SLP Licensing Requirements by State: Complete 2025 Guide

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

Quick Answer

All 50 states and Washington, DC require speech-language pathologists to obtain a state license before practicing. Five states (Alaska, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Virginia) require the CCC-SLP credential for licensure. The ASLP Interstate Compact includes 37 jurisdictions—36 states plus the US Virgin Islands—allowing SLPs to practice across member state lines with compact privileges.

Like many other healthcare professionals in direct-contact roles, speech-language pathologists must be licensed in their state to practice their specialty. State licensing exists to protect the integrity of the profession and the public’s safety.

Licensing laws help establish a defined scope of practice for SLPs. Beyond that, the licensing process ensures high standards for candidacy, professional ethics, and practice. For all SLPs practicing anywhere in the US, becoming licensed involves a thorough vetting process that requires candidates to qualify through education and supervised experience, followed by a final examination.

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Who Determines License Requirements for Speech-Language Pathologists?

Each state has its own legislation governing the licensing and practice of speech-language pathologists. There is no single nationally accepted license for the profession.

Instead, each state licenses SLPs independently, designating a board or other agency to enforce state laws, administer the application process, and issue licenses. These boards conduct an initial evaluation of each candidate and require professionals to complete regular continuing education as a condition of license renewal.

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact Supports Uniform Standards and Interstate Mobility

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) represents a significant advancement in licensure portability for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. This agreement among states allows licensed audiologists and SLPs to practice across state lines without needing an additional license or permission in each state.

As of November 2025, 37 jurisdictions have enacted ASLP-IC legislation. This includes 36 states plus the US Virgin Islands. The compact’s data system, CompactConnect, launched on September 30, 2025. Louisiana and West Virginia became fully operational for compact privileges on October 28, 2025, with additional states continuing to onboard their licensing systems throughout late 2025 and into 2026.

Important: While CompactConnect launched in September 2025, individual states must complete their own onboarding processes before practitioners in those states can apply for compact privileges. Check with your home state licensing board for current operational status.

SLPs in compact states earn a home license, which can then be used to apply for a “compact privilege” to practice in any participating state. This privilege is equivalent to a permit and costs $50 per state. The compact facilitates both in-person practice and telepractice across state lines, dramatically increasing access to care for patients in underserved or geographically isolated areas.

Current ASLP-IC Member Jurisdictions (37 Total): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, US Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The Role of the CCC-SLP Credential in the State Licensing Process

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has existed long before states began imposing licensing requirements on speech-language pathologists. ASHA offers a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) that serves as a nationally-recognized board certification denoting competence in the field.

Though the CCC-SLP credential is accepted as one possible path to licensure in many states, in most states it’s considered optional rather than a legal requirement for licensure. However, because it’s so widely recognized and respected in the profession and the broader field of healthcare services, most SLPs choose to earn the credential.

Understanding the Difference: Licensure vs. Certification

FeatureState LicensureCCC-SLP Certification
PurposeLegal requirement to practice in a specific stateVoluntary national credential demonstrating professional competence
Issuing AuthorityState regulatory boardsAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Legal StatusMandatory for practiceOptional in most states (required in 5 states)
Geographic ScopeValid in issuing state only (or via ASLP-IC compact privilege)Recognized nationally
Primary BenefitProtects public safety through regulationProfessional credibility and mobility

With licensing requirements in virtually all states generally aligned with CCC-SLP standards, for most SLPs it just makes practical sense to earn the credential.

Because ASHA was well established before most states created licensing requirements for speech-language pathologists, the organization has had a strong hand in shaping those requirements over the years. ASHA maintains a state-by-state guide to licensing requirements and publishes model bills that are often used by state legislatures to establish requirements and licensing laws.

Qualifying for the CCC-SLP involves meeting requirements that often exceed basic licensing requirements the state has in place.

CCC-SLP Requirements

The standards for being awarded a CCC-SLP are strict and comprehensive. To earn the credential, candidates must:

  • Hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology that’s accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • Meet a minimum of graduate semester credit hours, including academic coursework and supervised clinical experience
  • Complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience (at least 325 hours at the graduate level). Complete a 36-week speech-language pathology clinical fellowship under supervision
  • Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology with a score of 162 or higher (on a 100-200 scale)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of:
    • Human communication processes and development
    • Biological processes related to speech and swallowing
    • Social and behavioral sciences
    • Standards of ethical conduct
    • Oral and written communication skills

Standard State Requirements

Even in states that don’t explicitly require the CCC-SLP, national certification standards generally meet most state licensure requirements. Although specifics vary, most states require:

  • A master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited school
  • A certain number of clinical practice hours (typically 400)
  • Completion of a clinical fellowship (typically 36 weeks)
  • Passing scores on the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (typically 162, though some states may have different minimum scores)

Some states also require candidates to pass a jurisprudence exam that tests their knowledge of the state’s specific rules and regulations for the field.

State-by-State Licensing Overview

All 50 states and the District of Columbia require a license to practice speech pathology professionally. States fall into one of three categories when it comes to establishing a candidate’s qualifications for receiving a permit:

CategoryNumber of StatesCCC-SLP Status
States That Require the CCC-SLP for Licensure5Mandatory credential
States That Accept the CCC-SLP as One Path to Licensure36Optional but accepted
States That Have CCC-SLP-Equivalent Requirements10Not required, but standards align

Most states require a 36-week clinical fellowship (equivalent to ASHA requirements) and approximately 400 hours of supervised clinical practicum. States that don’t require a CCC-SLP still require candidates to meet similar educational standards and pass the same Praxis exam used to meet CCC-SLP requirements.

Below is a list of the state agencies that license speech-language therapists, organized by category:

States That Require the CCC-SLP for Licensure

Alaska
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development

Delaware
Board of Examiners of Speech-language Pathologists, Audiologists, and Hearing Aid Dispensers

Massachusetts
Board of Registration in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Rhode Island
Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Virginia
Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

States That Accept the CCC-SLP as One Path to Licensure

Alabama
Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Arizona
Bureau of Licensing for Professions & Occupations, Department of Health Services

Arkansas
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

California
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board

Connecticut
Connecticut Department of Public Health

Florida
Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Georgia
Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Hawaii
Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology

Illinois
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation

Indiana
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

Iowa
Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Kentucky
Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Louisiana
Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Maine
Board of Speech, Audiology, and Hearing

Michigan
Board of Speech-Language Pathology

Mississippi
Mississippi Department of Health, Professional Licensure Division

Missouri
Advisory Commission for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

Montana
Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

Nebraska
Department of Health and Human Services

Nevada
Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, & Hearing Aid Dispensing Board

New Hampshire
Speech-Language Pathology and Hearing Care Providers Governing Board

New Mexico
Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board

New York
New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions

North Carolina
Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists

Ohio
Speech and Hearing Professionals Board

Oklahoma
Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Oregon
Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Pennsylvania
State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

South Carolina
Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

South Dakota
Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology

Tennessee
Board of Communications Disorders and Sciences

Texas
Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation

Vermont
Vermont Agency of Education, Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation

West Virginia
Board of Examiners of Speech & Language Pathology and Audiology

Wisconsin
Hearing and Speech Examining Board

Wyoming
State Board of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

States That Have CCC-SLP-Equivalent Requirements for Licensure

Colorado
Department of Regulatory Agencies, Office of Speech-Language Certification

District of Columbia
DC Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Idaho
Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Speech & Hearing Services Licensure Board

Kansas
Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, Health Occupations Credentialing

Maryland
Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, and Speech-Language Pathologists & Music Therapists

Minnesota
Department of Health

New Jersey
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Committee

North Dakota
Board of Examiners on Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Note: North Dakota is unique among US states in that it does not require completion of a clinical fellowship (CF) for licensure. This represents a significant departure from both ASHA’s CCC-SLP requirements and the licensing standards in all other states, which typically require a 36-week supervised clinical fellowship.

Utah
Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing

Washington
State Department of Health, Board of Hearing and Speech

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a state license to practice as a speech-language pathologist?
 

Yes, all 50 states and Washington, DC require a professional license to practice as a speech-language pathologist. Licensing requirements exist to protect public safety and ensure practitioners meet established standards of competence and ethical practice.

What’s the difference between state licensure and the CCC-SLP certification?
 

State licensure is a legal requirement to practice in a specific state, issued by state regulatory boards. The CCC-SLP is a voluntary national certification from ASHA that demonstrates professional competence. Five states require the CCC-SLP for licensure, while most others accept it as one pathway but don’t mandate it. See the comparison table above for a detailed breakdown of the key differences between licensure and certification.

How does the ASLP Interstate Compact work?
 

The ASLP-IC allows SLPs licensed in participating states to practice in other member states without obtaining additional licenses. You maintain your home state license and apply for a “compact privilege” (equivalent to a permit) in other compact states for $50 per state. As of November 2025, 37 jurisdictions participate, with the system now operational through CompactConnect.

Which states require the CCC-SLP credential for licensure?
 

Only five states require the CCC-SLP as a mandatory credential for licensure: Alaska, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Virginia. The remaining 46 jurisdictions either accept it as one path to licensure or have equivalent requirements that don’t specifically mandate the CCC-SLP but align with its standards.

How long does it take to get licensed in most states?
 

The licensing process typically takes 6-8 weeks after you’ve completed all requirements, including your graduate degree, clinical practicum hours, Praxis exam, and clinical fellowship. Some states offer expedited processing. The clinical fellowship itself takes 36 weeks to complete, which represents the main time component before you can apply for full licensure.

Do I need separate licenses if I work in multiple states?
 

It depends. If both states are members of the ASLP-IC, you can use your home state license to obtain compact privileges in other participating states. If one or both states aren’t in the compact, you’ll need separate permits for each state. Some states offer licensure by endorsement, which can streamline the process for practitioners already licensed elsewhere.

What’s the typical cost of state SLP licensure?
 

Initial licensing fees typically range from $100 to $400, depending on the state. Most states also require biennial renewal fees ranging from $50 to $300. Additional costs include the Praxis exam fee (around $170), CCC-SLP application if you pursue it ($490 with ASHA membership or $446 without, current as of 2025), and continuing education requirements for renewal. State-specific jurisprudence exams, when required, usually cost $25-$75. Annual CCC-SLP renewal is $250 for ASHA members or $221 for non-members.

Key Takeaways

  • All 50 states and Washington, DC require speech-language pathologists to obtain a state license before practicing professionally.
  • Five states (Alaska, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Virginia) require the CCC-SLP credential for licensure.
  • The ASLP Interstate Compact includes 37 jurisdictions (36 states plus the US Virgin Islands) as of November 2025. CompactConnect launched September 30, 2025, with Louisiana and West Virginia fully operational for compact privileges as of October 28, 2025.
  • Most states require a master’s degree, 400 supervised clinical hours, a passing Praxis score of 162 or higher, and completion of a 36-week clinical fellowship.
  • North Dakota is the only state that does not require a clinical fellowship for licensure, representing a significant departure from national standards.
  • State licensing boards enforce laws, administer applications, and maintain professional standards through continuing education requirements.

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author avatar
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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