Accepts NCSP as a route to school based credential as well as renewal.

SEA Credential (Educational Staff Associate):

Educational Staff Associate (School Psychology):  School psychologists enter the profession with an undated residency certificate. These ESAs are eligible for a five-year residency certificate (also called a dated residency or residency reissuance) when they have completed two years of successful service in the role in Washington with a school district, state approved private school, or state agency that provides educational services for students. These two years do not need to be consecutive, they do not need to be completed with the same employer, and the individual does not need to have a contract for a third year with an employer in place prior to the issuance of the five-year residency certificate. School psychologists have two options for obtaining a second tier certificate: continuing or professional. School Psychologists may obtain a continuing certificate with 150 clock hours aligned to the school psychologist domains, or, they may obtain a professional certificate as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) through the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP.)

Tier 1 - Residency First Issue Certificate (Valid until 2 years of experience in role): For this first level certificate, a master's degree in school psychology is required; must submit official transcripts showing degree. The application must prove they have completed any state's approved program leading to certification for the school psychologist role OR three years of out of state experience in the school psychologist role OR must hold a valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued after December 31, 1991 by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Must have successfully completed a comprehensive exam relevant to the role, such as the Praxis II. After two years of experience in the role of a school psychologist, must obtain one of the following:

1. School Psychologist Reissue Certificate:  An ESA would apply for this certificate after they have completed two years of service in the role while on their Residency First Issue Certificate. They must complete two years in the role of a school psychologist in Washington OR hold a Residency ESA Certificate originally issued with a five year expiration date that did not lead to completion of two consecutive years of successful service in the role. This certificate is valid for 5 years. Submission of fingerprints for a background check is required, if a valid certificate is not already on record. This reissued certificate is valid for five years.
2. Five-year Residency Renewal:Residency Renewal requires 100 clock hours or four professional growth plans (PGPs) in five years or a combination of clock hours and PGPs. Each PGP is worth 25 clock hours. Clock hours and PGPs for renewal must be aligned to the school psychologist Domains of Practice
3. Five-year Professional Certificate:Obtain National Certification from the National Association of School Psychologists.
4. Five-year Continuing Certificate:Complete 150 clock hours based on school psychologist Domains of Practice.

School psychologists may choose to obtain a second tier certificate, which is optional, the professional. School Psychologists may obtain a professional certificate as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). All school psychologists, including those who hold a professional certification through the attainment and maintenance of their NCSP, must complete 3 hours (minimum) of training in suicide prevention from an approved curriculum.

An "emergency credential" is offered to finishing interns who are operating in a school district that has an unfilled position with no applicant pool.

A "Conditioanal Certificate" is available. The candidate shall hold a bachelor's degree. Must submit official transcripts verifying degree. The candidate shall have completed all required course work for a master's or education specialist degree in psychology/school psychology. The candidate shall be enrolled in and have substantially completed a state-approved school psychologist preparation program (Form 4026E-1). The candidate shall be participating in the required internshp. Reissue - A Conditional ESA Certificate for the role of school psychologist may be reissued upon verification the candidate continues to meet all conditions for the first issuance of the certificate (Form 4026E-1) and completion of 50 clock hours or equivalent course work since the issuance of the most recent Conditional ESA Certificate for the role, as verified by the employer. The course work must be designed to support the individual's knowledge or skills to better assist students in meeting state learning goals.

Continuing Education Requirements:

Five-year Residency or Professional Certificate Renewal: the ESA must attest to the completion of a PESB-approved suicide prevention training(link is external) in the state of Washington within the five years previous to application Form 4020S

Must complete 100 clock hours or equivalent college credits or PGP or a combination of any of the three options; OR

Educators who hold a valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, Certificate of Clinical Competence issued by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, or Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential issued by the National Association of School Psychologists may submit that certificate in lieu of the 100 clock hours (or equivalent) to renew their Washington educator or ESA certificate

Five-year Continuing Certificate: Can no longer be obtained, but if already issued and valid, can be renewed with the same criteria as above.

Scope of Practice:
School psychologists with the SEA credential can provide services in public schools (K-12), early childhood and pre-K settings, private and charter schools, and college or university settings. The SEA credential also allows one to provide contract services in schools.

State Contact: OSPI (cert@k12.wa.us) or Professional Educator Standards (pesb@k12.wa.us)

SEA website: http://www.k12.wa.us
ESA Certification in Washington State: https://www.pesb.wa.gov/educator-pathways/esa-certification-in-washington-state/

Psychology board website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/professions/psychology/