So You Want to Be a School Psychologists in BC?

Full disclosure—finding a job can be tricky. Employers are not very keen on hiring Americans because it takes additional work on their part. In addition, there are costs involved for them and supervision requirements for us. The good news is that school districts are increasingly seeing that the effort is worthwhile!

Most K–12 education jobs in BC are posted on Make a Future, the province’s official job board. Search for “school psychologist,” set up alerts, and apply once through their portal to reuse your application across districts. Typical documents include a résumé, cover letter, transcripts, proof of credential/licence, and reference letters.

You need to obtain a written job offer; however, this is not enough to obatin a work permit. After you have a written job offer, your employer must submit an Offer of Employment through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s Employer Portal, which is Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). When submitted, IRCC issues an offer number that starts with “A” (you’ll need it at the border).

Bring your job offer letter, the A-number, and supporting documents when you apply for your employer-specific work permit. You will need both the job offer AND the A-number to get your work visa processed at the border. See IRCC’s work permit guidance for details.

Note: School psychologist positions are exempt from the labor market process, so you can assure anxious HR staff that they don't need to worry about that.

The British Columbia Association of School Psychologists (BCASP) is similar to a state-level school psychology association. BCASP previously certified school psychologists, but those responsibilities were transferred to the College of Psychologists of BC and are now under the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC), which was created June 28, 2024, and oversees licensing for several professions.

With certification no longer part of its mandate, BCASP now focuses entirely on serving as a professional association and advocating for school psychologists across the province. We also offer excellent professional development and networking opportunities. And if you’re curious, you can even hear my annoying (?) voice on our podcast!

BC recognizes two protected psychology titles: Registered Psychologist (R. Psych.) and Licensed School Psychologist (L. Sch. Psych.).

Scope for Licensed School Psychologists: Within a learning environment, L. Sch. Psych. may diagnose a learning disorder or an intellectual disorder. They can screen for other conditions within their competence and refer out.

Application Timing and Supervision: Start your CHCPBC application early (transcripts, verifications, references, background checks are required). While an application is in progress, you may work under a supervision plan (with an R. Psych. or L. Sch. Psych.) if that plan is filed with your application.

BC’s Ministry of Education and Child Care (MOECC) sets policy for inclusive education (it does not license psychologists). The Inclusive Education Manual outlines categories/codes used for designations (e.g., “Q” for Learning Disability). 

Also, the terms between U.S. special education and Canadian inclusive education are slightly different, see a few below: 

In many districts, school psychologists are members of the local BC Teacher's Federation (BCTF), which is the teachers’ union—check the collective agreement for your district. For example, provincial and local agreements include provisions referencing school psychologists. Some school psychologists are not part of a union but fall under an Exempt Status under the BC Public School Employers Association (BCPSEA).

CHCPBC’s Code of Conduct requires clear role clarification, and that opinions be based on adequate and appropriate information with stated limits. Make sure your school obtains parental consent before you attend a school-based team meeting (SBT) where you will be part of discussions involving their child (see section 4.0 for all you will need to know about informed consent). Also, be cautious offering opinions when reviewing another clinician’s work (see section 11.36 for more details).