North Carolina · Career guide
How to become a School Psychologist in North Carolina
School psychologists conduct psychoeducational evaluations, support IEP eligibility determinations, provide individual and group counseling, and coordinate multi-tiered systems of support. The role typically requires an Ed.S. (60-graduate-credit specialist degree) and is one of the most acute shortage areas in the country — districts routinely contract out psych services because they can't hire enough W-2 staff.
No school psychology positions are open in North Carolina right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in North Carolina
- Earn a bachelor's degree (subject area degree accepted for lateral entry). Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. North Carolina typically requires:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE) — Basic reading, writing, and math skills
- Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge in your licensure area
- edTPA — Performance assessment for initial licensure
School psychology requires an Ed.S. (60-credit specialist) or a related master's + internship + national certification (NCSP) recognized by most states.
- Apply for your initial license through North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) →
- Job-search in North Carolina. We'll track school psychology openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in North Carolina
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, North Carolina offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Lateral Entry: Teach immediately with a bachelor's degree while completing licensure coursework
- Residency License: School-based preparation program over 2 years
- Career and Technical Education licenses for industry professionals
- Teach For America (active in rural NC and Charlotte)
North Carolina salary context
Average teacher salary in North Carolina: $56,643/year (rank #34 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $37,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full North Carolina salary guide for the breakdown.