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School Psychologist Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school psychologist in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for School Psychologist in California

Estimated timeline: 1-2 months

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Student research psychoanalyst means a person enrolled in a psychoanalytic institution for training in psychoanalysis who is registered with the Medical Board.

  3. 3

    Fees: Application $150.

  4. 4

    Fingerprint: $49.00 (plus rolling fees).

  5. 5

    Renewal: $75 Currently, Registered Research Psychoanalysts and a Student Research Psychoanalysts are unable to renew their registration online.

  6. 6

    Examination Frequency: N/A.

  7. 7

    Exam Locations: N/A.

Exam and processing details

Locations
N/A

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification of enrollment in a Medical Board approved psychoanalytic program
  • Ph
Fee TypeAmount
Fingerprint$49.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Medical Board of California

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $118,310 median (36% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for School Psychologist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Student research psychoanalyst means a person enrolled in a psychoanalytic institution for training in psychoanalysis who is registered w...).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Locations: N/A.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application $150.; Fingerprint: $49.00 (plus rolling fees).).
  5. 5. Budget filing costs (Fingerprint: $49.00).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Medical Board of California and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $118,310, School Psychologists in California earn 36% above the national median of $86,930. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$118,310

Hourly estimate

$56.88
36% above national median

Difference: +$31,380

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$81,170
  • P2525th percentile$101,930
  • P50Median$118,310
  • P7575th percentile$133,280
  • P9090th percentile$154,100

State vs National Median

State: $118,310
National: $86,930

Total employment: 9,350 | Annual openings: N/A

School Psychologist Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor School Psychologist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$118,310
#2Oregon$113,180
#3Colorado$111,060
#4Maryland$108,710
#5Washington$106,440

Nearby States Comparison

School Psychologist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$118,310Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-2 months
Oregon$113,180Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$84,850Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$82,250Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Medical Board of California

2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1200, Sacramento, CA, 95815

Phone: 9162632382

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$105,980Varies by state board2 years
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$125,670Varies by state board2 years
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$125,310Varies by state board2 years
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$85,560Varies by state board2 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a School Psychologist in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-2 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical School Psychologist salary in California?

The median annual salary for School Psychologists in California is $118,310. Salaries range from $81,170 (10th percentile) to $154,100 (90th percentile).

How does the School Psychologist salary in California compare to the national average?

School Psychologists in California earn 36% above the national median of $86,930, with a state median of $118,310.

How many School Psychologists work in California?

California employs approximately 9,350 School Psychologists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my School Psychologist license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for School Psychologists in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Medical Board of California. Review agency details at http://www.mbc.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a School Psychologist license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.