Speech-Language Pathologist

Qualifications for Licensure

To qualify for a full license in speech-language pathology, an applicant must:

1. Submit to fingerprinting.
2. Hold a Master's degree or equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited educational institution.
3. Have completed 300 hours of supervised clinical practicum in three different clinical settings.
4. Have completed 36 weeks of full-time or 72 weeks of part-time supervised Required Professional Experience (RPE) while holding an RPE temporary license. If experience was completed in California, you must have held an RPE temporary license during that time.
5. Effective September 1, 2014, pass the national speech-language pathology exam administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis Series with a minimum score of 162. The exam must not be more than five years old. You must authorize ETS to report your test score to our Board using Report Code R8544.

For further information pertaining to the national examination dates and locations or to obtain a bulletin containing the examination information, visit www.ets.org/praxis.

Pathways to Licensure

Option 1 – Required Professional Experience (RPE)

• License Application Package for RPE Temporary License
• Upon completion of 36 full-time weeks (or 72 part-time weeks) of required professional experience under an RPE Temporary License, applicant must submit the Permanent License Application, including the RPE Verification Form.
  • License Application Package for Permanent Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist

Option 2 – Equivalent Qualifications

• For those with a current Certificate of Clinical Competence issued by ASHA.
  • License Application Package for Equivalent Qualifications

Option 3 – Licensed in Another State

• Must possess an active and current license from another state. If you also hold a current ASHA certification, you must use Option #2.
  • License Application Package for Licensed in Another State (Temporary License)
  • License Application Package for Licensed in Another State (Full License)

Option 4 – Previously Licensed in California

• Held a license in California that expired more than 5 years ago.
  • License Application Package for Previously Licensed

Option 5 – Foreign Educated Graduates

• Completed graduate education outside the United States
  • License Application for RPE Temporary License (Foreign Educated)
  • Upon completion of all required weeks of required professional experience under an RPE Temporary License, applicant must submit the Permanent License Application, including the RPE Verification Form.
    • License Application Package for Permanent Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist (Foreign Educated)