Board approves rulemaking to clarify and tighten experience requirements for licensed educational psychologists

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences voted Aug. 22 to direct staff to prepare regulatory amendments clarifying experience and documentation standards for Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEPs).

What the change would do
The proposed amendments—designed to follow pending statutory changes in SB 775—would do several things: set a seven‑year limit on qualifying experience; define “full‑time” and “equivalent” experience; specify that experience gained outside California must be followed by a school term under a California‑licensed LEP when a California credential is required; require certification from supervisors/employers attesting to the full range of school‑psychology duties when experience is obtained in private or parochial schools; and standardize documentation needed for temp‑agency placements.

Why it matters
Board staff said the changes are intended to ensure applicants have hands‑on experience in school settings and sufficient exposure to California‑specific special education law. Staff noted some private/parochial placements provide full duties comparable to public schools and can be accepted if a qualified supervisor attests under penalty of perjury that the applicant performed the full range of duties.

Board discussion and vote
Christy Berger, regulations counsel, and Roseanne Helms, legislative manager, presented the proposal and answered questions. Board members praised the clarity and consumer‑protection orientation of the language; several pointed out California’s school‑based practice differs from other states and that a clearer rule would reduce confusion for out‑of‑state applicants. The motion to submit the regulatory text for DCA review and initiate rulemaking carried unanimously.

Ending
Staff will prepare the formal rulemaking package and return with public‑comment materials; the board will hold required hearings and finalize language in subsequent meetings.