FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(For Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology)

GENERAL QUESTIONS

How can I find out if my license is up to date?

  • Use our online license verification database to view your license information. Important information regarding your license including when your license was issued, when your license expires, if your license is delinquent, and if your address is incorrect
    https://search.dca.ca.gov/

How do I change my address of record?

How do I change my name?

  • The request must be in writing and mailed to the Board. You will need to include documentation of the name change. Please note, there is a $25 processing fee per license type to receive updated physical licenses prior to renewing license. Download the Notification of Name Change form from our website:
    https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/forms_pubs/namechg.pdf

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Where do I mail my application and supporting documentation to?

  • 1601 Response Road, Suite 260, Sacramento, CA 95815

How do I submit fingerprints?

In-State:

  • If you are physically in California, submit the completed Live Scan Request form that is included with your application package.
  • To find a live scan location near you, visit this website:
    https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations

Out-of-State:

  • If you are submitting fingerprints from out-of-state, submit two completed FD-258 fingerprint cards and an additional $49 processing fee. Download a template for printing the FD-258 fingerprint card onto cardstock paper on our website: https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/forms_pubs/fd_258_7700.pdf
  • Or call ahead to any fingerprinting location to see if they have FD-258 cards available on-site.

How can I check the status of my application?

  • Please allow at least four weeks from the date received for processing. During the Board’s peak season (approximately May through October) processing times may increase. Processing time for incomplete applications may vary dependent upon when supporting documentation is received. You may email the Board at speechandhearing@dca.ca.gov to check the status.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS

When are my continuing professional development (CPD) hours due?

  • CPD hours must be completed from the license issue date to the date a completed renewal form is submitted to the Board.

Is there a grace period to complete my CPD hours?

  • There is no grace period.
  • If you do not complete the required CPD hours by your license expiration date, you may place your license on inactive status. You must cease practice with an inactive license. To place your license on inactive status, submit a completed renewal form and renewal fee to the Board. To reactivate your license, you must submit the Request for Reactivation of License and provide proof of completing the required continuing education: http://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/forms_pubs/reactivate.pdf
  • If you let your license expire, you must cease practice until you renew your license or place your license on inactive statue. It is unlicensed practice and is a violation of the law to practice with an expired license. B&P 2532

Are there exemptions from the CPD requirements?

  • You may request an exemption from CPD hours for the following reasons:

    • If a family member's disability prevented you in any way from completing your CPD requirements.
    • If you were called to active duty.
    • If you resided in another country.

How long do I need to maintain record of my CPD hours?

  • You are required to maintain records of completion for a minimum of two years beyond the date you renew your license. CCR 1399.160.12

How do I submit my CPD hours?

  • By submitting a completed renewal form you are certifying to the Board that you have completed the requirement. You do not need to submit evidence of completion for the CPD requirement unless requested by the Board.

SUPERVISION QUESTIONS

What are the responsibilities of a supervisor?

How many licensees may I supervise?

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY CORPORATIONS (PRIVATE PRACTICE)

The Board does not offer legal advice for corporations. Please reference the following codes or seek advice from your legal counsel.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: EMPLOYEE OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

The Board does not offer legal advice regarding employment status. Please reference the information below or seek advice from your legal counsel.

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) oversees worker classifications, wage, and benefit issues and has authority to regulate the wages, hours, and working conditions in California pursuant to the Labor Code. Please visit the DIR FAQ webpage for information regarding independent contractors versus employees.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (RPE) TEMPORARY LICENSE HOLDERS

How long is the RPE license valid for?

  • Full-time (at least 30 hours per week): 12 months (or 15 months in a school setting)
  • Part-time (15-29 hours per week): 20 months (or 23 months in a school setting)

Am I allowed to work at a per diem (less than part-time) location?

  • Yes, as long as you have an approved supervisor at the location. If the supervisor is different from your current supervisor you will need to submit a completed RPE Change in Supervision/Workplan form to add the additional supervisor to your license.
    Please note that supervised experience that is less-than part-time (less than 15 hours each week) will not count toward the required weeks to complete the RPE.

What if I need an extension to finish the RPE?