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Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Read our FAQs.Certifications & licensure
Helpful information for students pursuing degrees in Educational Psychology at NAU
What certifications and licenses can be obtained with degrees in this field?
Types, requirements, and eligibility
State psychologist license Accordion Closed
Once you have earned the PhD in Educational Psychology with a concentration either in School Psychology or Counseling Psychology, you are eligible for licensure as a psychologist in Arizona after:
- passing the National Professional Psychology exam
- completing 1,500 hours of post-doctoral supervised psychological experience
For more information, visit the .
Licensed professional counselor Accordion Closed
You are eligible to be licensed as a professional counselor by the  by completing:
- at least a 60-hour master’s program with an emphasis in counseling
- two years of supervised post-master’s experience
- the National Counselor Exam
Students who are graduates from the MA Counseling program are currently eligible for this license.
For more information, visit the .
School psychologist state certification Accordion Closed
By completing the EdS in School Psychology (72 hours, including an academic year internship), you will be eligible for State Certification by the .
If you have completed the coursework and the internship requirements of the PhD in Educational Psychology-School Psychology, you are also eligible for this certification.
For more information on obtaining the school psychologists state certification in Arizona, visit the .
Guidance counselor state certification Accordion Closed
If you complete a master’s degree in counseling with a practicum/internship in a school setting in a state approved program, you are eligible for this certification.
If you are a graduate from the MEd Counseling / School Counseling program, you are also eligible for this certification.
Find more information on obtaining the in the state of Arizona.
National School Psychology Certification System (NSPCS) Accordion Closed
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) created the National School Psychology Certification System (NSPCS) for the purpose of credentialing school psychologists who meet a nationally recognized standard.
The administration of the NSPCS is vested under the authority of the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB).
If you complete the Educational Specialist program in School Psychology or the Doctoral Emphasis in School Psychology—both of which are NASP approved programs—you are eligible to apply for this certification.
Requirements include:
- completion of a program that is officially titled “School Psychology”
- 60 graduate semester hours (exclusive of internship) in school psychology
- a 1,200-hour internship in school psychology of which 600 hours must be completed in a school setting
- a passing score of 165 on the School Psychologist Praxis II examination of administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS)
For more information, visit the .
National Counselor Certificate (NCC) Accordion Closed
You are eligible for this certification if you:
- complete a graduate degree in counseling or closely related field, from a regionally accredited program
- meet specific curricular criteria
- pass the National Counselor Exam
Since the MA Counseling and MEd Counseling / School Counseling programs are also nationally accredited by the  (CACREP), you are eligible for this certification immediately upon graduating, provided you have passed the NCC exam.
If you’re in the 48-hour MEd Counseling / Student Affairs program, you are also eligible for this certification after passing the exam and completing two years of full-time post-master’s supervised experience.
Even though the NCC credential is not necessary for independent (private) practice and is not a replacement for the legislated state credentials such as the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), those who hold the NCC credential can demonstrate that they have met national standards developed by the profession.
For more information, visit the .