Eligibility for the Diplomate in School Neuropsychology credential

The American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP) recognizes that professionals acquire expertise in school neuropsychology through diverse academic and professional pathways. The Board's goal is to assess and verify competency through a credential review and rigorous examination process that balances ecological validity, academic rigor, and flexibility.

All applicants must be licensed to practice either by their state's Board of Psychology or their state's Board of Education.

Eligible candidates must meet one of the following educational and training pathways:

• Individuals with doctoral degrees that included specialization in pediatric or school neuropsychology.

• Individuals with doctoral degrees in School Psychology or Clinical Psychology who did not specialize in pediatric neuropsychology during their doctoral training are eligible if they demonstrate competency in school neuropsychology through one or more of the following pathways: (1) graduate specialization/respecializaton in neuropsychology, (2) structured post-graduate certification programs in school neuropsychology, (3) mentored clinical training under board-certified neuropsychologists, (4) graduate-level neuropsychology coursework, (5) documented clinical practice in neuropsychology settings, or (6) a combination of these approaches. ABSNP evaluates each candidate's training individually to determine whether competency requirements have been met. The School Neuropsychology Institute offers one example of a structured post-graduate certification pathway; applicants are not required to complete training from SNI or any other specific provider.

• Candidates who have obtained a specialist-level degree in School Psychology (e.g., Ed.S.) are also eligible if they subsequently complete graduate or post-graduate training in school neuropsychology through one or more of the methods outlined above.

Individuals who do not clearly fit within these categories are encouraged to contact the Board to discuss their background and determine whether they are eligible to apply for the Diplomate credential.

By accommodating a range of professional backgrounds while maintaining rigorous standards, ABSNP ensures that certified Diplomates demonstrate a comprehensive and practical mastery of school neuropsychology, equipping them to provide evidence-based services to students.