaining licensure as a school psychologist are set forth in 22 TAC 463.9. Generally, these requirements include:
- completion of a training program in school psychology approved/accredited by the American Psychological Association or the National Association of School Psychologists, or a graduate degree in psychology with specified course work
Request your school(s) email an official transcript(s), showing qualifying degree was conferred, to transcripts@bhec.texas.gov. Alternatively, staff may accept an official transcript mailed to BHEC, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701, as long as the transcript is still in an unopened envelope sealed by the school.
- a formal internship of at least 1200 hours, of which 600 must be in a public school
- passage of the Praxis School Psychology Examination
- passage of the Jurisprudence Examination
- A certified self-query from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)
- A fingerprint background check
- Verification of any psychology license in another jurisdiction
National Practitioner Data Bank Self-Query Report
Visit https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/pract/selfQueryBasics.jsp for instructions on how to obtain a Self-Query Report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). You may submit the results several ways:
- The NPDB may email to you a certified self-query report in PDF. Do not alter the PDF. You may upload the certified report PDF when you complete your online application for license.
- OR after your online application has been submitted, you may forward the emailed, certified NPDB self-query report PDF to NPDB@bhec.texas.gov.
- OR the NPDB will mail the self-query report to you. Mail the NPDB self-query report to the Texas Board so it is still in the unopened envelope sealed by NPDB. Mail to BHEC PSY, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701.
Fingerprinting Process
After the Council’s Online System confirms your application submission, the system will generate an email message with a link to instructions on how to submit your fingerprints for the statutorily required fingerprint-based background check. See our Fingerprint Information webpage for more information.
Key Forms and Publications:
- School Psychologist Application Checklist
- Supervised Experience Documentation Form (School Psychologist)
- Coursework Identification Form (SP)
You can find other helpful information for applying for a psychology license on our How To User Guides webpage or the Board’s Forms and Publications webpage.
When you are ready to apply, click on “Apply for a License” on the top left menu to learn about the Council’s online licensing application system and timelines.
