Rule 505-2-.146 - School Psychology(1)Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for issuance of a service certificate in School Psychology, which allows individuals certified in this field to support students and teachers by applying expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to promote student success academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.(2)Professional Certificate Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE). (a) Issuance. 1. An individual is eligible for a Professional certificate in the field of School Psychology based on meeting one of the following requirements: (i) Completion of a state-approved certification preparation program in School Psychology at the specialist degree level - level six (6) - or higher;(ii) Completion of a National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)-approved School Psychology program; or(iii) Submission of a valid National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued by the National School Psychology Certification Board.2. Meet Special Georgia Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.24 SPECIAL GEORGIA REQUIREMENTS) applicable to the field of School Psychology: (i) Pass the GACE content knowledge assessment; and(ii) Standards of Conduct.3. Apply for certification following procedures outlined in Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.(3)Non-Renewable Professional Certificate (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE). (a) A Non-Renewable Professional certificate in the field of School Psychology may be issued at the request of an employing Georgia local unit of administration (LUA) in the following scenarios: 1. A Three (3)-year Non-Renewable Professional certificate in the field of School Psychology may be issued to an individual who has satisfied all applicable Special Georgia Requirements and has completed all coursework for a state-approved or NASP-approved program at the specialist or doctoral level, with the exception of any internship, thesis, or dissertation requirements;2. A Three (3)-year Non-Renewable Professional certificate in the field of School Psychology may be issued to an individual who has satisfied all applicable Special Georgia Requirements and has completed a state-approved School Psychologist program at the master's degree level [level five (5)]; and3. A One (1)-year Non-Renewable Professional certificate in the field of School Psychology may be issued to an individual who holds an expired Georgia Clear Renewable or Professional School Psychology Certificate but has not met renewal requirements outlined in section (7) below.(4)Additional Certificate Titles Issued in the Field.(a) Retired Educator (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.44 RETIRED EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE). (5)To Add the Field (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD). (a) To add School Psychology to an existing Professional certificate in any field, an individual must complete the requirements outlined in (2)(a) for an initial School Psychology Certificate to include all applicable Special Georgia Requirements.(6)To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE).(7)Renewal Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS). (a) To renew a Professional School Psychology certificate, an individual must meet one of the following options: 1. Complete renewal requirements outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS;2. Submission of a valid National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued by the National School Psychology Certification Board; or3. Submission of a valid State of Georgia Psychologist license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.(b) If an individual is not employed by a Georgia LUA at the time of renewal, completion of ten (10) Professional Learning Units awarded by the Georgia Association of School Psychologists (GASP) will satisfy renewal requirements. The PLUs must have been earned during the validity period of the certificate or, if the certificate is expired, within five (5) years of application for renewal.(8)In-Field Statement (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT). (a) Individuals certified in School Psychology are in-field to serve as a School Psychologist in grades P-12.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 505-2-.146
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-200.
Original Rule entitled "Teacher Support Specialist (TSS)" adopted. F. Dec. 18, 1991, eff. Jan. 7, 1992.Repealed: F. Dec. 16, 1992; eff. July 1, 1993, as specified by the Agency.Adopted: New Rule entitled "School Psychology." F. Jun. 11, 2014; eff. July 1, 2014, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Dec. 22, 2014; eff. Jan. 15, 2015, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. June 5, 2018; eff. July 1, 2018, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 13, 2019; eff. Jan. 1, 2020, as specified by the Agency.