Date Approved

5-25-2016

Embargo Period

6-1-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. School Psychology

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Dihoff, Roberta

Committee Member 1

Allen, Terri

Keywords

Certification, Credential, NASP, NCSP, School Psychology

Subject(s)

School psychologists--Certification

Disciplines

School Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the decision-making process of graduates of National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) approved programs who are eligible for the National Certification of School Psychologists (NCSP). Having graduated from a NASP approved program, graduates have met all prerequisites for the NCSP, but some still choose not to receive the certification. This research centers on the monetary value—including the application fee—of the certification; applicants have expressed indifference to receiving the NCSP because it will not provide an advantage, monetarily or otherwise, for advancement in their careers. Current New Jersey Association of School Psychologists (NJASP) members who have also graduated from NASP approved programs but do not possess the NCSP were surveyed. The data received from the sample is then evaluated against comparable certifications in other career fields. The findings indicated that those surveyed decided against receiving their NCSP because the value of the certification has little direct effect on career opportunity, placement, or advancement. The implications of this research suggest that higher application numbers for the NCSP may be possible if NASP approved programs made application for the certification a requirement upon graduation.

Download

Share

COinS