LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS 2010

Transcription

1 WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS 2010 MASTER S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION 1. Master s Degree Applicants must possess a MA (Master s of Arts) or MS (Master s of Science) degree granted by an accredited institution of higher learning, such degree must have been completed in a department of psychology, a department of educational psychology, a department of education and psychology, or in a university department with the official designation containing the words psychology or psychological. 2. Accredited Graduate Degree Granting Institutions must be accredited by one of the six nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies which include: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. 3. Fifty (50) Hours of graduate level psychology course work must be completed for a Master s degree to meet Board standards. 4. On Campus Graduate Programs: Master s degrees must include at least 80% course work earned from on campus classes. Thus, Master s degrees from distance learning institutions do not meet educational requirements for licensure. 5. Required Core Graduate Level Course work includes, but is not limited to, all of the following areas: clinical interviewing, diagnosis and treatment planning, psychopathology, biological bases of behavior, ethics, assessment of children and adults, individual psychotherapy, clinical practicum, clinical internship, and tests and measures. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 1. Application: If your credentials meet the above cited criteria, contact the Board office for an application. All application materials and fees listed on the appropriate check list must be submitted for Board approval. 2. Supervision Contract: The supervision contract must be signed by the Supervised- Psychologists and his or her supervisor(s). It must be submitted with new applications and before supervision is initiated. 3. W-2 Employees: All Supervised-Psychologists must be W-2 employees. Evidence that the Supervised-Psychologist is or will be employed in this way must be submitted with the application

2 SUPERVISION 1. Gold Card: Once approved, the applicant will be issued a Gold Card which denotes that they are a Board Approved Supervised-Psychologist. It also designates the Board Approved Supervisor(s) for the Supervised-Psychologist. This card has an expiration date. It must be renewed on an annual basis via submission of a renewal form, continuing education certificates, CE Audit Form, and a fee. 2. Adherence to Supervision Contract: Supervised-Psychologists and their supervisors are expected to complete supervision in accordance with the tenants of the contract Year Supervision Requirement: Master s level Supervised-Psychologists are required to complete 5 years of supervised practice. 4. Quarterly Reports: Supervised-Psychologists are required to submit quarterly reports to the Board office 4 times per year. See Series 3 and Quarterly Report Instructions for details. Quarterly reports include face to face supervision hours and psychology work hours completed by the supervisee. Supervisors are also required to keep a supervision log, see the supervision contract for details. 5. Continuing Education: 10 hours of continuing education per full year is required for renewal of gold cards and 1.5 hours must be in ethics. 6. Mid-Term Review: Midway through the five-year period of supervision, the Supervisee shall submit for review by the Board three (3) work samples representative of supervised practice. After review of the submitted work samples the Board shall make recommendations regarding the continuation of supervision, including areas requiring remediation or changes required by the Board to facilitate effective progress toward professional competency and independent licensure. EXAMINATIONS 1. EPPP: All Supervised-Psychologists are required to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) at least once during the first 12 months of their tenure as a Supervised-Psychologist. Supervised-Psychologists must pass the EPPP within 2 years. Those individuals who (a) fail to take the EPPP by the end of the first year of supervision or (b) don t pass the EPPP by the end of the initial two years of supervision shall cease all psychological practice and shall stop using the title of Supervised- Psychologist. These individuals are eligible to take the EPPP as often as possible during the succeeding 2 years of the inactive period. Those who fail to pass the EPPP by the end of the 2 year inactive period shall no longer be eligible for independent psychology practice at the Master s level. Those who pass the EPPP during the inactive period may renew their Supervised-Psychologist status. The passing score is set at 500 or higher. Information on the EPPP will be sent upon application approval. 2. Oral Examination: After completing the 5 years of full time supervised work and the required number of face-to-face supervision hours, Master s degree Supervised-Psychologists are eligible to sit for their oral examination

3 DOCTORAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION 1. Doctoral Degree: Doctoral degree applicants must possess a doctor of philosophy degree (Ph.D.), or the equivalent. The Psy.D. is determined to be equivalent to the Ph.D. Both are deemed to be psychology degrees if an applicant completed a course of study in a department of psychology, a department of educational psychology, a department of education and psychology, or in a university department with the official designation containing the words psychology or psychological. Such degrees must be granted from an accredited institution of higher learning. 2. Accredited Graduate Degree Granting Institutions must be accredited by one of the six nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies which include: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. 3. Distance Learning for Doctoral Applicants: If distance learning universities have the above cited accreditation, doctoral degrees from such universities will be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if such degrees are equivalent to those granted by APA approved programs. 4. Equivalency Applications: In regard to equivalency doctoral applications, the applicant must PROVE equivalence in accordance with Title 17, Series Core Courses Required: Required core graduate level course work includes, but is not limited to, all of the following areas: clinical interviewing, diagnosis and treatment planning, psychopathology, biological bases of behavior, ethics, assessment of children and adults, individual psychotherapy, clinical practicum, clinical internship, and tests and measures. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 1. Application: If your credentials meet the above cited criteria, contact the Board office for an application. All application materials and fees listed on the appropriate check list must be submitted for Board approval. 2. Supervision Contract: The supervision contract must be signed by the Supervised- Psychologist and his or her supervisor(s). It must be submitted with new applications and before supervision is initiated. 3. W-2 Employees: All Supervised-Psychologists must be W-2 employees. Evidence that the Supervised-Psychologist is or will be employed in this way must be submitted with the application

4 SUPERVISION 1. Gold Card: Once approved, applicants will be issued a Gold Card which denotes that they are Board Approved Supervised-Psychologists. It also designates the Board Approved Supervisor(s) for the Supervised-Psychologist. This card has an expiration date. It must be renewed on an annual basis via submission of a renewal form, continuing education certificates, CE Audit Form, and a fee. 2. Adherence to Supervision Contract: Supervised-Psychologists and their supervisors are expected to complete supervision in accordance with the tenants of the contract. 3. Supervision Required With Internship: Doctoral degree applicants are required to complete one year of supervision if they completed a pre-doctoral or post-doctoral internship approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) or arranged through a program of study at an accredited institution of higher learning. 4. Supervision Required Without Internship: Applicants who have not completed such an internship are required to complete 2 years of supervision. 5. Quarterly Reports: Supervised-Psychologists are required to submit quarterly reports to the Board office 4 times per year. See Series 3 and Quarterly Report Instructions for details. Quarterly reports include face to face supervision hours and psychology work hours completed by the supervisee. Supervisors are also required to keep a supervision log, see the supervision contract for details. 6. Continuing Education: 10 hours of continuing education per full year is required for renewal of gold cards, 1.5 hours must be in ethics. EXAMINATIONS 1. EPPP: All Doctoral Degree Supervised-Psychologists are required to take the EPPP at least once during the first 12 months of their status as a Supervised-Psychologist. They must pass the EPPP within 2 years. The passing score is set at 500 or higher. Doctoral degree applicants who fail to pass the EPPP within the 2 year period are no longer eligible for licensure. 2. Oral Examination: After passing the EPPP, and completing 1 or 2 years of full time supervision, doctoral degree Supervised-Psychologists are eligible to sit for their oral examination

5 SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY LEVEL 1 - REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION Licensed School Psychologist (Level 1) is defined in W. Va. Code means a school psychologist who provides school psychology services on school board property and is a school board employee or contractee. Degree Requirements: Level 1 applicants must have earned a Master s, Ed.S. or Certificate of Advance Study (CAS) in an approved program from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Core coursework shall be relevant to the practice of school psychology as defined under WV Code Accredited Graduate Degree Granting Institutions must be accredited by one of the six nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies which include: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 1. Application: If your credentials meet the above cited criteria, contact the Board office for an application. All application materials and fees listed on the appropriate check list must be submitted for Board approval. 2. Supervision Contract: The supervision contract must be signed by the Supervised-School Psychologist and his or her supervisor(s). It must be submitted with new applications and before supervision is initiated. 3. W-2 Employees: All Supervised-Psychologists must be W-2 employees. Evidence that the Supervised-Psychologist is or will be employed in this way must be submitted with the application. SUPERVISION 1. Gold Card: Once approved, applicants will be issued a Gold Card which denotes that they are a Board Approved Level 1 Supervised-School Psychologist. It also designates the Board Approved Supervisor(s) for the Supervised-School Psychologist. This card has an expiration date. It must be renewed on an annual basis via submission of a renewal form, continuing education certificates, CE Audit Form, and a fee. 2. Adherence to Supervision Contract: Supervised-Psychologists and their supervisors are expected to complete supervision in accordance with the tenants of the contract. 3. Supervision Years: Level 1Supervised-School Psychologists who possess a master's, C.A.S., or Ed.S. degree, are required to complete 3 school calendar years of supervision. If an internship was required to complete the degree, then one school calendar year of supervision shall be given credit as part of the 3 years required. Thus only 2 years of supervision are required

6 4. Quarterly Reports: Supervised-School Psychologists are required to submit quarterly reports to the Board office 4 times per year. See Series 3 and Quarterly Report Instructions for details. Quarterly reports include face to face supervision hours and psychology work hours completed by the supervisee. Supervisors are also required to keep a supervision log, see the supervision contract for details. 5. Continuing Education: 10 hours of continuing education per full year is required for renewal of gold cards, 1.5 hours must be in ethics. EXAMINATIONS 1. Praxis Examination: Passing scores are determined by the National Association of School Psychologists, which state, Applicants must achieve a passing score (165) on the National School Psychologist Test administered by the Educational Testing Service. Test scores remain valid for nine (9) years after the testing date. Test scores older than nine (9) years are considered expired and would require applicants to retake it. Applicants who took the exam prior to its revision in September 2008 must have achieved a passing score of 660 or higher. Some applicants have passed the Praxis exam prior to applying for licensure. Those who have not shall take the written exam at least once within the first 12 months of the date they were granted Supervised School Psychologist status. Supervised-school-psychologists shall pass the Praxis examination within 2 years of their application for licensure. Those who do not meet this 2 year requirement shall become ineligible for Level 1 licensure and must cease all practice of school psychology. The applicant may, however, retake the exam anytime in the subsequent one year period and may renew their Supervised School Psychologist status upon passing the exam during that period. Those who fail to pass the exam within the designated periods will no longer be eligible for independent/supervised practice. 2. Oral Examination: After completing the required number of supervision hours and at least 2 or 3 years of full time supervision, Supervised-School Psychologists are eligible to sit for an oral examination. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY LEVEL 2 - MASTER S OR DOCTORAL LEVEL REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION 1. Licensed School Psychologist Independent Practitioner (Level 2) is defined in W. Va. Code means a school psychologist who provides school psychology services to an individual or the public on school board or non-school board property, and provides such services for a fee or other compensation, or as a school board employee or contractee. To be eligible for Level 2 licensure the candidate must have a Level 1 license or a doctoral degree in school psychology. 2. Degree Requirements: Level 2 applicants must have earned a Master s, Ed.S., Certificate of Advance Study (CAS), or a doctoral degree in an approved school psychology program from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Core coursework shall be relevant to the practice of school psychology as defined under WV Code Accredited Graduate Degree Granting Institutions must be accredited by one of the six nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies which include: North Central Association of - 6 -

7 Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. APPLCATION REQUIREMENTS 1. Application: If your credentials meet the above cited criteria, contact the Board office for an application. All application materials and fees listed on the appropriate check list must be submitted for Board approval. 2. Supervision Contract: The supervision contract must be signed by the Supervised- Psychologist and his or her supervisor(s). It must be submitted with new applications and before supervision is initiated. 3. W-2 Employees: All Supervised-School Psychologists must be W-2 employees. Evidence that the Supervised-Psychologist is or will be employed in this way must be submitted with the application. SUPERVISION 1. Gold Card: Once approved, applicants will be issued a Gold Card which denotes that they are a Board Approved Level 2 Supervised-School Psychologist. It also designates the Board Approved Supervisor(s). This card has an expiration date. It must be renewed on an annual basis via submission of a renewal form, continuing education certificates, CE Audit Form, and a fee. 2. Adherence to Supervision Contract: Supervised-Psychologists and their supervisors are expected to complete supervision in accordance with the tenants of the contract. 3. Supervision Requirements Master s Degree: Level 2 Supervised-School Psychologists shall complete 2 additional school calendar years of supervision which shall include all aspects of the Level 2 professional practice, as described in Title 17, Series The Level 2 Supervised-School Psychologist shall be informed of the requirements of the provision of independent and private school psychology services. During the 2 additional school calendar years of supervision, the Level 2 Supervised-School Psychologist shall receive supervised experience which achieves competency in the following: record keeping, in-school crisis intervention, duty issues, liability issues, abandonment concerns, confidentiality concerns, court concerns, business issues, supervision of other licensees, and professional practice ethics. The Level 2 Supervised-School Psychologist may acquire these competencies either through actual private practice experience, interaction with his or her supervisor, or through formal instruction. The Board suggests, but does not require, that the Level 2 Supervised- School Psychologist receive on-the-job experience in a private practice setting during the 2 school calendar year period. If the Supervised-School Psychologist works in a private practice setting, all psychological work must be co-signed by the supervisor. It is the responsibility of the Level 2 Supervised-School Psychologist and the supervisor to adequately prepare the applicant for Level 2 School Psychology practice. 4. Supervision Requirements Doctoral Degree: For these applicants 1 school calendar year of supervision is required if an internship was completed. If no internship was completed then 2 school calendar years of supervision are required

8 5. Quarterly Reports: Supervised-School Psychologists are required to submit quarterly reports to the Board office 4 times per year. See Series 3 and Quarterly Report Instructions for details. Quarterly reports include face to face supervision hours and psychology work hours completed by the supervisee. Supervisors are also required to keep a supervision log, see the supervision contract for details. 6. Continuing Education: 10 hours of continuing education per full year is required for renewal of gold cards, 1.5 hours must be in ethics. EXAMINATIONS 1. Praxis Examination: Passing scores are determined by the National Association of School Psychologists, which state, Applicants must achieve a passing score (165) on the National School Psychologist Test administered by the Educational Testing Service. Test scores remain valid for nine (9) years after the testing date. Test scores older than nine (9) years are considered expired and would require applicants to retake it. Applicants who took the exam prior to its revision in September 2008 must have achieved a passing score of 660 or higher. Some applicants have passed the Praxis exam prior to applying for licensure. Those who have not shall take the written exam at least once within the first 12 months of the date they were granted Supervised School Psychologist status. Supervised-school-psychologists shall pass the Praxis examination within 2 years of their application for licensure. Those who do not meet this 2 year requirement shall become ineligible for Level I licensure and must cease all practice of school psychology. The applicant may, however, retake the exam anytime in the subsequent one year period and may renew their Supervised School Psychologist status upon passing the exam during that period. Those who fail to pass the exam within the designated periods will no longer be eligible for independent/supervised practice. 2. Oral Examination: After completing the required number of supervision hours and at least 1 or 2 years of full time supervision Level 2 Supervised-School Psychologists are eligible to sit for their oral examination. RECIPROCITY APPLICANTS Psychologists licensed by other jurisdictions may be eligible for licensure in West Virginia, if the license was obtained under standards equal to or greater than that of West Virginia. An oral examination is required. The materials required include an application, transcripts, fees, and other documents. Additional materials include a letter of good standing from all jurisdictions under which the applicants are licensed and their EPPP score. See the appropriate checklist in the application packet. TEMPORARY LICENSE Reciprocity applicants may apply for a temporary license. Proof of licensure by another jurisdiction must be provided directly from that jurisdiction s licensure Board. If granted, the temporary is in effect for 90 days

9 ORAL EXAMINATION Upon completion of all pre-oral examination requirements, an applicant is scheduled for an oral examination. It is the candidate s responsibility to declare domains in which they are competent to practice psychology or school psychology. Further, candidates must demonstrate that they possess these competencies. Oral examination materials must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the oral examination date. Materials include an oral examination form, demonstrable competency form and at least three work sample reports of psychological evaluations and or treatment. The supervision history and supervisor s diary are required for applicants being licensed for the first time and must be brought to the oral examination. During the oral examination, the Board interviews the applicant in regard to scope of proposed practice, quality of work samples, demonstrable competencies, and ethics. A critical review of presented competencies is conducted to determine if they are possessed by the applicant. This determination is made by Board consensus. Upon a satisfactory review of all relevant materials and topics, the Board may grant a license to an applicant to independently perform those psychological practice competencies presented during the oral examination. RENEWALS Licenses are renewed every two years for psychology and every three years for school psychology. Psychology licensees shall submit documentation of 20 hours of continuing education credits earned during the 2 year period. School Psychology licensees must earn 30 hours of continuing education during the 3 year period. All licensees must obtain 3 hours in ethics to renew their respective licenses. Continuing Education Audit forms and CE certificates will be required before licenses are renewed by the Board. BOARD COMPOSITION The Board is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature. It consists of seven members, five of whom are professional and two of whom are lay members. The Board office is operated on a daily basis by the Administrative Assistant, at the direction of the Board President and/or Executive Director. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS To practice psychology in West Virginia individuals must be licensed by the West Virginia Board of examiners of Psychologists (Board). Additional information may be found on our web page Contact the Board Office at or [email protected] - 9 -