New Jersey · Career guide
How to become a School Psychologist in New Jersey
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 New Jersey right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in New Jersey
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. 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. New Jersey typically requires:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your certification area
- edTPA — Performance assessment required for Standard Certificate
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 New Jersey Department of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit New Jersey Department of Education →
- Job-search in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, New Jersey offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Certificate of Eligibility (CE): For those with subject area bachelor's degrees not from a teaching program
- Provisional Teacher of the Arts for visual and performing arts professionals
- Teach For America (active in Newark and Camden)
- Career and Technical Education endorsements
New Jersey salary context
Average teacher salary in New Jersey: $76,000/year (rank #7 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $47,500/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full New Jersey salary guide for the breakdown.