How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist: 6 Steps + Requirements

Written by Sarah Keller, Last Updated: November 20, 2025

As a speech-language pathologist, you’ll be part of a growing field of professionals focused on preventing, assessing, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. It’s a chance to provide life-changing therapy that opens new possibilities for diverse patient populations—from young children with speech challenges to elderly stroke survivors.

Speech-language pathology is a foundational area within communication sciences and disorders (CSD). SLPs are master’s-educated, state-licensed, and often nationally certified through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). While licensing requirements vary slightly by state, all licensing boards require candidates to hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and complete extensive pre-licensure professional experience.

Because most state licensing board requirements mirror ASHA’s CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence – Speech-Language Pathology) standards, this certification has become the universal professional standard for practicing SLPs nationwide. Even in states where the licensing board doesn’t explicitly require the CCC-SLP, employers expect it, and insurers often need it as a condition for reimbursing SLP services.

Step 1: Complete an Undergraduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), nearly 280 institutions offer undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science) in Communication Sciences and Disorders. A bachelor’s degree in CSD provides the strongest foundation for transitioning to a CSD master’s program, though it’s not mandatory for admission.

CSD undergraduate programs include foundational courses in statistics and the social/behavioral, physical, and biological sciences. You’ll study normal language development, language disorder, phonology, linguistics, and the anatomy of hearing and speech mechanisms. Many programs offer research experiences, and most require students to participate in research activities that build skills for future clinical practice.

Students who enter graduate programs with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field typically need to complete prerequisite courses before or during their first year of graduate study. These foundational courses ensure all students have the knowledge base necessary for advanced SLP coursework.

Step 2: Complete a CAA-Accredited Graduate Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology

To practice as a speech-language pathologist, you must complete an entry-level graduate degree (MA, MS, MEd) from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). With over 280 accredited master’s programs available nationwide, you have options for different delivery formats and program structures.

The most common degree title is Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. You’ll also find programs titled Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Master of Arts Speech-Language Pathology, or Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a speech-language pathology specialization.

CAA-accredited speech pathology graduate programs typically require 48 to 60 credits and are offered in colleges and departments of education, audiology, healthcare sciences, public health, behavioral and communication sciences, and rehabilitation. Many programs offer part-time or evening options, partially or fully online delivery, and some schools provide combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs. Several accredited programs also offer study abroad opportunities.

Clinical Practicum Requirements

All CAA-accredited programs include supervised clinical experiences designed to help you apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Clinical practicum requirements vary by state—Illinois and Pennsylvania require at least 375 hours, Texas requires 400 hours, and Florida requires 300 hours. Some states, like Arizona and Washington, defer to ASHA’s 400-hour standard.

Clinical placement advisors work with students to arrange experiences across various settings and with different patient populations. In online SLP master’s programs, schools typically require an on-campus clinical immersion experience in which students participate in practicum seminars with faculty and peers.

Prerequisites and Admission Requirements

While admission requirements vary by program, all require foundational undergraduate coursework supporting graduate-level study. Some programs admit students with degrees outside CSD and allow them to complete prerequisites during their first year, while others accept only students who’ve already completed all prerequisites. Many institutions offer prerequisite courses online, letting students complete requirements before starting graduate work.

Prerequisite undergraduate courses generally include biological science, physical science, statistics, and two behavioral and social science courses. An undergraduate degree in communicative sciences and disorders typically satisfies all requirements.

Additional admission requirements may include a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE scores, an admissions essay, and letters of recommendation. Each program has specific requirements, so research your target schools carefully.

Step 3: Complete a Post-Graduate Fellowship

Your required post-graduate fellowship begins after completing your CAA-accredited graduate program. Per ASHA standards, this must consist of at least 36 weeks of full-time experience or the equivalent in part-time hours. Some states have higher requirements, so check your state’s specific standards.

Before starting your clinical fellowship in speech-language pathology, you may need to apply for a temporary license (also called an intern or limited license) through your state’s board of speech-language pathology and audiology. To qualify, you must possess a master’s or doctoral degree from a CAA-accredited program and submit a plan for your clinical fellowship signed by a licensed supervisor.

Temporary licenses are typically valid for one year—just long enough to complete your clinical fellowship. This supervised training period is essential for developing the practical skills and professional judgment needed for independent practice.

Many states mirror the clinical fellowship requirements for earning ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). These standards require the fellowship to be at least 36 weeks, with 35 hours per week (totaling 1,260 hours), and mentored by an ASHA-certified professional, with at least 80 percent direct clinical contact through assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, screening, and counseling activities.

According to ASHA, with telepractice becoming more common in SLP, up to 25% of direct client contact hours may be completed via telepractice if accepted by your state board. This provides flexibility in meeting clinical fellowship requirements.

Step 4: Take a National Exam in Speech-Language Pathology

You must pass the Educational Testing Service’s (ETS) Praxis Test: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology to earn state licensure. Most students take this examination during their clinical fellowship, though you can sit for the exam anytime after completing your CAA-accredited graduate program.

Register directly with ETS to select your preferred test center location and date. Test centers are available throughout the country for convenient access. Most states require a Praxis score of 162, which matches ASHA’s minimum for the CCC-SLP.

The exam covers four main content areas. The Foundations and Professional Practice section tests your knowledge of typical development across the lifespan, factors influencing communication and swallowing, epidemiology of disorders, wellness and prevention, culturally appropriate service delivery, counseling and collaboration, documentation, ethics, legislation, and evidence-based practice.

The Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis section evaluates your understanding of screening procedures for communication disorders and feeding/swallowing disorders. You’ll demonstrate knowledge of developing case histories, selecting appropriate assessment instruments, assessing influencing factors, evaluating anatomy and physiology, and making appropriate referrals.

Assessment procedures cover speech-sound production, fluency, voice and resonance, motor speech, receptive and expressive language, social communication, including pragmatics, cognitive aspects of communication, augmentative and alternative communication, hearing, and feeding and swallowing. The exam also tests your understanding of various etiologies, including genetic, developmental, disease processes, auditory problems, neurological factors, structural and functional issues, and psychogenic causes.

The Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment section assesses your ability to evaluate factors affecting treatment, initiate and prioritize treatment plans, develop goals, determine appropriate interventions, generate prognoses, and communicate recommendations. You’ll need to demonstrate knowledge of establishing monitoring methods, following up on referrals, and implementing treatments across all disorder areas.

You can learn more about the Praxis exam by checking out study materials and guidance on the ETS website.

Step 5: Apply for State Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist

To apply for state licensure, you must complete an application and submit it to your state’s licensing authority along with an application fee, official graduate transcripts sent directly from your CAA-accredited institution, Praxis exam scores sent directly from ETS, results from a criminal background check, and proof of completion of your clinical fellowship experience.

Depending on your state, you may also need to complete a course on HIV/AIDS and pass a state jurisprudence examination. Each state has specific requirements, so check with your state’s board of speech-language pathology and audiology for exact application procedures.

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain state licensure as a speech-language pathologist, you’ll need to complete continuing education requirements during each renewal period. These requirements vary significantly by state.

Tennessee requires at least 10 hours of continuing education per calendar year, while California requires 24 clock hours during every two-year renewal period. Alaska has no state CE requirements. However, since most states require the CCC-SLP credential, you’ll still need to meet ASHA’s continuing education standards. In states with their own requirements, you’ll need to satisfy both standards.

Step 6: Consider Professional Certification

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Speech-Language Pathology Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is a nationally recognized, voluntary designation that significantly increases opportunities for salary supplements, career advancement, employment, job mobility, and professional credibility.

To qualify for CCC-SLP certification, you must complete a master’s or doctoral degree from a CAA-accredited institution, complete a clinical fellowship of at least 36 weeks mentored by an ASHA-certified professional, and pass the Praxis Exam: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology.

You can apply for CCC-SLP after completing your graduate degree from a CAA-accredited program. Complete and submit your application to ASHA, along with the $490 membership and certification fee.

Your application must include your passing exam score sent directly to ASHA from ETS, official transcripts sent directly from your CAA-accredited program, and a Clinical Fellowship Report through your ASHA account. Your mentor must verify your clinical hours and confirm your skill set using the Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory.

To maintain your CCC-SLP credential, you must complete 30 professional development hours during every three-year certification period, which begins January 1 of the year following your initial certification. At least 1 hour of ethics training must be included in your continuing education.

Salary and Career Outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathologists enjoy strong earning potential and excellent job prospects. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for SLPs continues to grow as awareness of speech and language disorders increases and the aging population requires more services.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (US) 2024 data, the national median annual wage for speech-language pathologists is $95,410. Entry-level SLPs typically earn between $60,000 and $75,000, while experienced professionals can earn $95,000 to $133,000 or more. Salary varies by geographic location, work setting, and specialization. SLPs working in skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals typically earn higher wages than those in school settings. However, school-based positions often offer better work-life balance with summers off and consistent schedules.

The job outlook for speech-language pathologists remains strong, with projected employment growth faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increased awareness of speech and language disorders in children, growing numbers of older adults who are susceptible to medical conditions affecting speech, and medical advances improving survival rates of premature infants and trauma victims who need therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics summary and job market figures for Speech-Language Pathologists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.

Sarah Keller

Sarah M. Keller, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist with 15 years of experience in pediatric clinics and university training programs. She earned her master’s in speech-language pathology from a CAHPS-accredited program in the Midwest and supervised clinical practicums for online and hybrid SLP cohorts. Sarah now advises students on graduate school applications, clinical fellowships, and state licensure. She lives in Colorado with her family and golden retriever.

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