NCSP self-study hours: what Category H allows

Terms. NCSP is the Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential from NASP.

Two kinds of self-study

Category H (Self-Study) is one of the activity categories in the CPD (continuing professional development) guidelines of NASP, the National Association of School Psychologists. The guidelines say: "Two types of self-study are valid for CPD credit". "Formal structured programs are self-study programs developed and published to provide training in specific knowledge or skill areas, including, for example, NASP online modules. A test is typically given at the end of the program and often a certificate of completion is issued. This also could include a course taken on the Internet." "Informal self-study involves systematically studying a topic of interest by reviewing the literature and becoming familiar with the available resources. Included in this category are the reading of books, journals, and manuals; listening to podcasts, or reviewing NASP convention proposals."

NASP's four questions

NASP says you "may evaluate and select Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities based on your own professional development needs, and may claim the activities for CPD credit, without contacting NASP for preapproval." It adds that you should be able to answer yes to "all four of the following questions to claim CPD credit":

• "Did the activity enhance or upgrade my professional skills or add to my knowledge base?"
• "Was the activity relevant to the professional practice of school psychology?"
• "Did the activity fit into my personal plan for continuing professional development?"
• "Did the activity go beyond the ordinary aspects of my employment?"

How much counts

• "One hour of participation in either type: 1 CPD credit"
• "Maximum credits: 40 CPD credits."
• "Starting July 1, 2023, one may accrue all 40 hours from formal self-study opportunities, though can claim no more than 20 hours from informal self-study."

How to document it

NASP's required documentation for Category H is a "Certificate of completion or Activity Documentation Form (listing at least four resources used for each informal self-study topic)". For what every record should show, see NCSP renewal documentation and the audit.

NASP self-assessment and growth plan

NASP says school psychologists who show evidence of completing both its self-assessment and its Professional Growth Plan can receive one NASP-approved CPD credit each year, up to three per NCSP renewal cycle. NASP classifies this activity as Category H. The self-assessment requires a NASP login; check NASP's instructions and keep your documentation.

The other renewal requirements

Self-study sits inside the 75 CPD hours. NASP also requires "At least 10 of the 75 CPD hours must come from a NASP-approved provider or APA-approved sponsor of continuing education", plus at least 3 hours in ethical practice and/or the legal regulation of school psychology, and 3 hours in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). APA is the American Psychological Association.

Plan your hours

Our free NCSP renewal hours planner shows what is left in each renewal requirement and has a printable CPD log.

Special Learning is not a NASP-approved provider or an APA-approved sponsor, and our courses do not count toward the hours that must come from one. If you choose a recorded course for your self-study hours, Compassionate Mandated Reporting Across Disciplines runs 110 minutes and costs $39, paid once; after you pass its quiz, its certificate of completion shows your name, the course title, the dates and the hours. You decide whether it meets the four questions in NASP's CPD guidelines for you. We do not claim it meets the ethical/legal or EDI requirement. For hours you choose yourself, read what NASP says about providers it has not approved.

Common questions

Sources

• National Association of School Psychologists: CPD guidelines, NCSP renewal.