Become a Licensed
Educational Psychologist

1. Satisfy Educational Prerequisites (SOURCE)
   • Acquire a master’s degree in psychology, school psychology, counseling and guidance, or a degree equivalent determined by the Board, obtained at a university accredited by one of the accrediting bodies:
     
     • Western Association of Schools and Colleges
     • Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools
     • Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
     • New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
     • North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
     • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
   • Complete 60-semester units of postgraduate coursework in pupil personnel services.

2. Complete Required Work Experience (SOURCE)
   
   • Applicants must complete three years of full-time experience (or the equivalent of three years of experience) working as a school psychologist.
   • The three years of required experience may be satisfied as follows:
     
     1. Two years of full-time (or equivalent) experience as a credentialed school psychologist in public schools. This experience can be unsupervised and needs to be obtained in the most recent six years from the time a person applies for licensure.

        AND

     2. One year of supervised professional experience in an accredited school psychology program.

        OR

     3. One year of full-time (or equivalent) experience as a credentialed school psychologist in public schools obtained under the direction of a licensed educational psychologist or a licensed psychologist.
   • The experience in 1 and 2 can be older than six years from the time a person applies for examination eligibility.
   • Retirees must take the LEP Exam within 6 years of practicing as a school psychologist.
   • Verification: All experience must be verified using the BBS forms and signed by your supervisors.

Explore the BBS LEP Licensure Requirements and the CASP FAQs for more details.

3. Submit BBS Application
   

    

   1. Submit an Application to the BBS
      
      • Application Form: Complete the LEP Examination Eligibility Application.
      • Fees: $500, which includes a $250 application fee and a $250 examination fee.
      • Transcripts: Submit official transcripts verifying your master's degree and coursework.
      • Experience Verification: Provide documentation of your supervised and unsupervised experience using the BBS forms.

         

   2. Live Scan Fingerprinting
      
      • Background Check: Complete a Live Scan for fingerprinting as part of the DOJ and FBI background checks.
      • Form: Use the Live Scan Request Form from the BBS website.

         

   3. Await Approval
      
      • The BBS will review your application and notify you of your eligibility to take the LEP exam.
      • Time Frame: Processing times can vary, so apply well in advance.

4. Take and Pass the Written LEP Exam
   
   • Scheduling the Exam
     
     • Year-Round Availability: The exam is offered continuously throughout the year.
     • Testing Centers: Administered by Pearson VUE at various locations.
     • Scheduling: Once approved, you'll receive instructions to schedule your exam.
   • Exam Preparation
     
     • Study Materials: Review the BBS LEP Exam Candidate Handbook for detailed content outlines.
     • Preparation Courses: Consider enrolling in our Empower LEP Exam Mastery Course for comprehensive preparation.
   • Accommodations for the LEP Exam
     
     • BBS offers accommodations for the LEP Exam if you meet the qualifying criteria.
     • Accommodations can be made to the testing environment and auxiliary aids offered.
     • You must have prior approval for accommodations.
     • Only schedule your exam after approval has been granted.

5. After Passing the Exam
   
   • Initial License Issuance
     
     • License Application: Submit the Request for Initial License Issuance along with the required $200 fee.
     • Time Frame: You must apply for your license within one year of passing the exam. It takes up to 30 work days for your application to be processed.