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Kentucky Speech-Language Pathology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Interim Speech-Language Pathologist License

Supervised postgraduate professional experience license; the national Praxis examination remains involved during interim licensure.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology · Application information

Board approved interim extension
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit Application for Interim Licensure, fee, and academic transcript or the permitted institution letter.
Citizenship
KRS 334A.050(1) requires United States citizenship or a sworn statement of intention to apply for citizenship when eligible.
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Education
CAA-accredited SLP/communication-disorders master's degree, equivalent doctoral degree, or bachelor's degree with all qualifying graduate coursework and clinical practicum complete, verified by the academic institution.
Extension grounds
Board may approve extension for illness, change in employment, family care, or other extraordinary occurrence, using the Application for Extension of Interim License.
Passing deadline
Take and pass the national SLP Praxis examination within 24 months and have scores sent directly by ETS. KRS 334A.035(1)(b) permits continued supervised practice after unsuccessful examination with documentation of preparation.
Postgraduate experience
At least 1260 hours and 36 weeks of experience; at least 35 hours weekly for full-time experience, with qualifying part-time equivalent. At least 80 percent of major responsibilities concern the listed professional activities. Hours below five weekly do not count; work beyond 35 hours weekly cannot shorten the 36-week minimum. Complete within 24 months unless Board-approved extension applies.
Source wording
KRS 334A.035(1)(c)-(d) permits discretionary renewal and Board approval beyond 24 months. 201 KAR 17:030E Section 1(3)(d) says "There is no renewal for interim licenses." The statutory extension and 201 KAR 17:011E Section 3(2)(f) remain the basis for this route.
Supervisor
Supervisor must hold a valid Kentucky SLP license or specified EPSB master's-level certification. Provide 36 supervisory activities: 18 on-site observations and 18 other monitoring activities, with at least six of each per third of the experience.
Transition
Apply for full licensure or discretionary interim extension within 30 days after PPE completion.
Interim licensure during postgraduate professional experience
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit Application for Interim Licensure, fee, and academic transcript or the permitted institution letter.
Citizenship
KRS 334A.050(1) requires United States citizenship or a sworn statement of intention to apply for citizenship when eligible.
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Education
CAA-accredited SLP/communication-disorders master's degree, equivalent doctoral degree, or bachelor's degree with all qualifying graduate coursework and clinical practicum complete, verified by the academic institution.
Passing deadline
Take and pass the national SLP Praxis examination within 24 months and have scores sent directly by ETS. KRS 334A.035(1)(b) permits continued supervised practice after unsuccessful examination with documentation of preparation.
Postgraduate experience
At least 1260 hours and 36 weeks of experience; at least 35 hours weekly for full-time experience, with qualifying part-time equivalent. At least 80 percent of major responsibilities concern the listed professional activities. Hours below five weekly do not count; work beyond 35 hours weekly cannot shorten the 36-week minimum. Complete within 24 months unless Board-approved extension applies.
Supervisor
Supervisor must hold a valid Kentucky SLP license or specified EPSB master's-level certification. Provide 36 supervisory activities: 18 on-site observations and 18 other monitoring activities, with at least six of each per third of the experience.
Transition
Apply for full licensure or discretionary interim extension within 30 days after PPE completion.

Speech-Language Pathologist License

Kentucky single-state license. The compact privilege is derived from a home-state license; KRS 334A.188 Section 3I preserves Kentucky single-state licensure requirements. Statutory practice exemptions do not create additional Board-issued licenses.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology · Application information

Discretionary reinstatement after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicability
This route applies within five years after expiration or revocation; 201 KAR 17:030E requires current new-license standards thereafter.
Application
Submit the Application for Renewal by Reinstatement and pay renewal and delinquency fees.
Continuing education
Provide 30 Board-approved CE hours completed within the previous 24 months; 201 KAR 17:090 Section 11(2) allows reinstatement with completion within the next 12 months when these hours are missing. These hours are additional to ordinary renewal CE.
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Expired license
Apply within five years after expiration. KRS 334A.170(1) prohibits requiring an examination as a condition of renewal within that period.
Revoked license
Application may be made one year after revocation; Board may accept or reject under KRS 334A.180(2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • KRS 334A.180

    KRS 334A.180(2)-(3), discretionary reinstatement after revocation

  • 201 KAR 17:030E

    201 KAR 17:030E Section 2, complete renewal and reinstatement requirements

  • 201 KAR 17:090

    201 KAR 17:090 Sections 10-11, inactive and reactivation CE

Licensure with equivalent jurisdiction examination waiver
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the July 2026 Application for Licensure; official transcripts must be sent directly by the academic institution.
Application fees
$50 application fee and $100 initial SLP license fee; the application fee is waived when converting an interim license.
Citizenship
KRS 334A.050(1) requires United States citizenship or a sworn statement of intention to apply for citizenship when eligible.
Clinical practicum
Complete supervised direct clinical practicum as required by KRS 334A.050(2)(b).
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Education
CAA-accredited master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or equivalent doctoral education under 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(1).
Equivalent jurisdiction license
Provide a current license from a state whose standards are at least equivalent to Kentucky's; Board examination waiver under KRS 334A.060(1) is discretionary.
Examination waiver
KRS 334A.060 permits the Board to waive the examination; waiver is discretionary. 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(2) states: "The applicant shall have passed a national PRAXIS examination in speech-language pathology." The July 2026 application states: "YOU MUST SUBMIT documentation of passing score of Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology, directly from ETS Board to the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. PLEASE USE BOARD CODE 7287.". Those implementing demands are retained for the applicant.
Postgraduate experience
Complete Board-approved postgraduate professional experience; supervisor verifies completion or the applicant supplies an ASHA certification number. Apply for full licensure within 30 days after completion.
Score documentation
The July 2026 application requires a passing Praxis score sent directly from ETS, using Board code 7287.
Supplemental oral assessment
KRS 334A.050(3) permits supplemental oral examinations as the Board determines; no specific oral examination is identified by that provision, so this is an applicant condition.
Initial licensure by examination
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the July 2026 Application for Licensure; official transcripts must be sent directly by the academic institution.
Application fees
$50 application fee and $100 initial SLP license fee; the application fee is waived when converting an interim license.
Citizenship
KRS 334A.050(1) requires United States citizenship or a sworn statement of intention to apply for citizenship when eligible.
Clinical practicum
Complete supervised direct clinical practicum as required by KRS 334A.050(2)(b).
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Education
CAA-accredited master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or equivalent doctoral education under 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(1).
Postgraduate experience
Complete Board-approved postgraduate professional experience; supervisor verifies completion or the applicant supplies an ASHA certification number. Apply for full licensure within 30 days after completion.
Score documentation
The July 2026 application requires a passing Praxis score sent directly from ETS, using Board code 7287.
Supplemental oral assessment
KRS 334A.050(3) permits supplemental oral examinations as the Board determines; no specific oral examination is identified by that provision, so this is an applicant condition.
Military and veteran equivalent license issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board application praxis demand
The controlling KRS 12.245 lists equivalent-license and military conditions. The lower-ranked July 2026 SLP form additionally states: "YOU MUST SUBMIT documentation of passing score of Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology, directly from ETS Board to the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. PLEASE USE BOARD CODE 7287."; this implementing demand is retained as an applicant condition.
Compact precedence
Services under an interstate licensure compact remain subject to compact requirements under KRS 12.245(4).
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Equivalent license
Provide equivalent occupational documentation from another United States jurisdiction, active or expired for less than two years, in good standing and not suspended for disciplinary reasons.
Issuance period
KRS 12.245 requires issuance within 30 days after receipt of a complete application.
Military proof
Provide DD-214 or other qualifying military-service/discharge documentation, or orders documenting transfer to a Kentucky military assignment.
Public safety exception
The Board may deny based on substantive evidence of a significant statutory deficiency in training, education, or experience that could create a public health or safety risk.
Qualifying status
Applicant is a United States military, Reserves, or National Guard member, veteran, or qualifying spouse.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse expedited regular licensure
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the July 2026 Application for Licensure; official transcripts must be sent directly by the academic institution.
Application fees
$50 application fee and $100 initial SLP license fee; the application fee is waived when converting an interim license.
Citizenship
KRS 334A.050(1) requires United States citizenship or a sworn statement of intention to apply for citizenship when eligible.
Clinical practicum
Complete supervised direct clinical practicum as required by KRS 334A.050(2)(b).
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Education
CAA-accredited master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or equivalent doctoral education under 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(1).
Fee waiver
No dues or fees; fees paid with a qualifying electronic application are refunded within 30 days under KRS 12.357(4).
Issuance period
Issue a temporary or regular license within 30 days if statutory licensing requirements are met.
Military spouse
Provide proof of marriage to a current Armed Forces member, a valid professional license from another United States jurisdiction, and assignment of the spouse to a Kentucky duty station.
Postgraduate experience
Complete Board-approved postgraduate professional experience; supervisor verifies completion or the applicant supplies an ASHA certification number. Apply for full licensure within 30 days after completion.
Score documentation
The July 2026 application requires a passing Praxis score sent directly from ETS, using Board code 7287.
Supplemental oral assessment
KRS 334A.050(3) permits supplemental oral examinations as the Board determines; no specific oral examination is identified by that provision, so this is an applicant condition.
Military spouse biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete 30 Board-approved CE hours during the biennium, including two ethics hours, by January 31; first renewal after initial licensure is exempt. CE waivers or extensions for the circumstances in 201 KAR 17:090 Section 9 are Board decisions.
Existing license
Applicant holds the relevant Kentucky license.
Fee waiver
No dues or fees; fees paid with a qualifying electronic application are refunded within 30 days under KRS 12.357(4).
Issuance period
Issue a temporary or regular license within 30 days if statutory licensing requirements are met.
Military spouse
Provide proof of marriage to a current Armed Forces member, a valid professional license from another United States jurisdiction, and assignment of the spouse to a Kentucky duty station.
Renewal application
Submit the Renewal Application and applicable biennial fee by January 31; statutory grace period is 30 days. The July 2026 implementing regulation specifies March 2 as the grace-period end and March 3 as expiration.
Renewal deadline
Submit the qualifying regular-license renewal before the regular deadline for waiver or refund under KRS 12.357(4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • KRS 334A.170

    KRS 334A.170(1), renewal without examination within five years

  • 201 KAR 17:030E

    201 KAR 17:030E Section 2, complete renewal and reinstatement requirements

  • 201 KAR 17:090

    201 KAR 17:090 Section 2, CE accrual and new application after five years

  • KRS 12.357

    KRS 12.357(4), regular license fee waiver and renewal

Initial licensure with national certification
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the July 2026 Application for Licensure; official transcripts must be sent directly by the academic institution.
Application fees
$50 application fee and $100 initial SLP license fee; the application fee is waived when converting an interim license.
Citizenship
KRS 334A.050(1) requires United States citizenship or a sworn statement of intention to apply for citizenship when eligible.
Clinical practicum
Complete supervised direct clinical practicum as required by KRS 334A.050(2)(b).
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Education
CAA-accredited master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or equivalent doctoral education under 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(1).
Examination waiver
KRS 334A.060 permits the Board to waive the examination; waiver is discretionary. 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(2) states: "The applicant shall have passed a national PRAXIS examination in speech-language pathology." The July 2026 application states: "YOU MUST SUBMIT documentation of passing score of Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology, directly from ETS Board to the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. PLEASE USE BOARD CODE 7287.". Those implementing demands are retained for the applicant.
National certification
Provide a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence for speech-language pathology; KRS 334A.183(2)(c) accepts national certification instead of taking the national examination.
Postgraduate experience
Complete Board-approved postgraduate professional experience; supervisor verifies completion or the applicant supplies an ASHA certification number. Apply for full licensure within 30 days after completion.
Score documentation
The July 2026 application requires a passing Praxis score sent directly from ETS, using Board code 7287.
Supplemental oral assessment
KRS 334A.050(3) permits supplemental oral examinations as the Board determines; no specific oral examination is identified by that provision, so this is an applicant condition.
New licensure after five years of expiration
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Additional continuing education
Complete 30 CE hours within the previous two years, in addition to current initial-licensure standards, under 201 KAR 17:090 Section 2(5).
Application
Submit the July 2026 Application for Licensure; official transcripts must be sent directly by the academic institution.
Application fees
$50 application fee and $100 initial SLP license fee; the application fee is waived when converting an interim license.
Citizenship
KRS 334A.050(1) requires United States citizenship or a sworn statement of intention to apply for citizenship when eligible.
Clinical practicum
Complete supervised direct clinical practicum as required by KRS 334A.050(2)(b).
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Education
CAA-accredited master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or equivalent doctoral education under 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(1).
Postgraduate experience
Complete Board-approved postgraduate professional experience; supervisor verifies completion or the applicant supplies an ASHA certification number. Apply for full licensure within 30 days after completion.
Prior expiration
More than five years have elapsed after expiration; apply for a new license meeting current initial licensure standards.
Score documentation
The July 2026 application requires a passing Praxis score sent directly from ETS, using Board code 7287.
Supplemental oral assessment
KRS 334A.050(3) permits supplemental oral examinations as the Board determines; no specific oral examination is identified by that provision, so this is an applicant condition.
Reactivation of inactive licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Submit the Renewal Application and pay the current active renewal fee.
Continuing education
Provide 30 CE hours completed within the preceding 24 months; if these hours are missing, 201 KAR 17:090 Section 11(2) allows reactivation with 30 hours completed within the next 12 months. These hours are additional to ordinary renewal CE.
Inactive license
Applicant holds an inactive license and requests active status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • 201 KAR 17:030E

    201 KAR 17:030E Section 3, inactive status and reactivation

  • 201 KAR 17:090

    201 KAR 17:090 Sections 10-11, inactive and reactivation CE

Licensure reciprocity
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the July 2026 Application for Licensure; official transcripts must be sent directly by the academic institution.
Application fees
$50 application fee and $100 initial SLP license fee; the application fee is waived when converting an interim license.
Citizenship
KRS 334A.050(1) requires United States citizenship or a sworn statement of intention to apply for citizenship when eligible.
Clinical practicum
Complete supervised direct clinical practicum as required by KRS 334A.050(2)(b).
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Current license
Currently licensed as an SLP in another state; provide a letter of good standing, certified master's-degree transcript in communication disorders, and national certification or a passing approved national exam score under KRS 334A.187(1).
Education
CAA-accredited master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or equivalent doctoral education under 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(1).
Examination waiver
KRS 334A.060 permits the Board to waive the examination; waiver is discretionary. 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(2) states: "The applicant shall have passed a national PRAXIS examination in speech-language pathology." The July 2026 application states: "YOU MUST SUBMIT documentation of passing score of Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology, directly from ETS Board to the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. PLEASE USE BOARD CODE 7287.". Those implementing demands are retained for the applicant.
Postgraduate experience
Complete Board-approved postgraduate professional experience; supervisor verifies completion or the applicant supplies an ASHA certification number. Apply for full licensure within 30 days after completion.
Score documentation
The July 2026 application requires a passing Praxis score sent directly from ETS, using Board code 7287.
Supplemental oral assessment
KRS 334A.050(3) permits supplemental oral examinations as the Board determines; no specific oral examination is identified by that provision, so this is an applicant condition.
Renewal by reinstatement within five years of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Application for Renewal by Reinstatement and pay renewal and delinquency fees.
Continuing education
Provide 30 Board-approved CE hours completed within the previous 24 months; 201 KAR 17:090 Section 11(2) allows reinstatement with completion within the next 12 months when these hours are missing. These hours are additional to ordinary renewal CE.
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Expired license
Apply within five years after expiration. KRS 334A.170(1) prohibits requiring an examination as a condition of renewal within that period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • KRS 334A.170

    KRS 334A.170(1), renewal without examination within five years

  • 201 KAR 17:030E

    201 KAR 17:030E Section 2, complete renewal and reinstatement requirements

  • 201 KAR 17:090

    201 KAR 17:090 Sections 10-11, inactive and reactivation CE

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete 30 Board-approved CE hours during the biennium, including two ethics hours, by January 31; first renewal after initial licensure is exempt. CE waivers or extensions for the circumstances in 201 KAR 17:090 Section 9 are Board decisions.
Existing license
Applicant holds the relevant Kentucky license.
Renewal application
Submit the Renewal Application and applicable biennial fee by January 31; statutory grace period is 30 days. The July 2026 implementing regulation specifies March 2 as the grace-period end and March 3 as expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • KRS 334A.170

    KRS 334A.170(1), renewal without examination within five years

  • 201 KAR 17:030E

    201 KAR 17:030E Section 2, complete renewal and reinstatement requirements

  • 201 KAR 17:090

    201 KAR 17:090 Section 2, CE accrual and new application after five years

Temporary Speech-Language Pathologist License

Administrative temporary license pending Board review of a completed full-licensure application; military-spouse temporary issuance is also authorized by KRS 12.357.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology · Application information

Military spouse temporary licensure
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the July 2026 Application for Licensure; official transcripts must be sent directly by the academic institution.
Application fees
$50 application fee and $100 initial SLP license fee; the application fee is waived when converting an interim license.
Citizenship
KRS 334A.050(1) requires United States citizenship or a sworn statement of intention to apply for citizenship when eligible.
Clinical practicum
Complete supervised direct clinical practicum as required by KRS 334A.050(2)(b).
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Education
CAA-accredited master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or equivalent doctoral education under 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(1).
Fee waiver
No dues or fees; fees paid with a qualifying electronic application are refunded within 30 days under KRS 12.357(4).
Issuance period
Issue a temporary or regular license within 30 days if statutory licensing requirements are met.
Military spouse
Provide proof of marriage to a current Armed Forces member, a valid professional license from another United States jurisdiction, and assignment of the spouse to a Kentucky duty station.
Postgraduate experience
Complete Board-approved postgraduate professional experience; supervisor verifies completion or the applicant supplies an ASHA certification number. Apply for full licensure within 30 days after completion.
Score documentation
The July 2026 application requires a passing Praxis score sent directly from ETS, using Board code 7287.
Supplemental oral assessment
KRS 334A.050(3) permits supplemental oral examinations as the Board determines; no specific oral examination is identified by that provision, so this is an applicant condition.
Temporary duration
KRS 12.357(3) sets expiration six months after issuance and prohibits renewal.
Temporary licensure pending Board review
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit the July 2026 Application for Licensure; official transcripts must be sent directly by the academic institution.
Application fees
$50 application fee and $100 initial SLP license fee; the application fee is waived when converting an interim license.
Citizenship
KRS 334A.050(1) requires United States citizenship or a sworn statement of intention to apply for citizenship when eligible.
Clinical practicum
Complete supervised direct clinical practicum as required by KRS 334A.050(2)(b).
Criminal background check
KSP and FBI fingerprint background investigations within the preceding 90 days, transmitted directly to the Board; applicant pays processing fees; expunged cases need not be disclosed under the July 2026 regulations.
Education
CAA-accredited master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or equivalent doctoral education under 201 KAR 17:012E Section 2(1).
Pending board review
Completed full-licensure application demonstrates all applicable qualifications; Board administrator issues temporary authorization pending Board review.
Postgraduate experience
Complete Board-approved postgraduate professional experience; supervisor verifies completion or the applicant supplies an ASHA certification number. Apply for full licensure within 30 days after completion.
Score documentation
The July 2026 application requires a passing Praxis score sent directly from ETS, using Board code 7287.
Supplemental oral assessment
KRS 334A.050(3) permits supplemental oral examinations as the Board determines; no specific oral examination is identified by that provision, so this is an applicant condition.
Temporary duration
Practice ends at Board review unless extended or full license is issued; maximum 180 days under KRS 334A.181(3).
Unprofessional conduct
Evidence of unprofessional conduct prevents administrative temporary issuance and requires Board review.

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