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Florida Speech-Language Pathology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Ordinary speech-language pathology license. Inactive, retired and delinquent statuses are statuses of this license, addressed by separate routes.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / Department of Health · Application information

Full licensure for the spouse of an active duty service member stationed in Florida
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application and fees
Use DH-MQA-1251; application and initial license fees are waived, and fingerprint-processing costs remain applicable.
Background screening
Submit the electronic fingerprints and background screening required by section 456.0135 and section 468.1185(2)(e).
Board discretion
Section 468.1185(3)-(4) permits refusal to certify while a qualifying investigation remains pending or for the specified statutory violations.
Clinical practicum
At least 300 supervised clinical clock hours, including at least 200 in speech-language pathology.
Credit hours
An approved program begun before January 5, 2005 requires 60 semester hours; a program begun after that date requires 75; at least 36 hours must be graduate level.
Education
Master’s degree or completed academic requirements of a doctoral program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology; official transcripts and the accreditation or foreign-equivalency documentation required by Rule 64B20-2.002.
Existing license
Hold a valid license from another United States jurisdiction and satisfy the statutory disciplinary, NPDB and examination-history eligibility requirements.
Licensing standard
Section 456.024(5)(a)5 requires entitlement to full licensure under the practice act and eligibility for the Florida licensure examination; the current spouse application expressly requires meeting full licensure requirements.
Marriage and station
Document marriage to an active-duty service member and the member’s assignment to a Florida duty station.
Official score report
ETS must transmit the official examination result directly to the Board; applicant copies are not accepted.
Professional experience
Nine months of full-time professional employment, or equivalent part-time employment, and the supervisory reports and evaluations required by Rule 64B20-2.004; full-time is 30 hours per week for 36 weeks and part-time is at least 15 hours per week for 72 weeks.
Score recency
Rule 64B20-2.005(3) requires a passing licensure examination score obtained no more than three years from the application date. The examination remains a leaf even when passed before application.
Examination qualification through an approved immigrant course of study
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application and fees
Submit the Board application and required fees; document any current or previous professional licenses. Health, disciplinary and criminal disclosures may require supporting records or a Board appearance.
Background screening
Submit the electronic fingerprints and background screening required by section 456.0135 and section 468.1185(2)(e).
Board discretion
Section 468.1185(3)-(4) permits refusal to certify while a qualifying investigation remains pending or for the specified statutory violations.
Clinical practicum
At least 300 supervised clinical clock hours, including at least 200 in speech-language pathology.
Credit hours
An approved program begun before January 5, 2005 requires 60 semester hours; a program begun after that date requires 75; at least 36 hours must be graduate level.
Education
Master’s degree or completed academic requirements of a doctoral program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology; official transcripts and the accreditation or foreign-equivalency documentation required by Rule 64B20-2.002.
Examination language
The examination is in English; if at least 15 qualifying applicants request a native-language reexamination, they bear the full translation and administration cost as the statute states.
Examination qualification
Section 456.021(2) deems a person who completed or is enrolled in an approved course created pursuant to chapters 74-105 and 75-177, Laws of Florida, qualified for the licensing examination. Completion or enrollment is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf.
Official score report
ETS must transmit the official examination result directly to the Board; applicant copies are not accepted.
Professional experience
Nine months of full-time professional employment, or equivalent part-time employment, and the supervisory reports and evaluations required by Rule 64B20-2.004; full-time is 30 hours per week for 36 weeks and part-time is at least 15 hours per week for 72 weeks.
Score recency
Rule 64B20-2.005(3) requires a passing licensure examination score obtained no more than three years from the application date. The examination remains a leaf even when passed before application.
Initial licensure by evaluation of credentials
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application and fees
Submit the Board application and required fees; document any current or previous professional licenses. Health, disciplinary and criminal disclosures may require supporting records or a Board appearance.
Background screening
Submit the electronic fingerprints and background screening required by section 456.0135 and section 468.1185(2)(e).
Board discretion
Section 468.1185(3)-(4) permits refusal to certify while a qualifying investigation remains pending or for the specified statutory violations.
Clinical practicum
At least 300 supervised clinical clock hours, including at least 200 in speech-language pathology.
Credit hours
An approved program begun before January 5, 2005 requires 60 semester hours; a program begun after that date requires 75; at least 36 hours must be graduate level.
Education
Master’s degree or completed academic requirements of a doctoral program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology; official transcripts and the accreditation or foreign-equivalency documentation required by Rule 64B20-2.002.
Official score report
ETS must transmit the official examination result directly to the Board; applicant copies are not accepted.
Professional experience
Nine months of full-time professional employment, or equivalent part-time employment, and the supervisory reports and evaluations required by Rule 64B20-2.004; full-time is 30 hours per week for 36 weeks and part-time is at least 15 hours per week for 72 weeks.
Score recency
Rule 64B20-2.005(3) requires a passing licensure examination score obtained no more than three years from the application date. The examination remains a leaf even when passed before application.
Initial licensure with a discretionary foreign professional education waiver
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application and fees
Submit the Board application and required fees; document any current or previous professional licenses. Health, disciplinary and criminal disclosures may require supporting records or a Board appearance.
Background screening
Submit the electronic fingerprints and background screening required by section 456.0135 and section 468.1185(2)(e).
Board discretion
Section 468.1185(3)-(4) permits refusal to certify while a qualifying investigation remains pending or for the specified statutory violations.
Clinical practicum
At least 300 supervised clinical clock hours, including at least 200 in speech-language pathology.
Credit hours
An approved program begun before January 5, 2005 requires 60 semester hours; a program begun after that date requires 75; at least 36 hours must be graduate level.
Discretionary waiver
Section 468.1155 permits the Board to waive education, practicum and professional employment experience if it is satisfied with equivalent education and practicum and the applicant passes the speech-language pathology examination; the waiver is discretionary.
Education
Master’s degree or completed academic requirements of a doctoral program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology; official transcripts and the accreditation or foreign-equivalency documentation required by Rule 64B20-2.002.
Foreign professional education
Applicant received professional education in another country and presents equivalency documentation.
Official score report
ETS must transmit the official examination result directly to the Board; applicant copies are not accepted.
Professional experience
Nine months of full-time professional employment, or equivalent part-time employment, and the supervisory reports and evaluations required by Rule 64B20-2.004; full-time is 30 hours per week for 36 weeks and part-time is at least 15 hours per week for 72 weeks.
Score recency
Rule 64B20-2.005(3) requires a passing licensure examination score obtained no more than three years from the application date. The examination remains a leaf even when passed before application.
Biennial active renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fees
Submit renewal application, required fee and required background-screening or fingerprint-retention compliance.
Continuing education
30 Board-approved credit hours per biennium, including 20 clinically related and two in prevention of medical errors; the initial-cycle exemptions and adjustments under section 468.1195(1) and Rule 64B20-6.001 apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal during the delinquent licensure cycle
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Submit a complete active- or inactive-status application before the delinquent cycle ends; otherwise the license becomes null.
Education
An applicant returning to active practice must meet applicable continuing education, including inactive-period requirements when previously inactive.
Fees
Pay renewal, delinquency and applicable status-change fees.
Prior status
The license or certificate became delinquent following failure to renew.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Election or renewal of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay inactive-status and applicable status-change fees.
Status
Elect inactive status on the complete renewal notice or prescribed status-change application; inactive status does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after more than two consecutive inactive biennial cycles
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete initial-licensure or certification application specified by Rule 64B20-5.0021(3), and pay reactivation and applicable status-change fees.
Competency discretion
Section 456.036(9) permits conditions excluding full reexamination; the Board page states that a special-purpose examination or other competency requirements may be required. No identifiable examination is specified by that statement; it is an applicant condition.
Continuing education
30 Board-approved credit hours per biennium, including 20 clinically related and two in prevention of medical errors and applicable inactive-period education under section 456.036(11).
Prior status
Inactive for more than two consecutive biennial cycles.
Subsequent status
Complete an active licensure cycle before again electing inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after fewer than two consecutive inactive biennial cycles
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
30 Board-approved credit hours per biennium, including 20 clinically related and two in prevention of medical errors and the applicable inactive-period education required by section 456.036(11).
Fees
Pay the reactivation and applicable status-change fees.
Prior status
Inactive for fewer than two consecutive biennial cycles.
Subsequent status
Complete an active licensure cycle before again electing inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New licensure after the prior license became null
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application and fees
Submit the Board application and required fees; document any current or previous professional licenses. Health, disciplinary and criminal disclosures may require supporting records or a Board appearance.
Background screening
Submit the electronic fingerprints and background screening required by section 456.0135 and section 468.1185(2)(e).
Board discretion
Section 468.1185(3)-(4) permits refusal to certify while a qualifying investigation remains pending or for the specified statutory violations.
Clinical practicum
At least 300 supervised clinical clock hours, including at least 200 in speech-language pathology.
Credit hours
An approved program begun before January 5, 2005 requires 60 semester hours; a program begun after that date requires 75; at least 36 hours must be graduate level.
Education
Master’s degree or completed academic requirements of a doctoral program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology; official transcripts and the accreditation or foreign-equivalency documentation required by Rule 64B20-2.002.
Official score report
ETS must transmit the official examination result directly to the Board; applicant copies are not accepted.
Prior status
The prior license became null for failure to resolve delinquency. Section 456.036(6) requires a new application meeting all initial-licensure requirements.
Professional experience
Nine months of full-time professional employment, or equivalent part-time employment, and the supervisory reports and evaluations required by Rule 64B20-2.004; full-time is 30 hours per week for 36 weeks and part-time is at least 15 hours per week for 72 weeks.
Score recency
Rule 64B20-2.005(3) requires a passing licensure examination score obtained no more than three years from the application date. The examination remains a leaf even when passed before application.
Election of retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay the retired-status fee and, outside renewal, the applicable status-change fee.
Practice
Retired status does not authorize professional practice.
Prior status
An active or inactive licensee may choose retired status at any time.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency discretion
Section 456.036(10) permits additional conditions, including unspecified full reexamination, after more than five retired years. It identifies no currently offered examination and the obtained implementing retired-status rule prescribes fees and continuing education.
Continuing education
30 Board-approved credit hours per biennium, including 20 clinically related and two in prevention of medical errors for each retired biennial period under section 456.036(12).
Fees
Pay applicable renewal/reactivation fees for each retired biennial period.
Prior status
Retired status licensee requesting active status.
Rule cross reference
Rule 64B20-5.0022(2)(b) literally states: "Demonstrating satisfaction of the continuing education requirements of Rule 64B11-5.001, F.A.C., for each licensure biennial period in which the licensee was in retired status." Section 456.036(12) controls the requirement to meet the same continuing education as this profession’s active licensee; the rule’s differing reference is retained as stated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of the corresponding temporary license upon submission of SSN
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conversion
Section 456.013(1)(b) directs issuance of the new license upon receipt of the SSN; the conversion transaction imposes no additional examination.
Prior temporary qualification
Previously received the corresponding temporary license as an otherwise eligible applicant under section 456.013(1)(b).
Ssn
Obtain and submit the SSN in writing within the temporary-license period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military practitioner licensure through equivalent training and examination
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Active practice
Actively practiced the profession for the three years preceding application.
Applicant category
Qualify under section 456.024(4)(a) as a military health care practitioner, a qualifying United States Public Health Service practitioner, or a health care practitioner who is the spouse of an active-duty service member.
Application
Submit the applicable military or spouse application; initial application, licensure and unlicensed activity fees are waived.
Discharge
A military applicant must document an honorable discharge within six months before application or a forthcoming honorable discharge as section 456.024(4)(b)2 specifies.
Discipline
Attest to no pending professional disciplinary proceeding; the five-year disciplinary restriction and practice-related conviction provisions apply.
Screening
Submit required fingerprints; the Department verifies submitted information using the NPDB.
Training equivalency
Military practitioner whose profession does not require a state license for military practice; submit substantially equivalent military training or experience and a passing score on the examination required for this profession in Florida.
Military or military spouse licensure with an existing professional license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
Actively practiced the profession for the three years preceding application.
Applicant category
Qualify under section 456.024(4)(a) as a military health care practitioner, a qualifying United States Public Health Service practitioner, or a health care practitioner who is the spouse of an active-duty service member.
Application
Submit the applicable military or spouse application; initial application, licensure and unlicensed activity fees are waived.
Discharge
A military applicant must document an honorable discharge within six months before application or a forthcoming honorable discharge as section 456.024(4)(b)2 specifies.
Discipline
Attest to no pending professional disciplinary proceeding; the five-year disciplinary restriction and practice-related conviction provisions apply.
Existing license
Hold the active, unencumbered out-of-state professional license required by section 456.024(4)(b)3.a.; that statutory alternative does not require separate proof of examination passage.
Screening
Submit required fingerprints; the Department verifies submitted information using the NPDB.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse licensure through equivalent training and examination
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Active practice
Actively practiced the profession for the three years preceding application.
Applicant category
Spouse of an active-duty service member in a profession for which another jurisdiction does not require licensure.
Application
Submit the applicable military or spouse application; initial application, licensure and unlicensed activity fees are waived.
Discharge
A military applicant must document an honorable discharge within six months before application or a forthcoming honorable discharge as section 456.024(4)(b)2 specifies.
Discipline
Attest to no pending professional disciplinary proceeding; the five-year disciplinary restriction and practice-related conviction provisions apply.
Screening
Submit required fingerprints; the Department verifies submitted information using the NPDB.
Training equivalency
Provide training or experience substantially equivalent to Florida requirements and a passing score on the national or regional examination required for this profession, under section 456.024(4)(b)3.c.
Licensure by MOBILE endorsement
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Active practice
Current section 456.0145(2)(a)4 requires at least two years of active practice during the four years immediately before application.
Application and fees
Submit DH-MQA-5101 MOBILE application and required fees under Rule 64B20-2.006; the Board may impose case-specific restrictions, probation, treatment, education or an unnamed reexamination under section 456.0145(2)(c)4.
Board page difference
The Board’s Applying for a New License section also states: "Must have actively practiced the profession for at least three years during the four-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of this application." The current statute controls the two-year requirement; the Board’s stated three-year demand is retained here.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary proceeding and no disciplinary action in the five years preceding application; the ineligibility provisions of section 456.0145(2)(c) apply, including pending complaints or investigations, practice-related convictions, specified license sanctions and NPDB reports, subject to the statutory exceptions and Board discretion.
Existing license
Hold an active, unencumbered license from another United States jurisdiction in a profession with a Board-determined similar scope of practice.
National qualification
Provide a passing national licensure examination score or recognized national certification. Under Rule 64B20-2.006(3), active ASHA certification of clinical competence may be submitted instead of demonstrating examination passage; this applicant exception does not remove the currently offered examination from the route.
Screening and responsibility
Submit required fingerprints and meet financial responsibility requirements if applicable.

Speech-Language Pathology Provisional Licensure

Provisional license for supervised professional employment experience; normally valid for 21 months, with one three-month renewal.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / Department of Health · Application information

Provisional issuance with a discretionary foreign professional education waiver
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Applicant scope
Foreign professional education applicant requesting the statutory waiver.
Application
Submit DH-SPA-2 and the required application and provisional license fees.
Clinical practicum
At least 300 supervised clinical clock hours, including at least 200 in speech-language pathology.
Credit hours
An approved program begun before January 5, 2005 requires 60 semester hours; a program begun after that date requires 75; at least 36 hours must be graduate level.
Discretionary waiver
Section 468.1155 permits the Board to waive education, practicum and professional employment experience if it is satisfied with equivalent education and practicum and the applicant passes the speech-language pathology examination; the waiver is discretionary.
Duration
Rule 64B20-2.003(5) specifies 21 months or issuance of the full license, whichever occurs first; section 468.1155(4) limits provisional licensure to 24 months including any extension.
Education
Master’s degree or completed academic requirements of a doctoral program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology; official transcripts and the accreditation or foreign-equivalency documentation required by Rule 64B20-2.002.
Screening
Complete the background screening applicable to provisional licensure.
Supervision
Obtain the provisional license before starting professional employment experience. Submit DH-SPA-2A verification of employment, with assessment, habilitation and rehabilitation activities monitored by an active licensee in the same profession.
One time renewal of a provisional license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documents
Submit DH-SPA-5 and DH-SPA-2A verification of employment and the provisional license fee.
Eligibility
The provisional license expires before completion of all full-license requirements.
Extension
Rule 64B20-5.005 permits one renewal for three months; the total statutory provisional period cannot exceed 24 months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of the corresponding temporary license upon submission of SSN
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conversion
Section 456.013(1)(b) directs issuance of the new license upon receipt of the SSN; the conversion transaction imposes no additional examination.
Prior temporary qualification
Previously received the corresponding temporary license as an otherwise eligible applicant under section 456.013(1)(b).
Ssn
Obtain and submit the SSN in writing within the temporary-license period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Standard provisional issuance for supervised professional employment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant scope
Standard applicant who has not yet documented the required nine months of supervised professional experience and passing national examination; this route does not invoke the foreign-education examination waiver.
Application
Submit DH-SPA-2 and the required application and provisional license fees.
Clinical practicum
At least 300 supervised clinical clock hours, including at least 200 in speech-language pathology.
Credit hours
An approved program begun before January 5, 2005 requires 60 semester hours; a program begun after that date requires 75; at least 36 hours must be graduate level.
Duration
Rule 64B20-2.003(5) specifies 21 months or issuance of the full license, whichever occurs first; section 468.1155(4) limits provisional licensure to 24 months including any extension.
Education
Master’s degree or completed academic requirements of a doctoral program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology; official transcripts and the accreditation or foreign-equivalency documentation required by Rule 64B20-2.002.
Screening
Complete the background screening applicable to provisional licensure.
Supervision
Obtain the provisional license before starting professional employment experience. Submit DH-SPA-2A verification of employment, with assessment, habilitation and rehabilitation activities monitored by an active licensee in the same profession.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license

Temporary license for an otherwise eligible speech-language pathology applicant who has not received a Social Security number because the applicant is not a United States citizen or resident; underlying license or certificate eligibility remains required.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / Department of Health · Application information

Temporary license pending SSN after qualification for assistant certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit DH-SPA-3 and the required fees; the application expires after one year.
Conversion
Upon receipt of the SSN, the Department issues the new license expiring at the end of the current biennium.
Education
Bachelor’s degree including at least 24 semester hours: nine in normal development, psychology, speech, hearing and language, and 15 in the specified disorders, phonetics, articulation, screening, therapy, audiometry or auditory training.
Expiration
Temporary license expires 30 days after issuance unless the SSN is obtained and submitted in writing.
Foreign education
When applicable, provide Board-approved documentation of educational equivalency under Rule 64B20-4.002(1)(c).
Identity
The applicant lacks an SSN because the applicant is not a United States citizen or resident; the Department may use a unique identification number.
Screening
Submit background screening under section 456.0135.
Supervision and training
Provide the assistant activity and supervisory plan; the employing licensee remains responsible and provides documented on-the-job training and supervision under Rule 64B20-4.003.
Underlying eligibility
All requirements for the underlying license or certificate must otherwise be satisfied; the SSN provision itself waives none of them.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license pending SSN after qualification for ordinary initial licensure
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application and fees
Submit the Board application and required fees; document any current or previous professional licenses. Health, disciplinary and criminal disclosures may require supporting records or a Board appearance.
Background screening
Submit the electronic fingerprints and background screening required by section 456.0135 and section 468.1185(2)(e).
Board discretion
Section 468.1185(3)-(4) permits refusal to certify while a qualifying investigation remains pending or for the specified statutory violations.
Clinical practicum
At least 300 supervised clinical clock hours, including at least 200 in speech-language pathology.
Conversion
Upon receipt of the SSN, the Department issues the new license expiring at the end of the current biennium.
Credit hours
An approved program begun before January 5, 2005 requires 60 semester hours; a program begun after that date requires 75; at least 36 hours must be graduate level.
Education
Master’s degree or completed academic requirements of a doctoral program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology; official transcripts and the accreditation or foreign-equivalency documentation required by Rule 64B20-2.002.
Expiration
Temporary license expires 30 days after issuance unless the SSN is obtained and submitted in writing.
Identity
The applicant lacks an SSN because the applicant is not a United States citizen or resident; the Department may use a unique identification number.
Official score report
ETS must transmit the official examination result directly to the Board; applicant copies are not accepted.
Professional experience
Nine months of full-time professional employment, or equivalent part-time employment, and the supervisory reports and evaluations required by Rule 64B20-2.004; full-time is 30 hours per week for 36 weeks and part-time is at least 15 hours per week for 72 weeks.
Score recency
Rule 64B20-2.005(3) requires a passing licensure examination score obtained no more than three years from the application date. The examination remains a leaf even when passed before application.
Underlying eligibility
All requirements for the underlying license or certificate must otherwise be satisfied; the SSN provision itself waives none of them.
Temporary license pending SSN after qualification through existing military professional licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
Actively practiced the profession for the three years preceding application.
Applicant category
Qualify under section 456.024(4)(a) as a military health care practitioner, a qualifying United States Public Health Service practitioner, or a health care practitioner who is the spouse of an active-duty service member.
Application
Submit the applicable military or spouse application; initial application, licensure and unlicensed activity fees are waived.
Conversion
Upon receipt of the SSN, the Department issues the new license expiring at the end of the current biennium.
Discharge
A military applicant must document an honorable discharge within six months before application or a forthcoming honorable discharge as section 456.024(4)(b)2 specifies.
Discipline
Attest to no pending professional disciplinary proceeding; the five-year disciplinary restriction and practice-related conviction provisions apply.
Existing license
Hold the active, unencumbered out-of-state professional license required by section 456.024(4)(b)3.a.; that statutory alternative does not require separate proof of examination passage.
Expiration
Temporary license expires 30 days after issuance unless the SSN is obtained and submitted in writing.
Identity
The applicant lacks an SSN because the applicant is not a United States citizen or resident; the Department may use a unique identification number.
Screening
Submit required fingerprints; the Department verifies submitted information using the NPDB.
Underlying eligibility
All requirements for the underlying license or certificate must otherwise be satisfied; the SSN provision itself waives none of them.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license pending SSN after qualification for MOBILE endorsement
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Active practice
Current section 456.0145(2)(a)4 requires at least two years of active practice during the four years immediately before application.
Application and fees
Submit DH-MQA-5101 MOBILE application and required fees under Rule 64B20-2.006; the Board may impose case-specific restrictions, probation, treatment, education or an unnamed reexamination under section 456.0145(2)(c)4.
Board page difference
The Board’s Applying for a New License section also states: "Must have actively practiced the profession for at least three years during the four-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of this application." The current statute controls the two-year requirement; the Board’s stated three-year demand is retained here.
Conversion
Upon receipt of the SSN, the Department issues the new license expiring at the end of the current biennium.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary proceeding and no disciplinary action in the five years preceding application; the ineligibility provisions of section 456.0145(2)(c) apply, including pending complaints or investigations, practice-related convictions, specified license sanctions and NPDB reports, subject to the statutory exceptions and Board discretion.
Existing license
Hold an active, unencumbered license from another United States jurisdiction in a profession with a Board-determined similar scope of practice.
Expiration
Temporary license expires 30 days after issuance unless the SSN is obtained and submitted in writing.
Identity
The applicant lacks an SSN because the applicant is not a United States citizen or resident; the Department may use a unique identification number.
National qualification
Provide a passing national licensure examination score or recognized national certification. Under Rule 64B20-2.006(3), active ASHA certification of clinical competence may be submitted instead of demonstrating examination passage; this applicant exception does not remove the currently offered examination from the route.
Screening and responsibility
Submit required fingerprints and meet financial responsibility requirements if applicable.
Underlying eligibility
All requirements for the underlying license or certificate must otherwise be satisfied; the SSN provision itself waives none of them.
Temporary license pending SSN after qualification for standard provisional licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant scope
Standard applicant who has not yet documented the required nine months of supervised professional experience and passing national examination; this route does not invoke the foreign-education examination waiver.
Application
Submit DH-SPA-2 and the required application and provisional license fees.
Clinical practicum
At least 300 supervised clinical clock hours, including at least 200 in speech-language pathology.
Conversion
Upon receipt of the SSN, the Department issues the new license expiring at the end of the current biennium.
Credit hours
An approved program begun before January 5, 2005 requires 60 semester hours; a program begun after that date requires 75; at least 36 hours must be graduate level.
Duration
Rule 64B20-2.003(5) specifies 21 months or issuance of the full license, whichever occurs first; section 468.1155(4) limits provisional licensure to 24 months including any extension.
Education
Master’s degree or completed academic requirements of a doctoral program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology; official transcripts and the accreditation or foreign-equivalency documentation required by Rule 64B20-2.002.
Expiration
Temporary license expires 30 days after issuance unless the SSN is obtained and submitted in writing.
Identity
The applicant lacks an SSN because the applicant is not a United States citizen or resident; the Department may use a unique identification number.
Screening
Complete the background screening applicable to provisional licensure.
Supervision
Obtain the provisional license before starting professional employment experience. Submit DH-SPA-2A verification of employment, with assessment, habilitation and rehabilitation activities monitored by an active licensee in the same profession.
Underlying eligibility
All requirements for the underlying license or certificate must otherwise be satisfied; the SSN provision itself waives none of them.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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