Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists, and Dispensing Audiologist Continuing Professional Development Requirements
Speech-language pathologists and Audiologists are required to complete continuing professional development per renewal period from any of the following provider:
- A Board-approved provider,
- An accredited institution of higher learning, or
- A provider approved by either the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), American Academy of Audiology (AAA), or California Medical Association (CMA) Continuing Medical Education Program.
Licensees should verify their provider's status using our online license search https://search.dca.ca.gov/, if Board-approved, or contacting the institution of higher learning, ASHA, AAA, or CMA prior to taking a course.
| License Type | Total Hours Required | Maximum Hours Allowed in Self-Study* | Maximum Hours Allowed for Indirect Patient/Client Care** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist (first renewal) | 12 hours | 6 hours | 3 hours |
| Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist (first renewal) | 8 hours for each license | 4 hours for each license | 2 hours for each license |
| Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist | 24 hours | 12 hours | 6 hours |
| Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist | 16 hours for each license | 8 hours for each license | 4 hours for each license |
| Dispensing Audiologist*** | 12 hours | 6 hours | 3 hours |
| Speech-Language Pathologist and Dispensing Audiologist*** | 16 hours and 8 hours | 8 hours and 4 hours | 4 hours and 2 hours |
| *Self study is defined as a course where the course instruction and licensee participation do not occur simultaneously, and requires the completion of an evaluation on what was learned during the course or at the conclusion of the course. | |||
| ** Indirect patient/client care courses cover pragmatic aspects of speech-language pathology or audiology practice (e.g., legal or ethical issues, consultation, record-keeping, office management, managed care issues, research obligations). | |||
| ***Exactly 50% of the total hours required must be from courses related to hearing aid dispensing. | |||
| CPD Activity | Maximum Hours Allowed |
|---|---|
| Courses related to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology covers general medical or educational offerings including social interaction, cultural competency, and diversity, equity, and inclusion as it applies to service delivery for diverse populations; professional service delivery models; interdisciplinary case management issues; or medical pathologies related to neurological disorders that also result in communication difficulties | No limitations. |
| Course that covers content on instruments and technology used for assessment/diagnosis or intervention | No limitations. |
| Courses related to hearing aid dispensing. |
(Audiologists) No more than 50% of the total hours required per renewal. (Dispensing Audiologists) Exactly 50% of the total hours required per renewal. |
| Teaching a course offered by a provider registered with the Board or an entity listed in Section 2532.6 of the Business and Professions Code. | Once per renewal period, same number of hours as a licensee who attended the course. |
| Course on the supervision of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant and Required Professional Experience temporary license holder. | Six (6) hours prior to assuming responsibility as a supervisor, three (3) hours every four (4) years thereafter. |
| Participating in the occupational analysis. | Two (2) hours per renewal period. |
| Courses on marketing, launching, or demonstrating the marketability of hearing aid equipment, devices, or other products regardless of whether it focuses on a particular manufacturer's or company's equipment, devices, or products. | None |
| Educational course as a condition of probation. | None |
| Courses on marketing, launching, or demonstrating the marketability of instruments and technology used for assessment/diagnosis or intervention regardless of whether it focuses on a particular manufacturer's or company's instruments and technology | None |
| Courses on personal finances and business matters, marketing and sales, and office operations that are not for the benefit of the consumer. | None |
Record Keeping Requirements
The Board has the right to audit the records of any licensee to verify the completion of continuing professional development pursuant to the Business and Professions Code section 2532.6(c)(2). Licensees shall provide records upon request of the Board. All licensees shall maintain records of completion for a minimum of two years beyond the date of license renewal pursuant to the California Code of Regulations section 1399.160.12(a).
If you do not complete the required continuing education 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 your renewal form and renewal fee to the Board at the time of your renewal. 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
CE Exemption Requests
Exemptions from the continuing professional development requirement may be approved by the Board for any of the following reasons:
- Licensee was called to active duty as defined in Business and Professions Code section 114.3 for any amount of time;
- Licensee resided in another country for at least one year; or
-
During the licensee's previous renewal period, the licensee or an immediate family member, where the
licensee has primary responsibility for the care of that family member, was suffering from or suffered a
disability. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the
major life activities of an individual. The disability shall be verified by a licensed physician or
psychologist with special expertise in the area of disability. Verification of the disability shall include:
- the nature and extent of the disability;
- an explanation of how the disability hinders the licensee from completing the continuing education requirement; and
- the name, title, address, telephone number, professional license or certification number, and original signature of the licensed physician or psychologist verifying the disability.
For an exemption, submit a written request and your supporting documentation to the Board. If granted, exemption will be valid only for the current renewal period.
