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School Psychologist Licensing in North Carolina

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for School Psychologist in North Carolina

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Tied to business.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NC Department of Public Safety • Private Protective Services

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $70,090 median (19% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #39 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for School Psychologist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NC Department of Public Safety~Private Protective Services and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Carolina

With a median salary of $70,090, School Psychologists in North Carolina earn 19% below the national median of $86,930. North Carolina ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,298

Median annual salary

$70,090

Hourly estimate

$33.70
19% below national median

Difference: -$16,840

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$56,550
  • P2525th percentile$62,640
  • P50Median$70,090
  • P7575th percentile$76,610
  • P9090th percentile$82,170

State vs National Median

State: $70,090
National: $86,930

Total employment: 2,100 | Annual openings: N/A

School Psychologist Salary Ranking

#39 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
North Carolina$70,090No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$81,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$68,530Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$96,810Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
South Carolina$75,280Varies 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
North Carolina15LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: No new Licenses.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NC Department of Public Safety • Private Protective Services

3101 Industrial Drive, Ste. 104, Raleigh, NC, 27609

Phone: 9197885320

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in North Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$67,220Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$79,160Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$78,860Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$68,340Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for School Psychologists in North Carolina?

North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for School Psychologists.

What education do you need to become a School Psychologist in North Carolina?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for School Psychologist licensure in North Carolina.

What is the typical School Psychologist salary in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for School Psychologists in North Carolina is $70,090. Salaries range from $56,550 (10th percentile) to $82,170 (90th percentile).

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

School Psychologists in North Carolina earn 19% below the national median of $86,930, with a state median of $70,090.

How many School Psychologists work in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs approximately 2,100 School Psychologists according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: No new Licenses. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for School Psychologists in North Carolina?

The licensing agency is NC Department of Public Safety / Private Protective Services. Review agency details at https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/boards-commissions/private-protective-services-board.

How often do you renew a School Psychologist license in North Carolina?

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