Applicants must have earned their master's degree in educational psychology prior to enrolling in the Certificate program. Admission to the Certificate in School Psychology is based on an evaluation of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE test scores, work history, professional goals, and personal characteristics as determined during the interview. No one criterion dominates in the admission decision, provided there is evidence of the basic ability to do graduate work. Applicants who have earned a master's degree in a closely related field of study may also apply and be considered for admission into the Certificate in School Psychology program. If a transcript review shows that a student with a master's degree has not had all necessary courses required to go on to the Certificate in School Psychology, more courses at the master's level will have to be taken before the certificate sequence is begun.

Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25 and earn a grade of B or better in all core courses while enrolled in the program. Continuous enrollment is also required for the Certificate program unless waived by the Coordinator of the Certificate Program and the School Psychology Committee.

All graduate students enrolled in this program are required to have Pennsylvania Criminal Record (Act 34) and Child Abuse Clearances (Act 151) as well as Act 114 (FBI Fingerprinting Record) prior to any placement in a school setting or intermediate unit. Applicants should be aware that some districts or intermediate units may not accept placements if any criminal record is reflected on these background checks. Applicants with a criminal record, even summary offenses, are asked to disclose this history to their program advisor upon entry to the program to facilitate placement. Some serious offenses, typically involving child welfare, preclude state certification.
The minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.0.Minimum TOEFL score requirement is 540 (paper-based) or 76 (Internet-based).