National School Psychology Exam

Students are eligible to take the preliminary examination on recommendation from the Department faculty once they have completed the Master's requirements.

All components of the preliminary examination must be completed by October 15th of the fourth year of graduate study. Students who have completed the preliminary examination by this deadline are eligible to apply for internship.

The preliminary examination is composed of two components: a practice examination and a research examination. A discussion of the practice exam will follow.

The Practice Examination. The practice examination involves a demonstration of the knowledge of important content and process issues relevant to the practice of school psychology. Students must receive a passing score on the National School Psychology Examination (NSPE) to complete this component of the preliminary examination. The passing score is set by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and may vary from year to year.

The NSPE is required for certification by most states and it is also required as part of the National School Psychology Certification System. The NSPE is administered by ETS as part of the Praxis program. Summary information on the content and format of the NSPE, as well as sample test items, is provided on the ETS website. The NCSP is administered five times each year for a fee ($80.00 in 2008) and special administrations of the exam are possible, upon request. Students are responsible for the examination fee. Once students have been approved to take the preliminary exam, they may take the NSPE at the next available administration date.

NASP also uses the NSPE as one requirement for qualification for National Certification (becoming a NCSP).

Examination: Applicants must achieve a passing score (660) on the National School Psychology Examination administered by the Educational Testing Service. Test scores remain valid for nine (9) years after the test. Test scores older than nine (9) years are considered expired and would require the re-taking of the examination. The School Psychologist test, code 10400, is administered through the Praxis Series of Educational Testing Service. ETS's Tests at a Glance contains content outlines, sample questions with rationale for the best answers, and test-taking strategies.

The ETS website offers various tools for gaining information on their tests, including study tips and materials

The School Psychologist Exam is part of the Praxis II series, with the test code 0400. You can find information on the test at http://www.ets.org. ETS provides these materials for the School Psychologist Exam:

ETS also provides a Test Study guide, which can be purchased in print or in eBook format

Utilize your cohort – there is a lot of material to cover. By working in a group, you share responsibility for the material.
Know what you know and find out what you don’t. Know the laws and the ethics of our practice.
Utilize NASP resources – the test is developed according to NASP standards – know what NASP considers best practices to be, NASP positions of various issues, and how NASP recommends studying for the Exam.
Create binders, flash cards, and other materials you find useful for studying, and start studying early – at least three months prior to taking the examination.

Best Practices In School Psychology V: Member price: $220 Non-member price: $275

If interested in purchasing study material, I would suggest splitting costs with your cohort. That way you have the materials at a reduced price.