District of Columbia Personnel Standards

District of Columbia Personnel Standards

Audiologist – DC Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Department of Health

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Discipline Audiologist
License/Certificate Audiologist
State Department DC Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/audiology-and-speech-language-pathology-licensing
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master's degree or doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Au.D.) in audiology from a recognized educational institution whose audiology program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Pathology
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? The person shall have completed the equivalent of a clinical fellowship with a minimum of one thousand eight hundred twenty (1820) hours of clinical practice under general supervision while a candidate for an Au.D. degree. To meet the clinical fellowship time period and work hours requirement referenced in subsection 7803.1(b)(2), the applicant shall be employed, with or without direct compensation, as a professional in the field of audiology under general supervision for any of the following time periods and hours: (a) Thirty (30) hours of work per week for a period of nine (9) months; (b) Twenty-five (25) to twenty-nine (29) hours of work per week for a period of twelve (12) months; Title 17 District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Updated August 9, 2019, 3 (c) Twenty (20) to twenty-four (24) hours of work per week for a period of fifteen (15) months; or (d) Fifteen (15) to nineteen (19) hours of work per week for a period of eighteen (18) months.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? To qualify for a license by examination, an applicant for a license to practice audiology shall submit proof of having obtained a passing score on the National Examination in Audiology (PRAXIS II: Subject Assessment in Audiology) as determined by the Education Testing Service (ETS) and shall meet one (1) of the following requirements: (a) The score was obtained within the five (5) years before the date of the application for licensure; or (b) Each of the following: (1) The score was obtained more than five (5) years before the date of the application for licensure; (2) The applicant submits proof that he or she has practiced audiology for at least three (3) years of the five (5) years before the date of the application for licensure; and (3) The applicant submits proof that he or she is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the American Board of Audiology or proof that the applicant obtained a passing score on the National Examination in Audiology.
Alternative Pathways to Licensure The Board may waive the supervised experience requirements for an applicant who:
(a) Provides proof that he or she has been employed in the practice of audiology for at least ten (10) of the fifteen (15) years immediately preceding the effective date of this chapter;
(b) Meets all other applicable requirements of this chapter; and
(c) Applies within six (6) months of the effective date of these regulations.

Audiologist – DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation

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Discipline Audiologist
License/Certificate Audiologist
State Department DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation
State Department Hyperlink https://osse.dc.gov/page/school-service-provider-certification
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Not specified
Degree Level Requirement Master’s degree or higher in audiology that includes a minimum of 75 semester hours (at least 36 graduate-level coursework) in audiology and allied fields
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework 1. Satisfactory completion of a total of seventy-five (75) semester hours in audiology and allied fields. Thirty-six (36) of these shall be at the graduate level and designed to develop competencies in the following: (1) Speech and language development; (2) Anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism; (3) Linguistic and cultural issues affecting multicultural populations; (4) Auditory pathology: (A) A minimum of six (6) semester hours in hearing disorders and hearing evaluations; and (B) A minimum of six (6) semester hours in habilitative and rehabilitative procedures; (5) Clinical procedures in identifying, evaluating and diagnosing hearing disorders to include prognosis and recommendations for treatment when indicated; (6) Aural habilitation/rehabilitation; (7) Speech and language disorders not associated with hearing impairments; or (8) Any person holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology or whose application has been approved by the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association will be eligible for licensure without evaluation of individual courses; 2. Twenty-seven (27) semester hours designed to develop competencies in the following: (1) The anatomic and physiological bases for normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing; (2) The physical bases and processes of the production and perception of speech, language and hearing (i.e., acoustics or physics of sound, phonology and phonetics; (3) Linguistic and psycholinguistic variables related to normal development and use of speech, language and hearing; (4) Alternative forms of communications (i.e., manual sign, cued speech, or oral-aural method); (5) Psychological and emotional problems associated with hearing impairments; (6) Mathematics; (7) Biological and physical sciences; (8) Behavioral and social sciences; and (9) Three (3) semester hours in related coursework; 3. Twelve (12) semester hours in allied fields of audiology and or speech-language.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Satisfactory completion of a minimum of three hundred and fifty (350) clock hours of supervised clinical practicum shall be required. Two hundred and fifty (250) clock hours shall be obtained at the graduate level. A minimum of two hundred and fifty (250) shall be in audiology and encompass the following: (1) Evaluation of hearing disorders: (A) Children (forty (40) clock hours); and (B) Adults (forty (40) clock hours); (2) Selection and use of amplification systems and assistive devices including a total of eighty (80) clock hours in the following: (A) Children (ten (10) clock hours minimum); and (B) Adults (ten (10) clock hours minimum); (3) Treatment of hearing disorders; (A) Children (twenty (20) clock hours); and (B) Adults (twenty (20) clock hours); (4) A minimum of thirty-five (35) clock hours in speech pathology to include the evaluation and treatment of speech and language problems not related to hearing impairment; and (5) The remaining clock hours may be obtained in audiology or speech pathology.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist

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Discipline Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist
License/Certificate Special Education - Categorical (K-12) Hearing impairments
State Department DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation
State Department Hyperlink https://osse.dc.gov/ed-credentials
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Kindergarten - 12th grade
Degree Level Requirement Bachelor's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework 1. A minimum of forty-eight (48) semester hours in a program of general or liberal education including each of the following fields: (1) Humanities:12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) English grammar and composition (including vocabulary development and reading comprehension); (B) Literature, art, music, philosophy; and (C) Foreign language; (2) Social Sciences 12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) American history; and (B) History, anthropology, sociology, economics, political science, geography, psychology, world studies, or contemporary world cultures; (3) Natural Sciences and Mathematics: 12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) Laboratory science; and (B) Mathematics; (4) Health and Physical Education 4 semester hours; and (include coursework in substance abuse education) (5) Eight (8) semester hours from areas 1, 2, or 3 of this subsection. 2. Coursework in the common core (twenty- one (21) semester hours): (a) Psychoeducational assessment of exceptional individuals; (b) Socio-cultural and vocational aspects of disabilities; (c) Modifications/adaptations of curriculum and instruction of the exceptional individual; (d) Language development of children with disabilities; (e) Current trends and legal issues in special education; and (f) Psychology of the exceptional children. 3. Hearing impairments (fifteen (15) semester hours): (1) Characteristics of individuals with hearing and related speech disorders; (2) Speech science and audiology; (3) Instructional procedures for the education of the hearing-impaired, including manual communication; and (4) Individual and group amplification systems with emphasis upon classroom utilization.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (0272/ 5272)
Principles of Learning & Teaching**
Alternative Route Provisional or temporary Alternative route educator preparation program is offered: Candidates in the program are actively serve in the role of teacher or administrator while completing an educator preparation program.

Early Childhood Education (Pre- Kindergarten – Grade 3)

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Discipline Early Childhood Educator
License/Certificate Early Childhood Education (Pre- Kindergarten - Grade 3)
State Department DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation
State Department Hyperlink https://osse.dc.gov/page/teacher-certification
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range 3 yrs - 3rd grade
Degree Level Requirement
An associate degree in early childhood education or a closely related field
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
  • Completion of at least 60 credit hours or an associate degree (or higher) in any subject area with at least 12 credit hours in early childhood education; OR
  • Enrollment in a degree program provided that the Teacher holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) and earns an associate degree (or higher) within four years of their initial date of hire as a Teacher at a child development center.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Student teaching (six semester hours) consisting of a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) clock hours spent in each of two (2) different age groups preprimary and primary. The student teaching experience shall enable the student to do the following: (A) Assume major responsibility for the full range of teaching duties; (B) Receive supervision in exemplar settings by on-site personnel, as well as college faculty; (C) Experience working with parents under supervision; (D) Attend seminar meetings accompany student teaching to provide opportunity for analysis evaluation and discussion of field experiences; and (E) Receive supervised experience in working with interdisciplinary teams of professionals where appropriate.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Praxis: Early Childhood (Pre-K-3) Early Childhood Education 5025; Score of 156 AND Praxis: Early Childhood (Pre-K-3) PLT: Early Childhood 5621; Score of 157
Alternative Route Provisional or temporary Alternative route educator preparation program id offered: Candidates in the program are actively serve in the role of teacher or administrator while completing an educator preparation program.

Early Childhood Educator Montessori Primary Education

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Discipline Early Childhood Educator
License/Certificate Endorsement 3: Montessori Primary Education
State Department DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation
State Department Hyperlink https://osse.dc.gov/service/early-learning
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range 3 yrs - 3rd grade
Degree Level Requirement Bachelor's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework For based Pre-K-Grade 3 certification: 1. A minimum of forty-eight (48) semester hours in a program of general or liberal education including each of the following fields: (1) Humanities:12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) English grammar and composition (including vocabulary development and reading comprehension); (B) Literature, art, music, philosophy; and (C) Foreign language; (2) Social Sciences 12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) American history; and (B) History, anthropology, sociology, economics, political science, geography, psychology, world studies, or contemporary world cultures; (3) Natural Sciences and Mathematics 12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) Laboratory science; and (B) Mathematics; (4) Health and Physical Education 4 semester hours; and (include coursework in substance abuse education) (5) Eight (8) semester hours from areas 1, 2, or 3 of this subsection. 2. A minimum of thirty (30) semester hours in the professional foundations and instructional knowledge areas that provide theoretical and research knowledge and practical skills in the following areas: (1) Human development through the life span, with special emphasis on the learning process, cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional development, both typical and atypical from birth through age eight (8); (2) Historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of early childhood education in relationship to early childhood education program models; (3) Roles of the teacher as a reflective practitioner, facilitator, assessor, supervisor, researcher, communicator, and nurturer of young children, as well as a collaborator with colleagues; and (4) Curriculum for teaching young children including coursework in observation and recording of young children's behavior in the following: (A) Assessment of the young child, goal setting, specifying goals to facilitate children's physical growth and development and skills in communication, inquiry, creative expression, and interpersonal relations; (B) Content-developmentally appropriate integrated learning experiences in health, safety, science, mathematics, social studies, language arts (listening, speaking, writing, reading), literature, art, music, drama, and movement; (C) Role of play in children's social-emotional, physical and cognitive development and selection of appropriate play materials; (D) Planning, managing and creating developmentally appropriate learning environments that incorporate concrete manipulative materials and play as instruments for enhancing development and learning of social, physical and logical mathematical knowledge; (E) Communication, conference techniques, interpersonal and inter-group relations and techniques, for working with parents, community and staff; and (F) Preparation for working in settings that include atypical children; understanding the needs of developmentally and culturally diverse children and recognizing conditions requiring assistance from other professionals. *For Montessori Primary Education endorsement: (a) Three hundred (300) hours in Montessori theory and practices; practical, life, sensorial, language and language extensions, mathematics, geography, history, biology, art, handicrafts and music; (b) An Association Montessori Internationale approved primary diploma.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? *For PreK-3 Student teaching (six semester hours) consisting of a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) clock hours spent in each of two (2) different age groups pre primary and primary. The student teaching experience shall enable the student to do the following: (A) Assume major responsibility for the full range of teaching duties; (B) Receive supervision in exemplar settings by on-site personnel, as well as college faculty; (C) Experience working with parents under supervision; (D) Attend seminar meetings accompany student teaching to provide opportunity for analysis evaluation and discussion of field experiences; and (E) Receive supervised experience in working with interdisciplinary teams of professionals where appropriate. *For Montessori Primary Education: (a) One hundred (100) hours of supervised practice with the materials is also required; (b) One hundred twenty (120) hours of practice teaching in two (2) different Association Montessori Internationale classroom sites.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? 1. Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST): PPST Reading (Paper or computer based test) 172 or 319*; PPST Writing (Paper or computer based test) 171 or 316*; PPST Mathematics (Paper or computer based test) 174 or 319* or sum of Praxis I Reading, Writing and Mathematics exams: 517 or 954 (Reading: 168 or 314; Writing: 165 or 307; Mathematics: 169 or 314) 2. Content Knowledge (0022/5022): 165; Principles of Learning & Teaching: Early Childhood (0621/5621): 157
Alternative Route Provisional or temporary Alternative route educator preparation program is offered: Candidates in the program are actively serve in the role of teacher or administrator while completing an educator preparation program.

Early Childhood Special Educator

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Discipline Early Childhood Special Educator
License/Certificate Endorsement 2: Early Childhood Special Education
State Department DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation
State Department Hyperlink https://osse.dc.gov/ed-credentials
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range 3 yrs - 3rd grade
Degree Level Requirement Bachelor's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework *For based Pre-K-Grade 3 certification: 1. A minimum of forty-eight (48) semester hours in a program of general or liberal education including each of the following fields: (1) Humanities:12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) English grammar and composition (including vocabulary development and reading comprehension); (B) Literature, art, music, philosophy; and (C) Foreign language; (2) Social Sciences 12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) American history; and (B) History, anthropology, sociology, economics, political science, geography, psychology, world studies, or contemporary world cultures; (3) Natural Sciences and Mathematics 12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) Laboratory science; and (B) Mathematics; (4) Health and Physical Education 4 semester hours; and (include coursework in substance abuse education) (5) Eight (8) semester hours from areas 1, 2, or 3 of this subsection. 2. A minimum of thirty (30) semester hours in the professional foundations and instructional knowledge areas that provide theoretical and research knowledge and practical skills in the following areas: (1) Human development through the life span, with special emphasis on the learning process, cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional development, both typical and atypical from birth through age eight (8); (2) Historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of early childhood education in relationship to early childhood education program models; (3) Roles of the teacher as a reflective practitioner, facilitator, assessor, supervisor, researcher, communicator, and nurturer of young children, as well as a collaborator with colleagues; and (4) Curriculum for teaching young children including coursework in observation and recording of young children's behavior in the following: (A) Assessment of the young child, goal setting, specifying goals to facilitate children's physical growth and development and skills in communication, inquiry, creative expression, and interpersonal relations; (B) Content-developmentally appropriate integrated learning experiences in health, safety, science, mathematics, social studies, language arts (listening, speaking, writing, reading), literature, art, music, drama, and movement; (C) Role of play in children's social-emotional, physical and cognitive development and selection of appropriate play materials; (D) Planning, managing and creating developmentally appropriate learning environments that incorporate concrete manipulative materials and play as instruments for enhancing development and learning of social, physical and logical mathematical knowledges; (E) Communication, conference techniques, interpersonal and intergroup relations and techniques, for working with parents, community and staff; and (F) Preparation for working in settings that include atypical children; understanding the needs of developmentally and culturally diverse children and recognizing conditions requiring assistance from other professionals. *For ECSE endorsement: The certification program for teachers of early childhood special education shall include nine (9) semester hours from one of the following: (a) Survey of exceptionalities; (b) Assessment and educational planning in early childhood special education; (c) Transdisciplinary teamwork; (d) Family involvement in early childhood special education; (e) Practicum/Internship in early childhood special education; or (f) Curriculum for early childhood special education.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? * For base PreK-3 certification: Student teaching (six semester hours) consisting of a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) clock hours spent in each of two (2) different age groups preprimary and primary. The student teaching experience shall enable the student to do the following: (A) Assume major responsibility for the full range of teaching duties; (B) Receive supervision in exemplar settings by on-site personnel, as well as college faculty; (C) Experience working with parents under supervision; (D) Attend seminar meetings accompany student teaching to provide an opportunity for analysis evaluation and discussion of field experiences; and (E) Receive supervised experience in working with interdisciplinary teams of professionals where appropriate.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Praxis Early Childhood Special Education (Pre-K-3) 5691 Special Ed: Pre-School/Early Childhood; or 5692 Special Education: Early Childhood/ Early Intervention AND 5621 PLT: Early Childhood
Alternative Route Provisional or temporary Alternative route educator preparation program id offered: Candidates in the program are actively serving in the role of teacher or administrator while completing an educator preparation program.

Family Therapist

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Discipline Family Therapist
License/Certificate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
State Department DC Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/146252
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master’s degree or higher in marriage and family therapy with a minimum of 60 hours.
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework At least sixty (60) semester hours or ninety (90) quarter credits in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and shall not include online degree programs. A qualifying graduate degree shall include a total of at least thirty-nine (39) semester hours in the following areas: (a) A minimum of three (3) semester hours in family systems theories and their application in working with a wide variety of family structures (b) A minimum of six (6) semester hours of marriage and family studies (c) A minimum of nine (9) semester hours of marriage and family therapy (d) A minimum of nine (9) semester hours of human development (e) A minimum of six (6) semester hours of psychological and mental health competency (f) A minimum of three (3) semester hours of professional ethics and identity (g) A minimum of three (3) semester hours of research
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Applicants must have completed 1,500 face-to-face, supervised, post-graduate clinical hours, doing Marriage and Family Therapy with individual, couples, and families.
This experience must take place over at least 2 years time. The supervision requirement is at least 300 hours, 150 of which must be individual supervision and 200 of which must be by a “general supervisor,” which is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or equivalent. Supervision form (s) must be submitted to document these hours. Individual
supervision means 1 or 2 supervisees per supervisor. And a clinical or supervision hour is 50-60 minutes. Details are outlined in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking document.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? The Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) MFT National Examination.

Nurse

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Discipline Nurse
License/Certificate Registered nurse
State Department DC Board of Nursing, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/149382
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement
Applicant has successfully completed a nursing education program leading to licensure as a registered nurse which was: Approved by the Board in accordance with National nursing accreditation and/or US Department of Education accreditation; or Approved by a nursing board in the United States or U.S. territory with standards determined by the Board to be substantially equivalent to the standards in the District in accordance with Chapter 56 of this title.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN)

Occupational Therapist

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Discipline Occupational Therapist
License/Certificate Licensed Occupational Therapist
State Department DC Board of Occupational Therapy, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/157592
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Graduated from an accredited physical therapy education program.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Successfully completed a period of supervised fieldwork experience required by the recognized educational institution where the applicant fulfilled his or her academic requirements.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? 1. Pass the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) examination, 600
2. Jurisprudence Examination is required for Licensing.

Physical Therapist

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Discipline Physical Therapist
License/Certificate Physical therapist
State Department DC Board of Physical Therapy, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/159532
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Not Specified
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Pass the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) examination, (National Physical Therapy Examination - NPTE) and District of Columbia Jurisprudence Examination

Psychologist

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Discipline Psychologist
License/Certificate Psychologist
State Department DC Board of Psychology, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/160282
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Doctorate
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? 4000 hours may have been acquired after conferral of the doctoral degree or, two thousand (2,000) hours may have been acquired during a pre-doctoral internship with the remaining two thousand (2,000) hours acquired after conferral of the doctoral degree.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? 1) To qualify for a license by examination, an applicant shall receive one of the following scores: (a) A score not lower than one-half (0.5) standard deviation below the national mean score on the Psychological Licensing Examination sponsored by the American Association of State Psychology Boards (AASPB examination)-The examination for professional practice of psychology; (b) A passing score, as determined by the Board, on a successor examination to the AASPB examination; or (c) A passing score on the examination sponsored by the American Board of Examiners of Professional Psychology (ABEPP examination).

2) an applicant shall receive a passing score on an examination developed by the Board on laws and rules, and ethical standards pertaining to the practice of psychology (the District examination). A passing score on the District examination shall be a score of seventyfive percent (75%) on each part of the examination.

School Psychologist

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Discipline School Psychologist
License/Certificate School Psychologist
State Department DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation
State Department Hyperlink https://osse.dc.gov/page/standard-school-service-provider-ssp-certification
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Not specified
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework A master's degree in school, psychology, educational, or clinical psychology from an accredited institution to include forty-two (42) semester hours of graduate level coursework. 1. Fifteen (15) semester hours to include the following: (1) Introduction to school psychology; (2) Child adolescent psychology or developmental psychology; (3) Psychology of abnormal behavior/psychopathy of childhood and adolescence (mental hygiene); (4) Statistics; tests and measurements, evaluation; or research methods; and (5) Seminar in school psychology; 2. Six (6) semester hours from among the following: (1) Neurology or neuropsychology and brain behavior; (2) Biological basis of behavior; (3) Theories of learning; or (4) Theories of personality; 3. Nine (9) semester hours from the following: (1) History and systems of psychology; (2) Psychology of the exceptional child; (3) Socio-cultural education; (4) Survey of problems and issues in special education; or (5) Public school law; urban issues; legal and ethical issues; 4. Six (6) semester hours to include the following: (1) Individual assessment of cognitive abilities; and (2) Behavioral assessment (behavioral checklist, classroom observation techniques); and 5. Six (6) semester hours from the following: (1) Evaluation and diagnosis of exceptional children; (2) Diagnosis and remedial techniques in arithmetic; (3) The learning disabled child/learning disabilities; or (4) Personality assessment.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Has successfully completed at least 500 hours of supervised field, practicum, or internship experience in a school setting under the supervision of a certified school psychologist.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Has achieved a passing score for the DC-required school psychologist content exam or has passed a comparable exam in another state where an active school psychologist credential is held.

Social Worker – Licensed Associate

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Discipline Social Worker
License/Certificate Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA)
State Department DC Board of Social Work, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/161602
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Bachelor's
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? From the application instruction-Bachelors, formerly known as Basic Examination for the LSWA. The passing score shall be seventy-five (75).
Additional requirements specific for schools? School social worker  - Required a master's degree, a year post-graduation paid experience, and a DOH license.

Social Worker – Licensed Graduate (LGSW)

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Discipline Social Worker
License/Certificate Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
State Department DC Board of Social Work, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/161562
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? From the application instruction-Masters, formerly know as Intermediate Examination for the LGSW license. The passing score shall be seventy-five (75).
Additional requirements specific for schools? School social worker - Requires a year post-graduation paid experience and a DOH license.

Social Worker – Licensed Independent Clinical (LICSW)

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Discipline Social Worker
License/Certificate Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
State Department DC Board of Social Work, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/161562
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? At least one hundred (100) hours of the applicant's three thousand (3000) hours of supervised practice was completed under the immediate face-to-face supervision of a qualified supervisor; that the three thousand (3000) hours of supervised practice were completed not more than five years prior to the application date.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Clinical Examination for the LICSW license. The passing score on the Advanced Clinical (Independent clinical social worker) level of the national examination shall be seventy-five (75).
Additional requirements specific for schools? School social worker - (a) A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution of social work that includes the following: (1) Field practicum in a setting providing direct services to individuals and groups of school age children and their families; or (2) A minimum of one (1) year paid professional experience (post master's degree) in a setting providing direct services to individuals and groups of school age children and their families; (b) Program content to include the following: (1) Four (4) semester hours in family and child related coursework; (2) Four (4) semester hours in human behavior and social environment; (3) Four (4) semester hours in social welfare policy and services; (4) Eight (8) semester hours in social work practice; (5) Four (4) semester hours in research; and (6) Six (6) semester hours to include the following: (A) Laws and regulations, which impact upon school programs; and (B) Content in the area of disabling conditions and appropriate interventions (c) A valid license to practice social work in the District of Columbia.

Social Worker – Licensed Independent (LISW)

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Discipline Social Worker
License/Certificate Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
State Department DC Board of Social Work, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/161562
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Advanced Generalist Test, formerly known as Advanced Examination for the LISW license. The passing score on the Advanced Generalist (Independent social worker) level of the national examination shall be seventy-five (75).
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? At least one hundred (100) hours of the applicant's three thousand (3000) hours of supervised practice was completed under the immediate face-to-face supervision of a qualified supervisor; that the three thousand (3000) hours of supervised practice were completed not more than five years prior to the application date,
Additional requirements specific for schools? School social worker - (a) A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution of social work that includes the following: (1) Field practicum in a setting providing direct services to individuals and groups of school age children and their families; or (2) A minimum of one (1) year paid professional experience (post master's degree) in a setting providing direct services to individuals and groups of school age children and their families; (b) Program content to include the following: (1) Four (4) semester hours in family and child related coursework; (2) Four (4) semester hours in human behavior and social environment; (3) Four (4) semester hours in social welfare policy and services; (4) Eight (8) semester hours in social work practice; (5) Four (4) semester hours in research; and (6) Six (6) semester hours to include the following: (A) Laws and regulations, which impact upon school programs; and (B) Content in the area of disabling conditions and appropriate interventions (c) A valid license to practice social work in the District of Columbia.

Social Worker – School

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Discipline School Social Worker
License/Certificate School Social Worker
State Department DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation
State Department Hyperlink https://osse.dc.gov/page/standard-school-service-provider-ssp-certification
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range 5 years - 18 years (K-12)
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? Advanced Generalist Test, formerly known as Advanced Examination for the LISW license. The passing score on the Advanced Generalist (Independent social worker) level of the national examination shall be seventy-five (75).
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Have successfully field practicum experience as part of the degree program or one year of paid professional experience (post master’s degree) in a setting providing direct services to individuals and groups of school age children and their families;
Program content to include the following:
  1. Four semester hours in family and child related coursework;
  2. Four semester hours in human behavior and social environment;
  3. Four semester hours in social welfare policy and services;
  4. Eight semester hours in social work practice;
  5. Four semester hours in research; and
  6.  Six semester hours to include the following:

1) Laws and regulations, which impact upon school programs; and

2)Content in the area of disabling conditions and appropriate interventions;

Skills to include the following:

  1. Developing a social history and psychological assessments by use of appropriate methodologies and theories (i.e., systems, family psychological theories and framework);
  2. Utilizing theoretical and practice knowledge in counseling (i.e., family dynamics, crisis intervention and mediation);
  3. Communication (i.e., speech, writing, sign language when/where appropriate);
  4. Child and adolescent development theories (i.e., typical vs. atypical development; life cycle issues)
  5. Learning and behavioral theories;
  6. The influence of situations which impact upon individuals, families, and communities;
  7. Law and legal provisions in the area of child welfare;
  8. The cause and effects of social, cultural, and environmental forces and their impact on learning and human behavior (i.e., effect of these forces on race, ethics, gender, socio-economic status);and
  9. The role and function of the school social worker in relationship to school, communities, and organizations.

Speech Language Pathologist – DC Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Department of Health

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Discipline Speech-Language Pathologist
License/Certificate Speech-Language Pathologist
State Department DC Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Department of Health
State Department Hyperlink https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/audiology-and-speech-language-pathology-licensing
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement
Master’s or Doctoral Degree in speech-language pathology from a recognized educational institution whose speech-language pathology program is accredited
by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology or an equivalent accrediting body as determined by the Board.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Clinical fellowship required; Completion of nine (9) months, thirty (30) hours per week, or the part-time equivalent of supervised experience which shall commence within 2 years from the date of conferral of the degree and be completed within 3 1/2 years.
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? A score of 600 on the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (PRAXIS II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology) within the five (5) years before applying for licensure.

Speech Language Pathologist – DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation

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Discipline Speech-Language Pathologist
License/Certificate Speech-Language Pathologist
State Department DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation
State Department Hyperlink https://osse.dc.gov/page/standard-school-service-provider-ssp-certification
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Not specified
Degree Level Requirement Master's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework 1. Satisfactory completion of a total of seventy-five (75) semester hours of speech and language pathology, audiology, and allied fields. Thirty-six (36) of these shall be at the graduate level and designed to develop competencies in the following areas: (1) Speech and language development; (2) Anatomy; physiology of the speech; hearing mechanism; (3) Linguistic and cultural issues affecting multicultural populations; (4) Speech and language disorders (articulation, language, fluency and voice) to include the following; (A) A minimum of six (6) semester hours in speech disorders; and (B) A minimum of six (6) semester hours in language disorders; (5) Clinical procedures in identifying, evaluating and diagnosing speech, language and hearing disorder to include prognosis and recommendations for treatment when indicated; (6) Habilitation and rehabilitation of speech and language disorders; (7) Auditory pathology; and (8) Aural habilitation/rehabilitation; or (9) Any person holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology or whose application has been approved by the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association will be eligible for licensure without evaluation of individual courses; 2. Twenty-seventy (27) semester hours designed to develop competencies in the following: (1) The anatomic and physiological bases for normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing; (2) The physical bases and processes of the production and perception of speech, language and hearing (i.e., acoustics or physics of sound, phonology and phonetics); (3) Linguistic and psycholinguistic variables related to normal development and use of speech, language and hearing; (4) Biological/Physical Sciences; (5) Mathematics; and (6) Behavioral and Social Sciences. 3. Twelve (12) semester hours in allied fields or speech-language or audiology.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work? Satisfactory completion of a minimum of three hundred and fifty (350) clock hours of supervised clinical practicum is required. Two hundred and fifty (250) of which shall be obtained at the graduate level. A minimum of two hundred and fifty (250) clock hours shall be in speech pathology and encompass the following: (1) Evaluation of speech disorders: (A) Children (twenty (20) clock hours); and (B) Adults (twenty (20) clock hours); (2) Evaluation of language disorders: (A) Children (twenty (20) clock hours); and (B) Adults (twenty (20) clock hours); (3) Treatment of speech disorders: (A) Children (twenty (20) clock hours); and (B) Adult (twenty (20) clock hours); (4) Treatment of language disorders: (A) Children (twenty (20) clock hours); and (B) Adults (twenty (20) clock hours); (5) A minimum of thirty-five (35) clock hours must be in audiology and encompass the following: (A) Evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders associated with hearing impairments (a minimum of fifteen (15) clock hours); and (B) Evaluation of audiology disorder (a minimum of fifteen (15) clock hours); and (6) The remaining clock hours may be obtained in speech pathology or audiology.

Vision Specialist

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Discipline Vision Specialist
License/Certificate Special Education - Categorical (K-12) Visual impairments
State Department DC Office of Educator Licensure and Accreditation
State Department Hyperlink https://osse.dc.gov/ed-credentials
Type of License/Certificate Licensure/Certificate
Age Range Kindergarten - 12th grade
Degree Level Requirement Bachelor's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework 1. A minimum of forty-eight (48) semester hours in a program of general or liberal education including each of the following fields: (1) Humanities:12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) English grammar and composition (including vocabulary development and reading comprehension); (B) Literature, art, music, philosophy; and (C) Foreign language; (2) Social Sciences 12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) American history; and (B) History, anthropology, sociology, economics, political science, geography, psychology, world studies, or contemporary world cultures; (3) Natural Sciences and Mathematics: 12 semester hours: (at least one course in each area) (A) Laboratory science; and (B) Mathematics; (4) Health and Physical Education 4 semester hours; and (include coursework in substance abuse education) (5) Eight (8) semester hours from areas 1, 2, or 3 of this subsection. 2. Coursework in the common core (twenty- one (21) semester hours): (a) Psychoeducational assessment of exceptional individuals; (b) Socio-cultural and vocational aspects of disabilities; (c) Modifications/adaptations of curriculum and instruction of the exceptional individual; (d) Language development of children with disabilities; (e) Current trends and legal issues in special education; and (f) Psychology of the exceptional children. 3. Visual impairments (fifteen (15) semester hours): (1) Anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye; (2) Nature and needs of visually impaired individuals; (3) Reading and writing Braille; and (4) Procedures for teaching visually impaired individuals;
Licensure Dependent on an Exam? 1. Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST): PPST Reading (Paper or computer based test) 172 or 319*; PPST Writing (Paper or computer based test) 171 or 316*; PPST Mathematics (Paper or computer based test) 174 or 319* or sum of Praxis I Reading, Writing and Mathematics exams: 517 or 954 (Reading: 168 or 314; Writing: 165 or 307; Mathematics: 169 or 314) 2. Core Knowledge & Applications (0354/5354): 151; *For K-12 Licensure Areas (except foreign language), applicants must successfully pass ONE of the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exams that most closely matches grades levels to be/being taught: Principles of Learning & Teaching: Grades K-6 0622/5622-160; Principles of Learning & Teaching: Grades 5-9 0623/5623-160; Principles of Learning & Teaching: Grades 7-12 0624/5624-157.
Alternative Route Provisional or temporary Alternative route educator preparation program id offered: Candidates in the program are actively serve in the role of teacher or administrator while completing an educator preparation program.