To become a speech-language pathologist in Illinois, you must complete a 60-credit master’s degree in SLP with a 375-hour practicum, pass the Praxis exam, complete a 9-month supervised clinical fellowship, and obtain state licensure through the Illinois Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The entire process typically takes 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for your master’s program, plus a 9-month clinical fellowship.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
With major universities and leading research centers like UChicago Medicine’s Center for Speech and Swallowing Disorders, Illinois is home to some of the nation’s most skilled speech-language pathology clinics and practitioners. Researchers and practitioners here lead national efforts in communicative disorders while serving local communities.
The demand for SLPs in Illinois continues to grow. The Illinois Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, part of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, projects a 20% increase in SLP jobs through 2030. That growth still may not meet the rising need for early intervention, school-based, and hospital SLP services across the state.
The licensing path is comprehensive but straightforward. You’ll complete graduate education, pass a national exam, gain supervised experience, and secure your state license. On the other side of this process, you’ll join some of the best-trained SLP practitioners in the country, working in a state that urgently needs your skills.
Step 1: Complete a Qualifying Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Your first major requirement is completing an SLP master’s degree through a program approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The program must include 60 credits of focused study in communicative disorders and a 375-hour clinical practicum.
Programs must be accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) or specifically approved by the Illinois Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Online graduate programs meeting these accreditation standards qualify for Illinois licensure. Remote studies give working professionals the opportunity to earn a respected degree on their own timeline. These schools maintain agreements with clinics, schools, and hospitals nationwide, allowing students to complete practicum requirements at approved sites close to home while meeting Illinois state licensure requirements.
Illinois also has nearly a dozen on-campus graduate programs in communicative sciences and disorders, many offering specializations in speech-language pathology.
Making Sure You Qualify for SLP Graduate Studies
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in the field, you have an immediate advantage. If your undergraduate major was different, you may need to complete prerequisites in communicative disorders and sciences before beginning graduate-level coursework.
Once prerequisites are complete, you’ll begin the core curriculum. The 60 credits of field-specific content must cover these Illinois Board requirements:
Basic Communication Processes
- Anatomic and physiological bases of communication
- Physical bases and processes of speech, language, and hearing production and perception
- Linguistic and psycholinguistic variables related to normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing
Speech-Language Pathology Content
- Speech and language disorders across the lifespan
- Assessment and diagnosis methodologies
- Evidence-based treatment approaches
- Audiology fundamentals
- Auditory and vestibular pathology
- Auditory and vestibular habilitation and rehabilitation
Clinical Practicum Requirements
The Illinois Board requires supervised field experience in real-world settings. Your practicum must meet these specifications:
- 375 hours minimum duration
- Experience in two separate settings (such as school and medical)
- Supervision by a licensed speech-language pathologist
- Hands-on assessment and treatment activities
This practicum complements your master’s studies and prepares you for your post-graduate clinical fellowship. If you’re also pursuing the ASHA CCC-SLP credential, you’ll need 25 additional hours (400 total), so plan accordingly.
Step 2: Pass the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Examination
Illinois requires you to pass the national SLP exam before beginning your Required Professional Experience. This differs from most states, which allow you to start supervised work before testing.
Registration and Testing Options
Register for the Praxis exam by phone, mail, or online through the ETS registration page. Test centers are available throughout Illinois, typically on college campuses. You can also take the exam online from home with remote proctoring.
Start studying early using the official test materials from Praxis. Your classroom knowledge should still be fresh, but you won’t yet have extensive clinical experience to draw from.
Exam Structure and Content
You have 150 minutes to complete 132 questions. The exam covers three main areas:
| Content Area | Percentage | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations and Professional Practice | 33% | Research methodology, counseling, teaming, wellness, prevention, and disorder characteristics |
| Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis | 33% | Genetic and developmental causes, auditory problems, communication disorders, speech sound production, and cognitive aspects |
| Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment | 33% | Generating prognosis, communicating recommendations, treatment planning, and post-treatment referrals |
You need a score of 162 on the 100-200 scale to pass. This score also qualifies you for the ASHA CCC-SLP credential (though you’ll need to complete your clinical fellowship first).
About the CCC-SLP Credential
While the CCC-SLP is not required for Illinois licensure, many employers prefer or require it. To apply for your CCC-SLP, submit your application on the ASHA website along with your Praxis score and the Clinical Fellowship Reporting form documenting your nine months of supervised experience.
The CCC-SLP is accepted as verification of meeting Praxis and clinical fellowship requirements if you’re applying for Illinois licensure by endorsement from another state.
ASHA also offers specialty certifications for SLPs working in highly specific areas:
- Child language disorders
- Intraoperative monitoring
- Fluency and fluency disorders
- Swallowing and swallowing disorders
These certifications assure patients and employers of your expertise in particular specializations. Learn more on the Clinical Specialty Certification page.
Step 3: Complete Required Professional Experience Through a Clinical Fellowship
Illinois requires nine months of supervised professional experience, formally called Required Professional Experience (RPE), as your final major step toward licensure. This clinical fellowship must be supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist.
Apply for a Temporary License First
Before starting your Required Professional Experience (RPE), you need a temporary SLP license. Submit the application form along with proof of your completed master’s degree and passing Praxis scores.
The temporary license costs $165, lasts 12 months, and can be renewed once. This gives you up to 24 months to complete your nine-month RPE if needed.
What to Expect During Your Clinical Fellowship
During your RPE, you’ll practice essential SLP skills with real patients. Every case demands a different approach. Your supervisor will assess and guide you throughout the process, then submit documentation verifying your abilities and completion of the fellowship.
ASHA’s detailed Scope of Practice for SLPs serves as your professional guideline. You’ll work across multiple areas:
- Assessment and diagnosis of communication disorders
- Treatment planning and implementation
- Patient counseling and family education
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Documentation and progress monitoring
Many newly licensed SLPs continue working where they completed their clinical fellowship, having already established relationships with the team and patient population.
Step 4: Apply for Your Illinois SLP License
The Illinois licensing process is thorough. You’ll submit a paper application form along with multiple supporting documents to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Licensure Requirements Summary
The Board verifies that you’ve completed:
- At least 60 graduate-level credits in a speech-language pathology program
- Master’s degree completion with a 375-hour clinical practicum
- Passing score on the Praxis exam
- Nine months of supervised professional experience
Licensure by Endorsement
If you already hold a valid license in good standing from another state with substantially similar requirements, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. Illinois issues a 90-day interim practice authorization while the Board evaluates your application, allowing you to begin practicing immediately. This interim authorization allows you to work under supervision while your full license is processed.
Career Options After Licensure
Once you’re licensed, several career paths open up:
Working for Established Organizations: Many new SLPs join clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, elder care facilities, or school districts. You may continue at the site where you completed your clinical fellowship, or explore opportunities through local job postings.
Starting Your Own Practice: Illinois has many small, locally owned speech therapy clinics, reflecting high demand. Opening your own practice gives you freedom to choose your client population, set your hours, and build your business. You’ll also bear all the responsibilities of business ownership.
Step 5: Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education
Illinois requires license renewal every two years. You must complete 20 hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle. This aligns with ASHA’s requirement of 10 CE hours per year for the CCC-SLP, making it easy to maintain both credentials.
Continuing Education Resources
The Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ISHA) offers excellent CE opportunities:
- Annual three-day conference meeting full CE requirements
- Local classes and workshops throughout the year
- Statewide professional networking
- Public education programs
- Legislative advocacy for the profession
ISHA membership provides access to these resources while connecting you with colleagues across Illinois.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Illinois
Illinois offers competitive compensation for SLPs. According to 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Illinois employs 9,100 speech-language pathologists with strong earning potential across the state.
Statewide Salary Overview
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $54,750 | $26.32 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,220 | $33.28 |
| Median (50th) | $82,480 | $39.65 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,480 | $50.71 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,850 | $58.10 |
| Mean (Average) | $87,940 | $42.28 |
Illinois ranks among the top states for SLP employment, with the fourth-largest number of practicing SLPs in the nation. The state projects adding 640 SLP positions annually through 2030, representing 20% job growth.
Regional Salary Variations
Salaries vary by region across Illinois. Metropolitan areas typically offer higher compensation, though cost-of-living factors should be considered:
| Metro Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Chicago | $59,160 | $85,400 | $122,740 |
| Kankakee | $49,410 | $83,625 | $117,840 |
| Bloomington | $61,600 | $81,840 | $102,080 |
| Rockford | $55,460 | $80,170 | $104,880 |
| Springfield | $53,910 | $81,415 | $109,920 |
| Peoria | $47,430 | $80,845 | $114,260 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $55,280 | $79,095 | $102,910 |
| Metro St. Louis | $54,750 | $80,040 | $105,330 |
| Davenport-Moline | $54,650 | $84,035 | $113,420 |
| Decatur | $55,070 | $80,245 | $105,420 |
The Chicago metropolitan area employs the second-highest number of SLPs among all U.S. cities, with 6,490 professionals serving the region. This concentration creates diverse opportunities across medical facilities, schools, private practices, and research institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an SLP in Illinois?
The complete process typically takes 6-7 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, and a 9-month clinical fellowship (RPE). If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you’re looking at approximately 3-3.5 years from starting your master’s program to receiving full Illinois licensure. The timeline can vary based on whether you attend full-time or part-time and how quickly you complete your clinical fellowship requirements.
Can I get licensed in Illinois with an online SLP degree?
Yes, Illinois accepts online master’s degrees from programs accredited by the ASHA Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) or approved by the Illinois Board. These programs include the required 375-hour clinical practicum, which you complete in person at approved sites. Students work with their program to coordinate local clinical placements that meet Illinois state licensure practicum requirements. Many online programs have established partnerships with clinics, schools, and hospitals throughout Illinois.
Do I need the CCC-SLP to practice in Illinois?
No, the CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology) from ASHA is not required for Illinois state licensure. However, many employers prefer or require it, and it’s recognized nationwide. If you’re planning to work across state lines or in certain healthcare settings, the CCC-SLP is highly valuable. The good news is that meeting Illinois licensure requirements also satisfies most CCC-SLP requirements.
When do I need to pass the Praxis exam in Illinois?
Illinois requires you to pass the Praxis exam before starting your clinical fellowship (Required Professional Experience). This is different from many states that allow you to begin supervised work before taking the exam. You’ll need your passing Praxis scores when applying for your temporary license, which you must have before starting your 9-month clinical fellowship.
How much does it cost to get licensed in Illinois?
Direct licensing costs include the temporary license ($165, renewable once for $165), the Praxis exam ($170), and your final license application (fees vary by route). Total licensing fees are approximately $500-$700. This doesn’t include your master’s degree program costs, which vary significantly between schools. Many students also invest in Praxis study materials ($50-$200).
Can I transfer my SLP license from another state to Illinois?
Yes, Illinois offers licensure by endorsement if you hold a valid license in good standing from another state with substantially similar requirements. The Illinois Board issues a 90-day interim practice authorization while reviewing your application, allowing you to begin working immediately under supervision. The CCC-SLP credential is accepted as verification of meeting Praxis and clinical fellowship requirements for endorsement applications.
What’s the job outlook for SLPs in Illinois?
The job outlook is excellent. Illinois projects 20% job growth through 2030, adding approximately 640 new SLP positions annually. The state currently employs 9,100 SLPs, the fourth-largest number in the nation. Growing demand for early intervention, school-based services, and an aging population support means consistent opportunities across medical facilities, schools, private practices, and rehabilitation centers throughout Illinois.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois requires a 60-credit master’s degree with a 375-hour clinical practicum from an ASHA-CAA-accredited program or an Illinois Board-approved program
- You must pass the Praxis exam (score of 162 or higher) before starting your clinical fellowship, unlike most states, which allow you to test during or after supervised experience
- The 9-month Required Professional Experience (RPE) requires a temporary license costing $165 that lasts 12 months and can be renewed once for an additional $165 if needed
- Illinois SLPs earn a median salary of $82,480 annually (2024 BLS data), with experienced professionals in the 75th percentile earning over $105,480
- License renewal occurs every two years and requires 20 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle (equivalent to 10 hours per year)
- Job growth is projected at 20% through 2030, adding approximately 640 new SLP positions annually across healthcare, education, and private practice settings statewide
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
Ready to Start Your SLP Career in Illinois?
Explore ASHA-accredited online and campus-based programs that prepare you to meet Illinois licensing requirements and launch your career serving diverse communities across the state.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary 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.