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Colorado Speech-Language Pathology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Speech-Language Pathologist Certification

Ordinary Article 305 certification issued by DORA. School special-services licensure under Title 22 belongs to the Department of Education rather than this regulator; Article 305 section 110 distinguishes that authority and exempts specified school, assistant, student and fellowship practice.

Licensing authority: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, Office of Speech-Language Pathology Certification · Application information

Certification using a current ASHA CCC
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, required fees, truthful attestations and any additional requested information.
Ccc Alternative
Current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology may satisfy examination documentation under Rule 1.5(A)(3). Praxis remains a leaf under the contract’s condition/waiver rule; no retake is asserted for an applicant qualifying by CCC.
Clinical Fellowship
Complete a Director-approved clinical fellowship; ASHA is approved. A current ASHA CCC meets education and fellowship requirements.
Current CCC
Hold a current ASHA CCC in speech-language pathology, which supplies the education, fellowship and examination qualifications under Rules 1.4(C) and 1.5(A)(3).
Education
Master’s or higher degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A CAA-accredited program is presumed to qualify under Rule 1.4(A).
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Examination Alternative
The identified national examination is Praxis. Rule 1.5 also permits an examination the Director finds substantially equivalent; the applicant bears the burden of proof. No additional equivalent examination is specifically identified, so the open alternative is a condition.
Healthcare Profile
Complete the Healthcare Professions Profile and update it within thirty days of changes and reportable events.
Identification
Supply SSN or ITIN, or the signed affidavit permitted by the guide for qualifying foreign nationals or student-visa applicants; supply applicable name-change records.
Liability Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Licensure History
List all current and prior related licenses and supply verification including disciplinary history.
Military Credit
Military education, training and experience may count when substantially equivalent under individual Director review.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.
Screening
Disclose criminal and professional histories and supporting records. C.R.S. 12-20-202(5)(b)(XV) permits a fingerprint-based criminal history check at the applicant’s expense.
Certification by endorsement through occupational credential portability
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, required fees, truthful attestations and any additional requested information.
Ccc Alternative
Current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology may satisfy examination documentation under Rule 1.5(A)(3). Praxis remains a leaf under the contract’s condition/waiver rule; no retake is asserted for an applicant qualifying by CCC.
Ccc Endorsement
Rule 1.6(C) deems education and examination requirements met where the other jurisdiction licensed the applicant on the basis of a current ASHA CCC.
Clinical Fellowship
Complete a Director-approved clinical fellowship; ASHA is approved. A current ASHA CCC meets education and fellowship requirements.
Competency Attestation
The guide requires competency attestation and permits supporting proof on request; current ASHA CCC may demonstrate competency.
Education
Master’s or higher degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A CAA-accredited program is presumed to qualify under Rule 1.4(A).
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Examination Alternative
The identified national examination is Praxis. Rule 1.5 also permits an examination the Director finds substantially equivalent; the applicant bears the burden of proof. No additional equivalent examination is specifically identified, so the open alternative is a condition.
Healthcare Profile
Complete the Healthcare Professions Profile and update it within thirty days of changes and reportable events.
Identification
Supply SSN or ITIN, or the signed affidavit permitted by the guide for qualifying foreign nationals or student-visa applicants; supply applicable name-change records.
Liability Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Licensure History
List all current and prior related licenses and supply verification including disciplinary history.
Military Credit
Military education, training and experience may count when substantially equivalent under individual Director review.
Other Credential
Hold a current valid speech-language pathology license or certification in another jurisdiction in good standing.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.
Portability
Provide substantially equivalent experience or credentials, or proof of a valid credential held at least one year in a jurisdiction with substantially similar scope, without disqualifying conduct. Satisfy applicable Article 305 requirements.
Screening
Disclose criminal and professional histories and supporting records. C.R.S. 12-20-202(5)(b)(XV) permits a fingerprint-based criminal history check at the applicant’s expense.
Certification by examination
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, required fees, truthful attestations and any additional requested information.
Ccc Alternative
Current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology may satisfy examination documentation under Rule 1.5(A)(3). Praxis remains a leaf under the contract’s condition/waiver rule; no retake is asserted for an applicant qualifying by CCC.
Clinical Fellowship
Complete a Director-approved clinical fellowship; ASHA is approved. A current ASHA CCC meets education and fellowship requirements.
Education
Master’s or higher degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A CAA-accredited program is presumed to qualify under Rule 1.4(A).
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Examination Alternative
The identified national examination is Praxis. Rule 1.5 also permits an examination the Director finds substantially equivalent; the applicant bears the burden of proof. No additional equivalent examination is specifically identified, so the open alternative is a condition.
Healthcare Profile
Complete the Healthcare Professions Profile and update it within thirty days of changes and reportable events.
Identification
Supply SSN or ITIN, or the signed affidavit permitted by the guide for qualifying foreign nationals or student-visa applicants; supply applicable name-change records.
Liability Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Licensure History
List all current and prior related licenses and supply verification including disciplinary history.
Military Credit
Military education, training and experience may count when substantially equivalent under individual Director review.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.
Screening
Disclose criminal and professional histories and supporting records. C.R.S. 12-20-202(5)(b)(XV) permits a fingerprint-based criminal history check at the applicant’s expense.
Certification for foreign trained applicants
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, required fees, truthful attestations and any additional requested information.
Ccc Alternative
Current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology may satisfy examination documentation under Rule 1.5(A)(3). Praxis remains a leaf under the contract’s condition/waiver rule; no retake is asserted for an applicant qualifying by CCC.
Clinical Fellowship
Complete a Director-approved clinical fellowship; ASHA is approved. A current ASHA CCC meets education and fellowship requirements.
Education
Master’s or higher degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A CAA-accredited program is presumed to qualify under Rule 1.4(A).
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Examination Alternative
The identified national examination is Praxis. Rule 1.5 also permits an examination the Director finds substantially equivalent; the applicant bears the burden of proof. No additional equivalent examination is specifically identified, so the open alternative is a condition.
Foreign Education
Obtain a course-by-course NACES-member evaluation of foreign education for U.S.-degree equivalence, and submit transcripts, evaluation, clinical fellowship verification and Praxis scores.
Healthcare Profile
Complete the Healthcare Professions Profile and update it within thirty days of changes and reportable events.
Identification
Supply SSN or ITIN, or the signed affidavit permitted by the guide for qualifying foreign nationals or student-visa applicants; supply applicable name-change records.
Liability Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Licensure History
List all current and prior related licenses and supply verification including disciplinary history.
Military Credit
Military education, training and experience may count when substantially equivalent under individual Director review.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.
Screening
Disclose criminal and professional histories and supporting records. C.R.S. 12-20-202(5)(b)(XV) permits a fingerprint-based criminal history check at the applicant’s expense.
Military spouse, gold star spouse and qualifying dependent portability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Certificate valid six years and may be renewed; application fee waived.
Eligibility
Qualifying military spouse, gold star spouse, military dependent or spouse/dependent of another qualified servicemember relocated to Colorado as defined by C.R.S. 12-20-202(3)(f).
Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Limitations
Issuance must not violate an existing compact or reciprocity agreement; regulator may deny when it proves the credential is not in good standing.
Other Credential
Provide satisfactory proof under penalty of perjury of an active professional credential in another U.S. state or territory in good standing. This special statutory route does not require a new profession examination.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of six year military family certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application, fees and required attestations. Ordinary certifications expire November 30 annually according to the applications page.
Competency
After first renewal, participate in CPD, qualify for deemed status through an approved accreditor/entity, or receive a military exemption. CPD requires self-assessment, learning plan and ten documented PDA hours annually under Rule 1.11.
Duration
Statutory six-year validity governs this credential instead of the ordinary annual cycle.
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Military Exemption
Qualifying federally funded active duty exceeding 120 days may support an approved exemption on written request and evidence.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certification with military training credit
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, required fees, truthful attestations and any additional requested information.
Ccc Alternative
Current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology may satisfy examination documentation under Rule 1.5(A)(3). Praxis remains a leaf under the contract’s condition/waiver rule; no retake is asserted for an applicant qualifying by CCC.
Clinical Fellowship
Complete a Director-approved clinical fellowship; ASHA is approved. A current ASHA CCC meets education and fellowship requirements.
Education
Master’s or higher degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A CAA-accredited program is presumed to qualify under Rule 1.4(A).
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Examination Alternative
The identified national examination is Praxis. Rule 1.5 also permits an examination the Director finds substantially equivalent; the applicant bears the burden of proof. No additional equivalent examination is specifically identified, so the open alternative is a condition.
Healthcare Profile
Complete the Healthcare Professions Profile and update it within thirty days of changes and reportable events.
Identification
Supply SSN or ITIN, or the signed affidavit permitted by the guide for qualifying foreign nationals or student-visa applicants; supply applicable name-change records.
Liability Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Licensure History
List all current and prior related licenses and supply verification including disciplinary history.
Military Applicant
Submit timely complete military training, education or service documentation for Director evaluation; equivalence does not create an examination waiver.
Military Credit
Military education, training and experience may count when substantially equivalent under individual Director review.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.
Screening
Disclose criminal and professional histories and supporting records. C.R.S. 12-20-202(5)(b)(XV) permits a fingerprint-based criminal history check at the applicant’s expense.
Reinstatement for active military personnel and eligible veterans
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application and fee, applicable name-change proof, screening and supporting records, Healthcare Professions Profile and practice history.
Competency
Meet applicable expired-duration competency requirements in Rule 1.9, subject to authorized Director waivers.
Director Discretion
Director may approve other competency evidence. General C.R.S. 12-20-202(2)(c)(II)(E) authorizes approved examination evidence but names no particular examination; this unnamed discretionary slot is a condition. Article 305 section 109 says initial-certification examinations need not be retaken.
Eligibility
Active military personnel including National Guard/reserve on active duty for at least thirty days, or veterans not dishonorably discharged; regulator shall reinstate on satisfaction of statutory requirements.
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Full certification following provisional clinical fellowship completion
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, required fees, truthful attestations and any additional requested information.
Ccc Alternative
Current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology may satisfy examination documentation under Rule 1.5(A)(3). Praxis remains a leaf under the contract’s condition/waiver rule; no retake is asserted for an applicant qualifying by CCC.
Clinical Fellowship
Complete a Director-approved clinical fellowship; ASHA is approved. A current ASHA CCC meets education and fellowship requirements.
Education
Master’s or higher degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A CAA-accredited program is presumed to qualify under Rule 1.4(A).
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Examination Alternative
The identified national examination is Praxis. Rule 1.5 also permits an examination the Director finds substantially equivalent; the applicant bears the burden of proof. No additional equivalent examination is specifically identified, so the open alternative is a condition.
Healthcare Profile
Complete the Healthcare Professions Profile and update it within thirty days of changes and reportable events.
Identification
Supply SSN or ITIN, or the signed affidavit permitted by the guide for qualifying foreign nationals or student-visa applicants; supply applicable name-change records.
Liability Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Licensure History
List all current and prior related licenses and supply verification including disciplinary history.
Military Credit
Military education, training and experience may count when substantially equivalent under individual Director review.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.
Provisional Applicant
Hold a provisional certificate and complete the required fellowship before applying for full certification. Previously passed Praxis remains a leaf; no retake is asserted.
Screening
Disclose criminal and professional histories and supporting records. C.R.S. 12-20-202(5)(b)(XV) permits a fingerprint-based criminal history check at the applicant’s expense.
Reactivation of inactive certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reactivation application and fee and prove other-jurisdiction credentials are in good standing.
Competency
Document ten PDA hours per inactive year completed in the two years immediately before application.
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Prior Certificate
Hold an inactive certificate.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after expiration for five years or more
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application and fee, applicable name-change proof, screening and supporting records, Healthcare Professions Profile and practice history.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by another jurisdiction credential in good standing and practice in two of the preceding five years; Director-approved supervised practice of at least six months; or other Director-approved evidence.
Director Discretion
Director may approve other competency evidence. General C.R.S. 12-20-202(2)(c)(II)(E) authorizes approved examination evidence but names no particular examination; this unnamed discretionary slot is a condition. Article 305 section 109 says initial-certification examinations need not be retaken.
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after expiration for two years or more but less than five
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application and fee, applicable name-change proof, screening and supporting records, Healthcare Professions Profile and practice history.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by another jurisdiction credential in good standing and practice in two of the preceding five years; ten PDA hours per expired year completed in the two years before application; active ASHA certification; or other Director-approved evidence. Checklist uses more than two years, while Rule 1.9(C) includes exactly two.
Director Discretion
Director may approve other competency evidence. General C.R.S. 12-20-202(2)(c)(II)(E) authorizes approved examination evidence but names no particular examination; this unnamed discretionary slot is a condition. Article 305 section 109 says initial-certification examinations need not be retaken.
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after expiration for less than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application and fee, applicable name-change proof, screening and supporting records, Healthcare Professions Profile and practice history.
Competency
Ten PDA hours per expired year under Rule 1.9(B). The guide/checklist use two years or less and require attestation to the preceding two years’ CPC; exactly two years is addressed by Rule 1.9(C), with the differing checklist demand disclosed.
Director Discretion
Director may approve other competency evidence. General C.R.S. 12-20-202(2)(c)(II)(E) authorizes approved examination evidence but names no particular examination; this unnamed discretionary slot is a condition. Article 305 section 109 says initial-certification examinations need not be retaken.
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of active certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application, fees and required attestations. Ordinary certifications expire November 30 annually according to the applications page.
Competency
After first renewal, participate in CPD, qualify for deemed status through an approved accreditor/entity, or receive a military exemption. CPD requires self-assessment, learning plan and ten documented PDA hours annually under Rule 1.11.
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.
Military Exemption
Qualifying federally funded active duty exceeding 120 days may support an approved exemption on written request and evidence.
Patient Records
Develop and attest to a written patient-record security plan.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Speech-Language Pathologist Certification

Supervised certification while completing the clinical fellowship; statutory twenty-four-month expiration or earlier full certification, with a possible Director-approved extension.

Licensing authority: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, Office of Speech-Language Pathology Certification · Application information

Director approved extension of provisional certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Director Approval
Apply for Director-approved extension under prescribed criteria. This is an extension rather than renewal.
Existing Certificate
Hold a provisional certificate requiring extension; ordinary expiration at twenty-four months or full certification, whichever is first.
Practice
Continue supervision, fellowship completion plan and required liability insurance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Original provisional certification
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, required fees, truthful attestations and any additional requested information.
Clinical Fellowship Plan
Submit a written plan for completion of the clinical fellowship. Practice only under general supervision of a speech-language pathologist with CCC and the required examination and fellowship qualifications.
Duration
Issued once; Rule 1.19(C) disallows renewal or reinstatement. Current statute permits extension and expires the certificate at twenty-four months or full certification, whichever is first.
Education
Master’s or higher degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A CAA-accredited program is presumed to qualify under Rule 1.4(A).
Evidence Edition
The current rule text could not be obtained; the official edition through May 30, 2021 is used with the 2026 statute and February 2025 Board-linked guide under the task’s earlier-official-text rule.
Examination Alternative
Pass Praxis or establish that another examination is substantially equivalent to the ASHA-approved national examination. The unnamed equivalent alternative is a condition.
Insurance
Before providing patient services, maintain authorized insurance of at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate annually under Rule 1.8; no-patient-practice exemption and proof on request apply.

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Provider
Educational Testing Service (ETS); computer delivered at a test center or at home (online); ASHA announces a transition to PSI, a wholly owned ETS subsidiary, on January 11, 2027, with availability through ETS and Prometric through December 31, 2026
Format
Computer-delivered selected-response questions; the test may contain some questions that do not count toward the score; the score is based on the number of questions answered correctly
Exam questions
132 selected-response questions (approximately 44 in each of the three content categories)
Time limit
150 minutes
Passing score
States, institutions, and associations that require the test set their own passing scores; the passing score for purposes of ASHA certification is 162 on a 100-200 scale
Exam fee
$146.00
Examination outline
  • I. Foundations and Professional Practice (approximately 44 questions; approximately 33% of examination). Speech-language pathologists must have strong foundational knowledge about typical communication development, as well as common characteristics of communication and swallowing disorders and potential factors impacting communication. SLPs must also understand the professional practice requirements that support the provision of services. Knowledge about these requirements ensures that ethical, culturally competent services are provided within the framework of legislative and regulatory requirements and are founded in research.
    • A. Foundations — 1. Typical development and performance across the lifespan: a. developmental norms; b. speech sound and phonology; c. receptive and expressive language (–– syntax and morphology; –– semantics; –– pragmatics/social language); d. fluency; e. voice, resonance, and motor speech; f. feeding and swallowing; g. cognition; h. processing; i. motor and linguistic processes
    • A. Foundations — 2. Factors that influence communication, feeding, and swallowing: a. medical; b. cultural and ethnic; c. linguistic; d. psychological; e. anatomy/physiology; f. environmental; g. genetics; h. auditory
    • A. Foundations — 3. Epidemiology and characteristics of common communication and swallowing disorders: a. speech sound and phonology; b. syntax and morphology; c. semantics; d. pragmatics; e. fluency; f. voice, resonance, and motor speech; g. feeding and swallowing; h. cognition; i. processing
    • B. Professional Practice — 1. Wellness and prevention: a. prevention terminology, practices, and public education; b. risk factors for communication disorders
    • B. Professional Practice — 2. Culturally and linguistically appropriate service delivery: a. understanding, respecting, and responding to explicit and implicit cultural factors that influence communication; b. identifying the impact of assimilation and acculturation on communication patterns; c. communication differences between speakers of the same language
    • B. Professional Practice — 3. Counseling, collaboration, and teaming: a. interpersonal communication and counseling techniques; b. integration of other professionals into the assessment and treatment process; c. communication with patient/client/student, families, and other professionals
    • B. Professional Practice — 4. Documentation: a. legal and regulatory requirements; b. purposes of documentation; c. privacy requirements; d. official records
    • B. Professional Practice — 5. Ethics: a. standards of ethical practice (–– permissions, referrals, and record keeping; –– client/patient/student privacy; –– supervisory requirements; –– conflicts of interest; –– professional competence)
    • B. Professional Practice — 6. Legislation and client advocacy: a. federal laws and regulations impacting delivery of services; b. reporting requirements of governmental agencies; c. licensing requirements and standards
    • B. Professional Practice — 7. Research methodology and evidence-based practice: a. criterion for test selection; b. determining reliability of assessment procedures; c. models of research design; d. test construction principles; e. tenets of evidence-based practice
  • II. Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis (approximately 44 questions; approximately 33% of examination). Speech-language pathologists use a variety of tools and strategies to gather information about clients with communication and swallowing disorders. They must synthesize and analyze the information to develop appropriate management plans. This section will focus on screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis of communication and swallowing disorders. Topics include how SLPs use and interpret various screening and assessment tools to determine whether additional formal evaluation is indicated, as well as issues related to the selection of appropriate tools and approaches for screening, assessment, and evaluation. Identification of relevant factors from the case history, determining an appropriate assessment protocol, and interpretation of findings to determine a diagnosis and formulate recommendations are covered in this section of the exam, as well.
    • A. Screening — 1. Communication disorders: a. role of the SLP in screening for speech, language, and hearing disorders; b. screening procedures and approaches; c. identification of clients/patients and characteristics requiring further evaluation; d. knowledge of populations at risk for communication disorders
    • A. Screening — 2. Feeding and swallowing disorders: a. role of the SLP in screening for feeding and swallowing disorders; b. screening procedures and approaches; c. identification of clients/patients and characteristics which require further evaluation; d. knowledge of factors leading to increased risk of swallowing and feeding disorders in various populations
    • B. Approaches to Assessment and Evaluation — 1. Developing case histories: a. reviewing records for pertinent information; b. interviewing techniques to obtain pertinent information; c. integrating critical factors identified in the case history
    • B. Approaches to Assessment and Evaluation — 2. Selecting appropriate assessment instruments, procedures, and materials: a. identifying factors that influence test/procedure selection; b. identifying factors that require adaptation of traditional assessment procedures, instruments, and materials; c. selecting instrumental approaches that can be utilized to evaluate various communication and swallowing disorders (e.g., imaging, acoustic, aerodynamic, etc.)
    • B. Approaches to Assessment and Evaluation — 3. Assessing factors that influence communication and swallowing disorders: a. cultural and ethnic factors; b. linguistic factors; c. medical factors (e.g., stable versus progressive conditions, early versus late onset, etc.); d. developmental and cognitive factors; e. psychological factors; f. environmental factors
    • B. Approaches to Assessment and Evaluation — 4. Assessment of anatomy and physiology: a. assessment of pertinent anatomy, physiology, and neural substrates for: –– respiration; –– phonation; –– speech sound production; –– resonance; –– speech/language perception and processing; –– feeding and swallowing
    • C. Assessment Procedures and Assessment — 1. Speech sound production: a. standard and nonstandard assessment procedures; b. parameters of assessment of speech sound production; c. instrumental assessment of speech sound production; d. differential diagnosis of speech sound disorders; e. interpretation of assessment data
    • C. Assessment Procedures and Assessment — 2. Fluency: a. standard and nonstandard assessment procedures; b. parameters of assessment of fluency; c. instrumental assessment of fluency disorders; d. differential diagnosis of fluency disorders (e.g., stuttering versus cluttering); e. interpretation of assessment data
    • C. Assessment Procedures and Assessment — 3. Voice, resonance, and motor speech: a. standard and nonstandard assessment procedures; b. parameters of assessment of voice, resonance, and motor speech disorders; c. instrumental assessment of voice, resonance, and motor speech disorders; d. differential diagnosis of voice, resonance, and motor speech disorders; e. interpretation of assessment data
    • C. Assessment Procedures and Assessment — 4. Receptive and expressive language: a. standard and nonstandard assessment procedures; b. parameters of assessment of receptive and expressive language disorders; c. instrumental assessment of language disorders; d. differential diagnosis of language disorders; e. interpretation of assessment data
    • C. Assessment Procedures and Assessment — 5. Social aspects of communication, including pragmatics: a. standard and nonstandard assessment procedures; b. parameters of assessment of social aspects of communication, including pragmatics; c. differential diagnosis of social communication disorders and pragmatic disorders; d. interpretation of assessment data
    • C. Assessment Procedures and Assessment — 6. Cognitive aspects of communication: a. standard and nonstandard assessment procedures; b. parameters of assessment of cognitive communication disorders; c. differential diagnosis of cognitive communication disorders; d. interpretation of assessment data
    • C. Assessment Procedures and Assessment — 7. Augmentative and alternative communication: a. standard and nonstandard assessment procedures; b. low tech and high tech instrumental assessment procedures; c. parameters of assessment for augmentative and alternative communication; d. interpretation of assessment data
    • C. Assessment Procedures and Assessment — 8. Hearing: a. assessment approaches; b. considerations related to age, developmental status, medical condition, etc.; c. interpretation of assessment (e.g., audiograms and tympanograms) and identification of indicators for referral
    • C. Assessment Procedures and Assessment — 9. Feeding and swallowing: a. instrumental and noninstrumental assessment procedures; b. considerations related to age, developmental status, medical/surgical history, etc.; c. differential diagnosis of feeding and swallowing disorders; d. interpretation of assessment data and indications for referral
    • D. Etiology — 1. Genetic: a. modes of inheritance; b. genetic conditions associated with communication disorders and feeding/swallowing disorders, including common syndromes; c. features of common syndromes and their impact on communication and feeding/swallowing (e.g., Trisomy 21, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, etc.)
    • D. Etiology — 2. Developmental: a. developmental delay; b. congenital and acquired conditions associated with developmental communication and feeding/swallowing disorders
    • D. Etiology — 3. Disease processes: a. childhood (e.g., congenital vocal fold paralysis, cystic fibrosis); b. acquired (e.g., Bell’s palsy, iatrogenic); c. progressive (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myopathy)
    • D. Etiology — 4. Auditory problems: a. congenital and childhood hearing loss; b. acquired hearing loss
    • D. Etiology — 5. Neurological: a. congenital (e.g., cerebral palsy); b. acquired (e.g., TBI, neoplasms, stroke)
    • D. Etiology — 6. Structural and functional: a. congenital (e.g., craniofacial anomalies); b. acquired (e.g., head and neck surgery, trauma, and iatrogenic causes); c. functional causes (e.g., velopharyngeal mislearning, vocal misuse)
    • D. Etiology — 7. Psychogenic
  • III. Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment (approximately 44 questions; approximately 33% of examination). Speech-language pathologists are responsible for designing and implementing evidence-based treatments to help clients maximize their functioning in communication and/or swallowing. Consequently, the test includes a range of items that pertain to treatment planning, implementation, and evaluation. This topic area includes issues related to the development and evaluation of treatment plans, as well as evidence-based principles and procedures associated with specific communication and swallowing disorders.
    • A. Treatment Planning — 1. Evaluating factors that can affect treatment: a. evaluating the evidence base associated with a particular treatment strategy or approach; b. evaluating the role of client factors such as age, disorder type, disorder severity, concomitant disorders, personal goals/aspirations, and sociocultural background when planning and implementing treatment goals; c. evaluating the role of external factors such as caregivers’ interactions with the client, school or workplace policies, public laws, medications and iatrogenic, and societal stereotypes when planning and implementing treatment goals
    • A. Treatment Planning — 2. Initiating and prioritizing treatment and developing goals: a. processes and procedures for developing comprehensive, appropriate treatment goals; b. processes and procedures associated with integrating assessment results, caregiver or client/patient/student preferences, and treatment outcomes research; c. factors that affect when to begin, modify, or terminate a treatment plan; d. factors that affect the order in which treatment goals are addressed
    • A. Treatment Planning — 3. Determining appropriate treatment details: a. factors related to treatment scheduling (e.g., number and duration of sessions, time and location of sessions); b. factors related to treatment delivery (e.g., individual versus group sessions, sequential or simultaneous targeting of goals); c. personnel requirements (e.g., extent to which caregivers, teachers, peers, etc., are involved with treatment); d. training requirements (e.g., extent to which caregivers, teachers, peers, etc., need to be trained prior to participating in treatment or implementing generalization activities)
    • A. Treatment Planning — 4. Generating a prognosis: a. considering/accounting for client/patient/student factors (e.g., age, motivation, nature of disorder) that can affect treatment outcome; b. considering/accounting for external factors (e.g., family support, availability of services) that can affect treatment outcome
    • A. Treatment Planning — 5. Communicating recommendations: a. procedures, requirements, and best practices for communicating treatment-related recommendations to clients/patients/students and (when appropriate) their family members; b. procedures, requirements, and best practices for communicating treatment-related recommendations to other professionals who are involved in the client/patient/student’s treatment plan; c. principles of interprofessional practice
    • A. Treatment Planning — 6. General treatment principles and procedures: a. general principles and procedures to consider when selecting a treatment (e.g., age, disorder, sociocultural background, severity of impairment, nature of disability)
    • B. Treatment Evaluation — 1. Establishing methods for monitoring treatment progress and outcomes to evaluate assessment and/or treatment plans: a. procedures associated with identifying appropriate measures of treatment progress and treatment outcomes; b. methods associated with measuring baseline performance; c. methods associated with measuring progress while treatment is ongoing; d. procedures associated with modifying progress measures, if necessary, while treatment is ongoing; e. methods associated with evaluating performance when treatment concludes (e.g., short- and long-term outcomes); f. methods associated with determining the social validity of treatment outcomes and the impact of treatment outcomes on a client/patient’s quality of life
    • B. Treatment Evaluation — 2. Follow-up on post-treatment referrals and recommendations
    • C. Treatment — 1. Speech sound production: a. principles and characteristics of interventions used in the treatment of disorders that affect speech sound production; b. strategies for preventing, reducing, or eliminating communicative and/or related (e.g., educational, occupational) disability associated with speech sound production disorders or differences
    • C. Treatment — 2. Fluency: a. principles and characteristics of interventions used in the treatment of fluency disorders; b. strategies for preventing, reducing, or eliminating communicative and/or related (e.g., educational, occupational) disability associated with fluency disorders
    • C. Treatment — 3. Voice, resonance, and motor speech: a. voice (–– principles and characteristics of interventions used in the treatment of voice disorders; –– strategies and procedures for preventing, reducing, or eliminating communicative and/or related (e.g., educational, occupational) disability associated with voice disorders); b. resonance (–– principles and characteristics of interventions used in the treatment of resonance disorders; –– strategies for preventing, reducing, or eliminating communicative and/or related (e.g., educational, occupational) disability associated with resonance disorders); c. motor speech (–– principles and characteristics of interventions used in the treatment of motor speech disorders; –– strategies for preventing, reducing, or eliminating communicative and/or related (e.g., educational, occupational) disability associated with motor speech disorder)
    • C. Treatment — 4. Receptive and expressive language: a. principles and characteristics of interventions used in the treatment of receptive and expressive disorders; b. strategies for preventing, reducing, or eliminating communicative and/or related (e.g., educational, occupational) disabilities associated with receptive and expressive language functioning
    • C. Treatment — 5. Social aspects of communication, including pragmatics: a. principles and characteristics of interventions used to treat social aspects of communication, including pragmatics; b. strategies for preventing, reducing, or eliminating communicative and/or related (e.g., educational, occupational) disability associated with social aspects of communication
    • C. Treatment — 6. Communication impairments related to cognition: a. principles and characteristics of interventions used to treat communication impairments that are related to cognitive functioning; b. srategies for preventing, reducing, or eliminating communicative and/or related (e.g., educational, occupational) disability associated with cognitively based communication impairments
    • C. Treatment — 7. Treatment involving augmentative and alternative communication: a. factors involved in determining candidacy for AAC approaches; b. factors involved in selecting an appropriate AAC approach; c. principles and characteristics of AAC options/strategies; strategies for preventing, reducing, or eliminating communicative and/or related (e.g., educational, occupational) disability in those who use AAC
    • C. Treatment — 8. Hearing and aural rehabilitation: a. principles and characteristics of interventions used in the treatment of hearing loss; b. strategies for preventing, reducing, or eliminating speech-language and/or related (e.g., educational, occupational) disability associated with hearing impairment
    • C. Treatment — 9. Swallowing and feeding: a. rationale for selection of interventions used in the treatment of swallowing and feeding disorders based on evaluation data; b. other factors (outside of evaluation data) affecting the likelihood of success for a given treatment for feeding/swallowing disorders; c. strategies for preventing, reducing, or eliminating swallowing and feeding disorders; d. strategies for reducing the common health-related adverse consequences of swallowing and feeding disorders
Examination sources