Certificate in School Psychology
Welcome to the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in School Psychology, a supportive, career-advancing program offered through Education Service Center, Region 20 in partnership with Abilene Christian University. Designed for dedicated school professionals, this flexible, fully online two-year program blends meaningful coursework with hands-on practicum and internship experiences to prepare compassionate, highly skilled school psychologists. Join a community committed to strengthening schools and helping every student thrive.
Below you will find frequently asked questions, important links, and a flyer that provides additional program information.
Admissions & Eligibility
- Is this program only for those with a master’s degree?
Yes. The Abilene Christian University (ACU) Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in School Psychology is aligned with the TSBEP licensing requirements for school psychologists. TSBEP Rules 463.9(d)(2) and 463.9(d)(3)(A) require “either as part of their graduate degree program or after conferral of their graduate degree, at least 60 graduate level semester credit hours from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.” Therefore, the CAGS is designed for those with an existing master’s degree or higher (including specialist or doctoral degrees).
- What specific "related fields" qualify for retraining in school psychology?
Generally this will include most educators working in schools with an existing master’s degree. Applicants have included educational diagnosticians, speech language pathologists, school counselors, school social workers, and special education teachers. If you are interested in the CAGS and would like to discuss your specific qualifications, please contact us!
- Do I need to take the GRE again if I already have a graduate degree?
ACU’s CAGS in School Psychology does not require the GRE for admissions.
- Are there other admissions requirements?
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- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Hold a master’s degree (minimum 30 credit hours) from a regionally accredited institution.
- Submit official transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (probationary admission available for GPA 3.0–3.49)
- Submit a 600–800-word personal statement describing professional goals and motivation
- Have 3+ years of school-based experience in public or private settings
- Provide contact information for three references who will complete a recommendation form on your behalf. At least one reference must be from your most recent school-based supervisor.
- Complete a video interview with ACU psychology faculty
Coursework & Transfer Credits
- Can I transfer credits from my previous master’s degree?
No. The CAGS in School Psychology requires all students to complete the 36-hour program comprehensively to ensure rigorous practitioner preparation.
- Will my previous practicum hours count toward this program?
No. The school psychology practicum includes specific tasks and activities that are required elements of the PSYC 690 Practicum course.
Working Professionals & Logistics
- Can I complete this program while working full-time?
Tailored for the working professional, the ACU CAGS in School Psychology offers a flexible online format accessible throughout Texas. The curriculum combines synchronous and asynchronous instruction, featuring evening classes and office hours designed to fit your busy schedule.
- How do I handle the Internship year if I have a full-time job?
Balancing your internship with a full-time job is a collaborative process between you and your school district. Since these arrangements are decided locally, we highly recommend meeting with your LEA’s Special Education Director and HR department early on. Together, you can review the internship requirements and determine which pathway best fits your current role and the district's needs.
While not an exhaustive list, here are a few potential pathways to discuss with your district:
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- Pathway #1: Status Quo + Flexibility – The District maintains your current employment while providing the necessary flexibility for you to complete required internship activities within that role.
- Pathway #2: Transition to Vacancy – The District hires you to fill a vacant school psychologist position while you simultaneously complete your internship requirements.
- Pathway #3: Dedicated Internship – The District provides a traditional internship experience where your only responsibility is the internship itself; these may be paid or unpaid.
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Licensure
- Does the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology align with Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council licensing requirements to be a School Psychologist?
Through a newly executed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Education Service Center, Region 20 (ESC-20), Abilene Christian University (ACU), and the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC) have ensured that graduates of the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in School Psychology meet all academic and experience requirements specified under TAC 463.9(a)(1)-(3). This agreement confirms that the ACU CAGS in School Psychology fulfills the "appropriate degree" licensing requirements set by the TBHEC. Consequently, CAGS in School Psychology graduates who submit their application materials and provide documentation of passing scores on required exams will have their license applications process streamlined.
- How do I get licensed in Texas?
In addition to completing the requisite coursework and supervised internship, before you can be fully licensed, you must pass two key exams:
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- Praxis School Psychology Exam: This is the national exam administered by ETS. You must meet the current passing score.
- Jurisprudence Examination: This is an online, "open book" exam that covers the Texas Occupations Code, Board Rules, and ethical standards. You must take this within six months prior to submitting your application.
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Once your certificate is conferred and exams are passed, you submit your application through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC) Online Licensing System.
You can view the TBHEC How To User Guide for Applying for a School Psychologist License at: https://bhec.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3-4How-To-Apply-Online-For-School-Psychologist-License-REVISED-7.29.2025.pdf
- How much is the initial School Psychologist license fee?
As of February 2026, the initial licensing fee is $252.00.
- What is the relationship (and difference) between the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC) and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP)?
Since 2019, Texas has used a dual-agency model for psychology licensure. The TBHEC serves as the 'administrative parent,' managing operational oversight and playing a central role in the regulation of behavioral health services and social work practice in Texas. The TSBEP remains the 'professional expert,' as the state board tasked with establishing the qualifications for licensure and renewal, as well as the ethical standards for the practice of school psychologists in Texas.
- Does this program lead to NCSP (National Certification)?
Graduates of this program are not eligible for the National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). NASP requires at least 60 graduate semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) in total for certification eligibility. The CAGS in School Psychology does not reach this total credit threshold. You can read more about the NCSP eligibility requirements here: https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/national-certification/ncsp-eligibility
- Does my Texas license transfer with me if I move out of state?
Texas licensure as a school psychologist does not guarantee immediate reciprocity in other states. Prospective students who may relocate are encouraged to review the state-specific requirements and any applicable reciprocity. While the CAGS prepares students for Texas requirements, other jurisdictions may have additional criteria for out-of-state applicants and these often vary state-to-state. Students may consult the NASP state-by-state requirement guide at: https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/school-psychology-credentialing-resources
- What is the difference between a School Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist?
While both are highly trained mental health professionals, a school psychologist is a specialist focused on the educational ecosystem, whereas a clinical psychologist (Licensed Psychologist or LP) is a doctoral-level generalist focused on clinical diagnosis and treatment across various settings.
Financials & Grant Opportunities
- Are there grant funds available to offset program costs?
ESC-20 was awarded the Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) grant. Our grant, called Project HARVEST, will provide tuition scholarships for up to 10 eligible students per cohort during the grant term.
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- Eligibility: Applicants must be employed in a high-need Local Education Agency (LEA). A high-need LEA is defined as one that:
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- Maintains a ratio of total students to employed school psychologists exceeding 500:1.
- Exhibits high rates of school violence, poverty, substance use, suicide, trafficking, or other adverse childhood experiences.
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- Process: Prospective students must first be accepted into a CAGS in School Psychology cohort. Following admission, their high-need LEA status will be verified for potential scholarship eligibility based on the highest LEAs of need. The current grant period runs from January 2026 to December 2029.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be employed in a high-need Local Education Agency (LEA). A high-need LEA is defined as one that:
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- Can I apply for financial aid?
Yes. Interested applicants will be supported by ACU advisors in completing the FAFSA and navigating other supporting documentation required financial assistance.
- Are there other tuition opportunities?
Upon enrollment, students may be eligible for the Evaluation Certification Reimbursement Program (ECRP), a statewide initiative funded by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
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- Purpose: To support current school staff in becoming School Psychologists or Educational Diagnosticians.
- Reimbursement: Eligible participants can receive up to $6,000 per year to reimburse costs for tuition, books, and travel. This reimbursement occurs on a semester basis with proof of coursework enrollment for eligible students.
- Requirements: Students must currently work in a small LEA (700 or fewer students), a rural LEA (60+ miles from the nearest ESC), or a Shared Services Arrangement (SSA).
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- Students must commit to providing at least three years of evaluation service in a small or rural Texas LEA upon completion of the program.
- Applications typically open twice a year (April and October).
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More information can be found at: https://tea.texas.gov/special-populations-and-support/special-education/ecrp-flyer-25-26-3.pdf
