Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Speech-Language Pathology Compact Privilege to Practice in Louisiana

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology · Application information

Compact privilege with active duty military home state designation

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Conduct: Comply with Louisiana practice law; report adverse action by a nonmember jurisdiction within thirty days.
Criminal history: Complete the required criminal background check; no disqualifying practice-related felony conviction or agreed disposition.
Education: Accredited SLP master’s degree or foreign program approved in its country and independently verified comparable to a Board-approved program.
Examination: Pass the ETS Praxis SLP examination with the applicable Board passing score; the Commission’s rule approves it effective July 29, 2026.
Experience: Complete supervised postgraduate professional experience of at least nine months, thirty-six weeks or 1,260 hours under Commission Chapter 7.
Home license: Active, unencumbered full SLP license from a participating home state; no encumbrance on any state license and no adverse action within the preceding two years.
Identification: Have a valid Social Security Number or National Practitioner Identification number.
Military home: Active-duty military member or spouse may designate a home state with a current good-standing license and retain that designation during active duty; any change occurs through application for licensure in the new home state.
Military verification: Verify claimed military or spouse status upon request. If selected for audit, follow the Commission’s identification policy; failure can lead to denial or revocation until valid identification is provided. Reconsideration may be requested within thirty days.
Open alternatives: A successor or national examination the Commission later recognizes as equivalent is an applicant condition; no additional named examination is identified by the current rule.
Practicum: Complete supervised clinical practicum required by the Commission.
Registration: Notify the Commission and pay applicable fees for the Louisiana privilege; only one home-state license may be held for compact purposes.
Term: The privilege expires with the home-state license; the Section 4(A) conditions must remain satisfied.

Initial compact privilege to practice speech language pathology in Louisiana

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Conduct: Comply with Louisiana practice law; report adverse action by a nonmember jurisdiction within thirty days.
Criminal history: Complete the required criminal background check; no disqualifying practice-related felony conviction or agreed disposition.
Education: Accredited SLP master’s degree or foreign program approved in its country and independently verified comparable to a Board-approved program.
Examination: Pass the ETS Praxis SLP examination with the applicable Board passing score; the Commission’s rule approves it effective July 29, 2026.
Experience: Complete supervised postgraduate professional experience of at least nine months, thirty-six weeks or 1,260 hours under Commission Chapter 7.
Home license: Active, unencumbered full SLP license from a participating home state; no encumbrance on any state license and no adverse action within the preceding two years.
Identification: Have a valid Social Security Number or National Practitioner Identification number.
Open alternatives: A successor or national examination the Commission later recognizes as equivalent is an applicant condition; no additional named examination is identified by the current rule.
Practicum: Complete supervised clinical practicum required by the Commission.
Registration: Notify the Commission and pay applicable fees for the Louisiana privilege; only one home-state license may be held for compact purposes.
Term: The privilege expires with the home-state license; the Section 4(A) conditions must remain satisfied.

Renewal of Louisiana compact privilege

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Conduct: Comply with Louisiana practice law; report adverse action by a nonmember jurisdiction within thirty days.
Criminal history: Complete the required criminal background check; no disqualifying practice-related felony conviction or agreed disposition.
Education: Accredited SLP master’s degree or foreign program approved in its country and independently verified comparable to a Board-approved program.
Examination: Pass the ETS Praxis SLP examination with the applicable Board passing score; the Commission’s rule approves it effective July 29, 2026.
Experience: Complete supervised postgraduate professional experience of at least nine months, thirty-six weeks or 1,260 hours under Commission Chapter 7.
Home license: Active, unencumbered full SLP license from a participating home state; no encumbrance on any state license and no adverse action within the preceding two years.
Identification: Have a valid Social Security Number or National Practitioner Identification number.
Open alternatives: A successor or national examination the Commission later recognizes as equivalent is an applicant condition; no additional named examination is identified by the current rule.
Practicum: Complete supervised clinical practicum required by the Commission.
Registration: Notify the Commission and pay applicable fees for the Louisiana privilege; only one home-state license may be held for compact purposes.
Renewal: Renew the home-state license and Louisiana privilege according to the home-state renewal cycle; the Commission FAQ ties each privilege’s renewal to home-license expiration. Current eligibility is verified; the passing examination requirement remains part of Section 4(A) through Section 3(F).
Term: The privilege expires with the home-state license; the Section 4(A) conditions must remain satisfied.

Restoration of compact privilege after an encumbrance or adverse action

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Conduct: Comply with Louisiana practice law; report adverse action by a nonmember jurisdiction within thirty days.
Criminal history: Complete the required criminal background check; no disqualifying practice-related felony conviction or agreed disposition.
Education: Accredited SLP master’s degree or foreign program approved in its country and independently verified comparable to a Board-approved program.
Examination: Pass the ETS Praxis SLP examination with the applicable Board passing score; the Commission’s rule approves it effective July 29, 2026.
Experience: Complete supervised postgraduate professional experience of at least nine months, thirty-six weeks or 1,260 hours under Commission Chapter 7.
Home license: Active, unencumbered full SLP license from a participating home state; no encumbrance on any state license and no adverse action within the preceding two years.
Identification: Have a valid Social Security Number or National Practitioner Identification number.
Open alternatives: A successor or national examination the Commission later recognizes as equivalent is an applicant condition; no additional named examination is identified by the current rule.
Practicum: Complete supervised clinical practicum required by the Commission.
Registration: Notify the Commission and pay applicable fees for the Louisiana privilege; only one home-state license may be held for compact purposes.
Restoration: For a home-license encumbrance, restore good standing and wait two years after adverse action, then satisfy Section 4(A). After Louisiana removes a privilege, satisfy its required period and Section 4(A) before obtaining another privilege.
Term: The privilege expires with the home-state license; the Section 4(A) conditions must remain satisfied.

Dual Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology License

The speech-language pathology examinations are represented here. Audiology qualifications and its examination are applicant conditions because audiology is another profession.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology · Application information

Licensure with ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Certificate: Submit verification of current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in the relevant area.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Waiver: R.S. 37:2660(2) permits the Board to waive the examination and practicum documentation. LAC 46:LXXV.109(H) also permits waiver of experience documentation. These are discretionary; the Board page lists Praxis or ASHA certification.

Initial licensure subject to Board conditions

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Conditions: The Board may impose additional education, supervision, practice or supervisory limitations and monthly monitoring under R.S. 37:2661.2. An impaired applicant may be required to participate in the Impaired Practitioner Program, with treatment, substance-use assessment, monitoring and no supervision of other licensees. Such assessments are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Renewal with Board conditions or impaired practitioner program

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Board conditions: Additional CE, supervision, practice limitations, supervisory restrictions and monitoring may be imposed. Under §301, an impaired licensee may require assessments, drug monitoring, meetings or treatment and may not supervise others; these are conditions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.2
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.301(A)-(H)

Licensure by consent agreement following probable illegal practice

All of the following:

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
LBESPA Open Book Examination (practice unavailable)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Consent order: The Board may offer a consent agreement where there is probable cause of illegal Louisiana practice; complete its terms, including passing the open-book examination within 90 days and paying testing fees; failure suspends the license.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Open book: The Board permits 4.5 hours and retakes of the examination or individual sections within the 90-day period.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Restoration after suspension for failure to complete consent order requirements

LBESPA Open Book Examination (practice unavailable)

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Restoration: Under §109(O)(1)(e), suspension continues until the Board receives and accepts documentation of completion of the consent agreement, including the ordered open-book examination and other requirements.

Delinquent renewal through July 31

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Deadline: Submit delinquent renewal through July 31, delinquency fee and required CE; August 1 lapse is handled by reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(I)

Initial licensure with Board determined equivalent education

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Equivalency: An applicant without the specified degree must have all coursework and clinical requirements satisfied to the Board’s determination of equivalent preparation under LAC 46:LXXV.107(I).
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Initial licensure by examination

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Grandfather license reapplication after more than five years

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
History: Grandfather full license lapsed more than five years; reapply under the amended Practice Act rather than the special grandfather renewal terms.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Grandfather license renewal or reinstatement after no more than five years

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
History: Full valid license originally obtained under Act 260 of 1978; delinquent or lapsed for no more than five years.
Renewal: Complete CE and pay the appropriate renewal fee; no examination is prescribed by this special grandfather renewal provision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(J)(1)
Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)

Retention of inactive or retired status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Status: No professional practice or supervision while inactive or retired; retain the same license through annual fees and the nonpractice affidavit. CE may be submitted annually or on return.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(F)

Internationally educated or English as a second language applicant

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Foreign documents: Certified English translations and a Board-recognized professional credentials evaluation must establish educational equivalence.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
International practicum: Foreign-educated SLP applicants require 400 hours: 25 supervised observation (excess patient contact may substitute), and 375 client contact across the scope, lifespan and severity range.
Language: An applicant whose primary language is not English must submit a Board-approved English proficiency examination score earned within two years; the Board may conduct an in-person English assessment and impose remediation or practice restrictions. These language assessments are applicant conditions.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Board expedited licensing for military members and spouses

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Eligibility: Military member or spouse licensed, certified or registered elsewhere; submit military ID and orders, or spouse ID, marriage certificate and affidavit.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Expedited process: Official verification of qualifications under §§107 and 115 is required; a 60-day documentation grace period applies on receipt of notarized application and fee, including lapsed-license cases, with possible Board extension.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Waiver: The Board’s existing reciprocity examination waiver remains discretionary.

Military statutory endorsement under R.S. 37:3651(A)

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Board instruction: LAC 46:LXXV.109(R)(2) states: “Military applicants shall submit: a. military members--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115; b. military spouse--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115.” The statutory R.S. 37:3651 endorsement terms control this route; the Board’s ordinary expedited route is also available separately.
Eligibility: Eligible military member, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent under R.S. 37:3651; provide qualifying assignment or Louisiana legal-residence evidence as applicable.
Exclusions: R.S. 37:3651 excludes the dishonorable-discharge cases and the judicial, Nurse Licensure Compact and nationwide licensing or registry systems it names.
Fees: Pay all applicable Louisiana fees.
Good standing: No occupational-license revocation or surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct; no pending professional misconduct or criminal complaint or investigation unless resolved or ordinary licensing criteria are met.
Jurisprudence discretion: The Board may require an occupation-specific jurisprudential examination under R.S. 37:3651(E); this statute names no identifiable examination. A specifically ordered LBESPA open-book examination is represented on the consent-order route.
Permanent application: Simultaneously apply for a permanent license. Any permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the permanent application does not qualify.
Prior qualification: Current similar-scope occupational license held at least one year in another state; examination or education, training or experience requirements of that state must have been met; good standing and no disqualifying criminal record.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(A)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(E)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(P)-(Q)

Military statutory endorsement under R.S. 37:3651(B)

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Board instruction: LAC 46:LXXV.109(R)(2) states: “Military applicants shall submit: a. military members--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115; b. military spouse--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115.” The statutory R.S. 37:3651 endorsement terms control this route; the Board’s ordinary expedited route is also available separately.
Eligibility: Eligible military member, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent under R.S. 37:3651; provide qualifying assignment or Louisiana legal-residence evidence as applicable.
Exclusions: R.S. 37:3651 excludes the dishonorable-discharge cases and the judicial, Nurse Licensure Compact and nationwide licensing or registry systems it names.
Fees: Pay all applicable Louisiana fees.
Good standing: No occupational-license revocation or surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct; no pending professional misconduct or criminal complaint or investigation unless resolved or ordinary licensing criteria are met.
Jurisprudence discretion: The Board may require an occupation-specific jurisprudential examination under R.S. 37:3651(E); this statute names no identifiable examination. A specifically ordered LBESPA open-book examination is represented on the consent-order route.
Permanent application: Simultaneously apply for a permanent license. Any permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the permanent application does not qualify.
Work experience: At least three years of work in the same lawful occupation in a state that does not regulate it by occupational license or governmental certification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(B)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(A)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(E)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(P)-(Q)

Military statutory endorsement under R.S. 37:3651(C)

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Board instruction: LAC 46:LXXV.109(R)(2) states: “Military applicants shall submit: a. military members--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115; b. military spouse--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115.” The statutory R.S. 37:3651 endorsement terms control this route; the Board’s ordinary expedited route is also available separately.
Eligibility: Eligible military member, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent under R.S. 37:3651; provide qualifying assignment or Louisiana legal-residence evidence as applicable.
Exclusions: R.S. 37:3651 excludes the dishonorable-discharge cases and the judicial, Nurse Licensure Compact and nationwide licensing or registry systems it names.
Fees: Pay all applicable Louisiana fees.
Good standing: No occupational-license revocation or surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct; no pending professional misconduct or criminal complaint or investigation unless resolved or ordinary licensing criteria are met.
Jurisprudence discretion: The Board may require an occupation-specific jurisprudential examination under R.S. 37:3651(E); this statute names no identifiable examination. A specifically ordered LBESPA open-book examination is represented on the consent-order route.
Permanent application: Simultaneously apply for a permanent license. Any permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the permanent application does not qualify.
Private certification: At least two years of work in an unlicensed occupation elsewhere and a current valid private certification in good standing. Any private certification examination is prior evidence unless a state source identifies a currently offered registered examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(C)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(A)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(E)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(P)-(Q)

Initial licensure with military education or training credit

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Military credit: The Board may credit comparable military education, training or experience completely or partially toward corresponding licensing qualifications under R.S. 37:3651(D); the examination remains involved.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Return from inactive to active practice

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Return: Before resuming, submit a letter seeking active status and five CE hours for each inactive year, maximum 25; the prior license remains the identity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(F)

Licensure by reciprocity with discretionary examination waiver

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Pending practice: The Board may permit practice while deciding reciprocity upon proof of a current unsuspended and unrevoked license.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Prior license: Current equivalent license from a jurisdiction with substantially equal standards and reciprocal privileges; for SLP, that jurisdiction must have required an examination.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Waiver: The Board may waive the Louisiana licensing examination under R.S. 37:2660(1) and LAC 46:LXXV.115; the waiver is discretionary.

Reinstatement of a lapsed license

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Continuing education: Five hours for each lapsed year, maximum 25, plus the applicable license requirements; for a lapse of at least five years without a current SLP/audiology license elsewhere, 25 clinical-practice CE hours earned within the past 18 months.
Timing: After the following June 30: completed application, CE and initial-license fee.

Reinstatement of a lapsed license

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Continuing education: Five hours for each lapsed year, maximum 25, plus the applicable license requirements; for a lapse of at least five years without a current SLP/audiology license elsewhere, 25 clinical-practice CE hours earned within the past 18 months.
Timing: After August 1 lapse and before the following June 30: completed application, CE, initial fee and delinquent fee.

Reinstatement after a lapse of at least ten years

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Continuing education: 25 hours directly related to clinical practice earned within the preceding 18 months, application and applicable fees.
Examination: Submit an ETS passing score earned within the five years preceding the reinstatement request.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Lapse: License lapsed at least ten years and no current audiology or SLP license is held elsewhere.

Annual renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Continuing education: Ten hours per year; dual licensees need 15 hours including five in each area. Those subject to supervision report supervisees or provide the nonpractice affidavit as applicable.
Renewal: Submit complete renewal, annual fee and CE by June 30; initial licenses issued April–June do not renew that fiscal year. Full, provisional, restricted and assistant licenses are covered.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(A)-(E)

Ordinary licensure for volunteer services

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Volunteer: Hold an unrestricted out-of-state license, meet the licensing qualifications and comply with the Code of Ethics; volunteering does not create a separate license identity.
Waiver: A qualifying reciprocity examination waiver is discretionary.

Licensure by endorsement under the Welcome Home Act

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Audiology: In addition to SLP qualifications, meet R.S. 37:2659(A) audiology qualifications and the applicable audiology coursework and practicum requirements. The ETS audiology examination and any ABA certification or audiology waiver are conditions of this route, rather than examination leaves of the SLP profession.
Board instruction: The Board application page says “Passing score on Praxis examination or ASHA certification” for ordinary SLP applicants. The statutory endorsement pathway under R.S. 37:52 controls this route; that ordinary Board instruction remains visible as an applicant condition.
Fees: Pay all applicable Louisiana fees.
Investigations: Pending disciplinary action or investigation prevents issuance or denial until resolved or ordinary Louisiana criteria are otherwise met.
Jurisprudence discretion: R.S. 37:54(A) permits an occupation-specific jurisprudential examination when the occupation requires one. The general statute identifies no exact examination; an applicable LBESPA consent-order examination is represented on the separate consent-order route.
Other license: Current and valid similar-scope occupational license or certification elsewhere, held for at least one year, with good standing and no disqualifying criminal record.
Other qualifications: The other jurisdiction required an examination or education, training or experience standards; examinations of another jurisdiction or profession are evidence conditions.
Residency: Live in Louisiana and show a state identification or voter card, current Louisiana employment or notarized promised employment for applicant or spouse, or homestead exemption; employment evidence must be supplemented after six months.
Scope: The resulting endorsement is valid only in Louisiana and does not by itself confer compact or interstate reciprocity eligibility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana R.S. 37:51
R.S. 37:51(1)-(2)
Louisiana R.S. 37:52
R.S. 37:52(A)-(B)
Louisiana R.S. 37:53
R.S. 37:53
Louisiana R.S. 37:54
R.S. 37:54(A)
Louisiana R.S. 37:58
R.S. 37:58
Louisiana R.S. 37:59
R.S. 37:59(A)-(C)

Speech-Language Pathology License

The ordinary Board license is distinct from statutory exemptions for federal employment, supervised students, aides and other activities listed in R.S. 37:2653, and the brief out-of-state practice authorization in LAC 46:LXXV.109(N); those provisions do not create separate license identities.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology · Application information

Licensure with ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Certificate: Submit verification of current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in the relevant area.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Waiver: R.S. 37:2660(2) permits the Board to waive the examination and practicum documentation. LAC 46:LXXV.109(H) also permits waiver of experience documentation. These are discretionary; the Board page lists Praxis or ASHA certification.

Ordinary Louisiana licensure on relocation of compact home state

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Relocation: Provide satisfactory evidence of Louisiana as the new primary residence and satisfy all applicable Louisiana licensing requirements. Prior home license is deactivated in accordance with Commission rules when the new home license is issued; reciprocity waivers remain discretionary.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Initial licensure subject to Board conditions

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Conditions: The Board may impose additional education, supervision, practice or supervisory limitations and monthly monitoring under R.S. 37:2661.2. An impaired applicant may be required to participate in the Impaired Practitioner Program, with treatment, substance-use assessment, monitoring and no supervision of other licensees. Such assessments are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Renewal with Board conditions or impaired practitioner program

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board conditions: Additional CE, supervision, practice limitations, supervisory restrictions and monitoring may be imposed. Under §301, an impaired licensee may require assessments, drug monitoring, meetings or treatment and may not supervise others; these are conditions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.2
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.301(A)-(H)

Licensure by consent agreement following probable illegal practice

All of the following:

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
LBESPA Open Book Examination (practice unavailable)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Consent order: The Board may offer a consent agreement where there is probable cause of illegal Louisiana practice; complete its terms, including passing the open-book examination within 90 days and paying testing fees; failure suspends the license.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Open book: The Board permits 4.5 hours and retakes of the examination or individual sections within the 90-day period.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Continued licensure or conditional renewal with an ordered open book examination

LBESPA Open Book Examination (practice unavailable)

Consent order: When a disciplinary consent agreement specifically requires it, successfully complete the open-book examination within 90 days and comply with the Board’s additional terms; the published 2025-13 order demonstrates this condition imposed on an existing full SLP license.

Restoration after suspension for failure to complete consent order requirements

LBESPA Open Book Examination (practice unavailable)

Restoration: Under §109(O)(1)(e), suspension continues until the Board receives and accepts documentation of completion of the consent agreement, including the ordered open-book examination and other requirements.

Delinquent renewal through July 31

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Deadline: Submit delinquent renewal through July 31, delinquency fee and required CE; August 1 lapse is handled by reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(I)

Initial licensure with Board determined equivalent education

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Equivalency: An applicant without the specified degree must have all coursework and clinical requirements satisfied to the Board’s determination of equivalent preparation under LAC 46:LXXV.107(I).
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Initial licensure by examination

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Grandfather license reapplication after more than five years

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
History: Grandfather full license lapsed more than five years; reapply under the amended Practice Act rather than the special grandfather renewal terms.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Grandfather license renewal or reinstatement after no more than five years

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

History: Full valid license originally obtained under Act 260 of 1978; delinquent or lapsed for no more than five years.
Renewal: Complete CE and pay the appropriate renewal fee; no examination is prescribed by this special grandfather renewal provision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(J)(1)
Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)

Retention of inactive or retired status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Status: No professional practice or supervision while inactive or retired; retain the same license through annual fees and the nonpractice affidavit. CE may be submitted annually or on return.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(F)

Internationally educated or English as a second language applicant

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Foreign documents: Certified English translations and a Board-recognized professional credentials evaluation must establish educational equivalence.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
International practicum: Foreign-educated SLP applicants require 400 hours: 25 supervised observation (excess patient contact may substitute), and 375 client contact across the scope, lifespan and severity range.
Language: An applicant whose primary language is not English must submit a Board-approved English proficiency examination score earned within two years; the Board may conduct an in-person English assessment and impose remediation or practice restrictions. These language assessments are applicant conditions.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Board expedited licensing for military members and spouses

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Eligibility: Military member or spouse licensed, certified or registered elsewhere; submit military ID and orders, or spouse ID, marriage certificate and affidavit.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Expedited process: Official verification of qualifications under §§107 and 115 is required; a 60-day documentation grace period applies on receipt of notarized application and fee, including lapsed-license cases, with possible Board extension.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Waiver: The Board’s existing reciprocity examination waiver remains discretionary.

Military statutory endorsement under R.S. 37:3651(A)

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board instruction: LAC 46:LXXV.109(R)(2) states: “Military applicants shall submit: a. military members--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115; b. military spouse--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115.” The statutory R.S. 37:3651 endorsement terms control this route; the Board’s ordinary expedited route is also available separately.
Eligibility: Eligible military member, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent under R.S. 37:3651; provide qualifying assignment or Louisiana legal-residence evidence as applicable.
Exclusions: R.S. 37:3651 excludes the dishonorable-discharge cases and the judicial, Nurse Licensure Compact and nationwide licensing or registry systems it names.
Fees: Pay all applicable Louisiana fees.
Good standing: No occupational-license revocation or surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct; no pending professional misconduct or criminal complaint or investigation unless resolved or ordinary licensing criteria are met.
Jurisprudence discretion: The Board may require an occupation-specific jurisprudential examination under R.S. 37:3651(E); this statute names no identifiable examination. A specifically ordered LBESPA open-book examination is represented on the consent-order route.
Permanent application: Simultaneously apply for a permanent license. Any permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the permanent application does not qualify.
Prior qualification: Current similar-scope occupational license held at least one year in another state; examination or education, training or experience requirements of that state must have been met; good standing and no disqualifying criminal record.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(A)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(E)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(P)-(Q)

Military statutory endorsement under R.S. 37:3651(B)

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board instruction: LAC 46:LXXV.109(R)(2) states: “Military applicants shall submit: a. military members--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115; b. military spouse--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115.” The statutory R.S. 37:3651 endorsement terms control this route; the Board’s ordinary expedited route is also available separately.
Eligibility: Eligible military member, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent under R.S. 37:3651; provide qualifying assignment or Louisiana legal-residence evidence as applicable.
Exclusions: R.S. 37:3651 excludes the dishonorable-discharge cases and the judicial, Nurse Licensure Compact and nationwide licensing or registry systems it names.
Fees: Pay all applicable Louisiana fees.
Good standing: No occupational-license revocation or surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct; no pending professional misconduct or criminal complaint or investigation unless resolved or ordinary licensing criteria are met.
Jurisprudence discretion: The Board may require an occupation-specific jurisprudential examination under R.S. 37:3651(E); this statute names no identifiable examination. A specifically ordered LBESPA open-book examination is represented on the consent-order route.
Permanent application: Simultaneously apply for a permanent license. Any permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the permanent application does not qualify.
Work experience: At least three years of work in the same lawful occupation in a state that does not regulate it by occupational license or governmental certification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(B)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(A)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(E)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(P)-(Q)

Military statutory endorsement under R.S. 37:3651(C)

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board instruction: LAC 46:LXXV.109(R)(2) states: “Military applicants shall submit: a. military members--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115; b. military spouse--official, primary-source documentation verifying requirements met in accordance with §107 and §115.” The statutory R.S. 37:3651 endorsement terms control this route; the Board’s ordinary expedited route is also available separately.
Eligibility: Eligible military member, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent under R.S. 37:3651; provide qualifying assignment or Louisiana legal-residence evidence as applicable.
Exclusions: R.S. 37:3651 excludes the dishonorable-discharge cases and the judicial, Nurse Licensure Compact and nationwide licensing or registry systems it names.
Fees: Pay all applicable Louisiana fees.
Good standing: No occupational-license revocation or surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct; no pending professional misconduct or criminal complaint or investigation unless resolved or ordinary licensing criteria are met.
Jurisprudence discretion: The Board may require an occupation-specific jurisprudential examination under R.S. 37:3651(E); this statute names no identifiable examination. A specifically ordered LBESPA open-book examination is represented on the consent-order route.
Permanent application: Simultaneously apply for a permanent license. Any permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the permanent application does not qualify.
Private certification: At least two years of work in an unlicensed occupation elsewhere and a current valid private certification in good standing. Any private certification examination is prior evidence unless a state source identifies a currently offered registered examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(C)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(A)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(E)
Louisiana R.S. 37:3651
R.S. 37:3651(P)-(Q)

Initial licensure with military education or training credit

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Military credit: The Board may credit comparable military education, training or experience completely or partially toward corresponding licensing qualifications under R.S. 37:3651(D); the examination remains involved.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Renewal of a pre August 15, 1995 full SLP license held with a baccalaureate degree

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Prior license: Hold a baccalaureate degree in speech pathology and a speech pathology license issued under the law in effect before August 15, 1995.
Renewal: R.S. 37:2659(B)(2) permits continued renewal under Board rules; submit annual fee, complete renewal and continuing education. This route does not impose the new master’s-degree initial-licensing requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana R.S. 37:2659
R.S. 37:2659(B)(2)
Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(A)-(E)

Return from inactive to active practice

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Return: Before resuming, submit a letter seeking active status and five CE hours for each inactive year, maximum 25; the prior license remains the identity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(F)

Licensure by reciprocity with discretionary examination waiver

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Pending practice: The Board may permit practice while deciding reciprocity upon proof of a current unsuspended and unrevoked license.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Prior license: Current equivalent license from a jurisdiction with substantially equal standards and reciprocal privileges; for SLP, that jurisdiction must have required an examination.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Waiver: The Board may waive the Louisiana licensing examination under R.S. 37:2660(1) and LAC 46:LXXV.115; the waiver is discretionary.

Reinstatement of a lapsed license

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Continuing education: Five hours for each lapsed year, maximum 25, plus the applicable license requirements; for a lapse of at least five years without a current SLP/audiology license elsewhere, 25 clinical-practice CE hours earned within the past 18 months.
Timing: After the following June 30: completed application, CE and initial-license fee.

Reinstatement of a lapsed license

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Continuing education: Five hours for each lapsed year, maximum 25, plus the applicable license requirements; for a lapse of at least five years without a current SLP/audiology license elsewhere, 25 clinical-practice CE hours earned within the past 18 months.
Timing: After August 1 lapse and before the following June 30: completed application, CE, initial fee and delinquent fee.

Reinstatement after a lapse of at least ten years

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Continuing education: 25 hours directly related to clinical practice earned within the preceding 18 months, application and applicable fees.
Examination: Submit an ETS passing score earned within the five years preceding the reinstatement request.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Lapse: License lapsed at least ten years and no current audiology or SLP license is held elsewhere.

Annual renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Ten hours per year; dual licensees need 15 hours including five in each area. Those subject to supervision report supervisees or provide the nonpractice affidavit as applicable.
Renewal: Submit complete renewal, annual fee and CE by June 30; initial licenses issued April–June do not renew that fiscal year. Full, provisional, restricted and assistant licenses are covered.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(A)-(E)

Upgrade to full SLP license from provisional score passed

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Examination timing: Submit an official passing ETS score if not already on file; prior passage of this currently offered examination remains part of the pathway.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Upgrade: Submit verification of 36 weeks or equivalent supervised postgraduate employment, supervision through upgrade on Form 100, written request and $30 fee; remain supervised until Board approval.

Upgrade to full SLP license from provisional score pending

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Examination timing: Submit an official passing ETS score if not already on file; prior passage of this currently offered examination remains part of the pathway.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Upgrade: Submit verification of 36 weeks or equivalent supervised postgraduate employment, supervision through upgrade on Form 100, written request and $30 fee; remain supervised until Board approval.

Upgrade to full SLP license from restricted masters

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Examination timing: Submit an official passing ETS score if not already on file; prior passage of this currently offered examination remains part of the pathway.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Upgrade: Submit verification of 36 weeks or equivalent supervised postgraduate employment, supervision through upgrade on Form 100, written request and $30 fee; remain supervised until Board approval.

Ordinary licensure for volunteer services

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: At least 36 weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment or its part-time equivalent, after education and practicum; upgrades count professional employment only from receipt of the application.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Volunteer: Hold an unrestricted out-of-state license, meet the licensing qualifications and comply with the Code of Ethics; volunteering does not create a separate license identity.
Waiver: A qualifying reciprocity examination waiver is discretionary.

Licensure by endorsement under the Welcome Home Act

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board instruction: The Board application page says “Passing score on Praxis examination or ASHA certification” for ordinary SLP applicants. The statutory endorsement pathway under R.S. 37:52 controls this route; that ordinary Board instruction remains visible as an applicant condition.
Fees: Pay all applicable Louisiana fees.
Investigations: Pending disciplinary action or investigation prevents issuance or denial until resolved or ordinary Louisiana criteria are otherwise met.
Jurisprudence discretion: R.S. 37:54(A) permits an occupation-specific jurisprudential examination when the occupation requires one. The general statute identifies no exact examination; an applicable LBESPA consent-order examination is represented on the separate consent-order route.
Other license: Current and valid similar-scope occupational license or certification elsewhere, held for at least one year, with good standing and no disqualifying criminal record.
Other qualifications: The other jurisdiction required an examination or education, training or experience standards; examinations of another jurisdiction or profession are evidence conditions.
Residency: Live in Louisiana and show a state identification or voter card, current Louisiana employment or notarized promised employment for applicant or spouse, or homestead exemption; employment evidence must be supplemented after six months.
Scope: The resulting endorsement is valid only in Louisiana and does not by itself confer compact or interstate reciprocity eligibility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana R.S. 37:51
R.S. 37:51(1)-(2)
Louisiana R.S. 37:52
R.S. 37:52(A)-(B)
Louisiana R.S. 37:53
R.S. 37:53
Louisiana R.S. 37:54
R.S. 37:54(A)
Louisiana R.S. 37:58
R.S. 37:58
Louisiana R.S. 37:59
R.S. 37:59(A)-(C)

Provisional Speech-Language Pathology License

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology · Application information

Transfer to provisional SLP license from SLP assistant license

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: Postgraduate supervised employment remains to be completed.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Prior status: Hold the relevant restricted SLP or assistant license and submit a new application satisfying R.S. 37:2659.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Term: The statutory three-year maximum applies; if the examination was not passed at issuance, obtain a passing score within one year.

Renewal with Board conditions or impaired practitioner program

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Board conditions: Additional CE, supervision, practice limitations, supervisory restrictions and monitoring may be imposed. Under §301, an impaired licensee may require assessments, drug monitoring, meetings or treatment and may not supervise others; these are conditions.
Term: Renewal does not waive the applicable provisional duration or examination deadline. A provisional SLP must already have passed the ETS examination or pass it within one year of original issuance; prior passage or the pending deadline is an applicant condition.

Provisional licensure by consent agreement following illegal practice

All of the following:

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
LBESPA Open Book Examination (practice unavailable)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Consent order: Complete the consent agreement and pass the open-book examination within 90 days. The national examination deadline remains one year if not previously passed.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: Postgraduate experience remains pending under supervision.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Restoration after suspension for failure to complete consent order requirements

LBESPA Open Book Examination (practice unavailable)

Restoration: Under §109(O)(1)(e), suspension continues until the Board receives and accepts documentation of completion of the consent agreement, including the ordered open-book examination and other requirements.

Delinquent renewal through July 31

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Deadline: Submit delinquent renewal through July 31, delinquency fee and required CE; August 1 lapse is handled by reinstatement.
Term: Renewal does not waive the applicable provisional duration or examination deadline. A provisional SLP must already have passed the ETS examination or pass it within one year of original issuance; prior passage or the pending deadline is an applicant condition.

Provisional issuance with examination already passed

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Examination timing: Passing score already obtained at issuance.
Experience: Supervised postgraduate employment remains to be completed; comply with LAC 46:LXXV.129 and Form 100.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Term: No more than three years from original issuance.

Provisional issuance with examination and experience pending

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Examination timing: Pass the ETS SLP examination within one year of issuance; after passage, two additional years may be used for postgraduate experience.
Experience: Supervised postgraduate employment remains to be completed; comply with LAC 46:LXXV.129 and Form 100.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Term: No more than three years from original issuance.

Retention of inactive or retired status

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Status: No professional practice or supervision while inactive or retired; retain the same license through annual fees and the nonpractice affidavit. CE may be submitted annually or on return.
Term: Renewal does not waive the applicable provisional duration or examination deadline. A provisional SLP must already have passed the ETS examination or pass it within one year of original issuance; prior passage or the pending deadline is an applicant condition.

Provisional licensure for an internationally educated applicant

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Examination timing: If not already passed, pass within one year, then complete experience within two further years.
Experience: Postgraduate experience remains to be completed under supervision.
Foreign qualifications: Certified translations, credentials evaluation, 400 practicum hours including 25 observation and 375 contact; if English is not the primary language, a language examination score within two years and possible in-person assessment are conditions.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.

Return from inactive to active practice

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Return: Before resuming, submit a letter seeking active status and five CE hours for each inactive year, maximum 25; the prior license remains the identity.
Term: Renewal does not waive the applicable provisional duration or examination deadline. A provisional SLP must already have passed the ETS examination or pass it within one year of original issuance; prior passage or the pending deadline is an applicant condition.

Reinstatement of a lapsed license

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Continuing education: Five hours for each lapsed year, maximum 25, plus the applicable license requirements; for a lapse of at least five years without a current SLP/audiology license elsewhere, 25 clinical-practice CE hours earned within the past 18 months.
Term: Reinstatement does not start a new statutory provisional term; original-issuance limits remain applicable.
Timing: After the following June 30: completed application, CE and initial-license fee.

Reinstatement of a lapsed license

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Continuing education: Five hours for each lapsed year, maximum 25, plus the applicable license requirements; for a lapse of at least five years without a current SLP/audiology license elsewhere, 25 clinical-practice CE hours earned within the past 18 months.
Term: Reinstatement does not start a new statutory provisional term; original-issuance limits remain applicable.
Timing: After August 1 lapse and before the following June 30: completed application, CE, initial fee and delinquent fee.

Annual renewal

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Continuing education: Ten hours per year; dual licensees need 15 hours including five in each area. Those subject to supervision report supervisees or provide the nonpractice affidavit as applicable.
Renewal: Submit complete renewal, annual fee and CE by June 30; initial licenses issued April–June do not renew that fiscal year. Full, provisional, restricted and assistant licenses are covered.
Term: Renewal does not waive the applicable provisional duration or examination deadline. A provisional SLP must already have passed the ETS examination or pass it within one year of original issuance; prior passage or the pending deadline is an applicant condition.

Transfer to provisional SLP license from restricted SLP license

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Education: Master’s degree or Board-recognized equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited program; the Board applies the coursework standards in LAC 46:LXXV.107(D)-(F) for the date the graduate program began.
Examination: The Board recognizes the ETS speech-language pathology examination, requires scores directly from ETS and uses the ETS passing standard.
Experience: Postgraduate supervised employment remains to be completed.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Practicum: Official verified supervised practicum: 400 hours for a program begun after January 1, 2004; 375 hours for a program begun between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 2004; 300 hours for a program begun earlier.
Prior status: Hold the relevant restricted SLP or assistant license and submit a new application satisfying R.S. 37:2659.
Score age: If the degree is over ten years old and the applicant has never held a license elsewhere, the passing score must have been earned within the preceding five years.
Term: The statutory three-year maximum applies; if the examination was not passed at issuance, obtain a passing score within one year.

Restricted Speech-Language Pathology License

Reinstatement and maintenance of a restricted license held on or before August 15, 1995; this is not a newly available initial license.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology · Application information

Renewal with Board conditions or impaired practitioner program

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board conditions: Additional CE, supervision, practice limitations, supervisory restrictions and monitoring may be imposed. Under §301, an impaired licensee may require assessments, drug monitoring, meetings or treatment and may not supervise others; these are conditions.
Restricted status: Restricted-license supervision requirements continue.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.2
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.301(A)-(H)

Restricted license reinstatement subject to illegal practice consent order

LBESPA Open Book Examination (practice unavailable)

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Consent order: When the Board offers an illegal-practice consent agreement, pass the open-book examination within 90 days and complete its other terms.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Prior license: Restricted status held on or before August 15, 1995; comply with the restricted qualifications and supervision rules.

Restoration after suspension for failure to complete consent order requirements

LBESPA Open Book Examination (practice unavailable)

Restoration: Under §109(O)(1)(e), suspension continues until the Board receives and accepts documentation of completion of the consent agreement, including the ordered open-book examination and other requirements.

Delinquent renewal through July 31

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Deadline: Submit delinquent renewal through July 31, delinquency fee and required CE; August 1 lapse is handled by reinstatement.
Restricted status: Restricted-license supervision requirements continue.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(I)

Retention of inactive or retired status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Restricted status: Restricted-license supervision requirements continue.
Status: No professional practice or supervision while inactive or retired; retain the same license through annual fees and the nonpractice affidavit. CE may be submitted annually or on return.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(F)

Return from inactive to active practice

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Restricted status: Restricted-license supervision requirements continue.
Return: Before resuming, submit a letter seeking active status and five CE hours for each inactive year, maximum 25; the prior license remains the identity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(F)

Reinstatement of pre August 15, 1995 restricted license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Board application, fee, official transcripts, verified practicum and source verification of every prior license; the Board requires complete documentation.
Background: A completed state and federal criminal background check is required; Board instructions accept it for 90 days without an application, then require reprocessing.
Character: Good moral character under R.S. 37:2659; criminal-history review follows applicable law.
Continuing education: Meet renewal or reinstatement CE and fee requirements.
Education: Bachelor’s degree with speech pathology major and current Type A, B or C teaching certificate or recognized specialist equivalent; submit supervised direct clinical experience.
Grace period: A single 60-day grace period may permit work after the Board acknowledges a complete application and criminal-history report; work must stop if denied. Military documentation grace periods are governed separately.
Prior license: Provide proof of a restricted license held on or before August 15, 1995. If the lapse is at least ten years and no current SLP/audiology license is held elsewhere, use the separate long-lapse reinstatement route with the identified ETS examination.
Supervision: Practice only under direct supervision of a Louisiana licensed SLP.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana R.S. 37:2659
R.S. 37:2659(E)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.107(L)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(J)(2)

Reinstatement of a lapsed license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Five hours for each lapsed year, maximum 25, plus the applicable license requirements; for a lapse of at least five years without a current SLP/audiology license elsewhere, 25 clinical-practice CE hours earned within the past 18 months.
Lapse boundary: Lapse is less than ten years, or a current SLP/audiology license is held elsewhere. A lapse of at least ten years without another current license is represented on the separate examination-bearing route.
Prior status: Restricted-license reinstatement remains limited to previously qualified pre-August 15, 1995 holders.
Timing: After the following June 30: completed application, CE and initial-license fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(I)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(J)(3)-(6)
Louisiana R.S. 37:2659
R.S. 37:2659(E)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(J)(2)

Reinstatement of a lapsed license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Five hours for each lapsed year, maximum 25, plus the applicable license requirements; for a lapse of at least five years without a current SLP/audiology license elsewhere, 25 clinical-practice CE hours earned within the past 18 months.
Lapse boundary: Lapse is less than ten years, or a current SLP/audiology license is held elsewhere. A lapse of at least ten years without another current license is represented on the separate examination-bearing route.
Prior status: Restricted-license reinstatement remains limited to previously qualified pre-August 15, 1995 holders.
Timing: After August 1 lapse and before the following June 30: completed application, CE, initial fee and delinquent fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(I)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(J)(3)-(6)
Louisiana R.S. 37:2659
R.S. 37:2659(E)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(J)(2)

Restricted license reinstatement after at least ten years without another current SLP license

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)

Continuing education: 25 clinical-practice hours earned within 18 months and applicable fees and application requirements.
Examination: The general rule in §125(J)(5) calls for an ETS passing score earned within five years of the reinstatement request.
Lapse: Lapse of at least ten years without a current audiology or SLP license elsewhere.
Prior status: Restricted license must have been held on or before August 15, 1995; direct supervision and restricted-license qualifications continue.
Special renewal rule: Section 125(J)(2) separately permits renewal or reinstatement of grandfather restricted licenses upon CE and fees. Both provisions are of the same rank; the specific identifiable examination is retained with this potentially excusing provision visible.

Annual renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Ten hours per year; dual licensees need 15 hours including five in each area. Those subject to supervision report supervisees or provide the nonpractice affidavit as applicable.
Renewal: Submit complete renewal, annual fee and CE by June 30; initial licenses issued April–June do not renew that fiscal year. Full, provisional, restricted and assistant licenses are covered.
Restricted status: Restricted-license supervision requirements continue.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2661.1(A)-(B)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.125(A)-(E)

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

The Praxis Study Companion: Speech-Language Pathology 5331 (ETS)
p.5, Test at a Glance, content category I
The Praxis Study Companion: Speech-Language Pathology 5331 (ETS)
p.5, Test at a Glance, content category II
The Praxis Study Companion: Speech-Language Pathology 5331 (ETS)
p.5, Test at a Glance, content category III
The Praxis Study Companion: Speech-Language Pathology 5331 (ETS)
p.6, Test Specifications introduction
The Praxis Study Companion: Speech-Language Pathology 5331 (ETS)
p.31, Study Topics introduction
ETS Praxis test page: Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Details, distribution of test questions
ASHA: About the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam
Praxis Exam Content
ETS Praxis test page: Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Features: Number of Questions
ETS Praxis test page: Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Features: Format
ETS Praxis test page: Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Features: Test Length
The Praxis Study Companion: Speech-Language Pathology 5331 (ETS)
p.5, About This Test, last sentence
The Praxis Study Companion: Speech-Language Pathology 5331 (ETS)
p.47, Appendix: Other Questions You May Have (guessing)
ASHA: Praxis Scores and Score Reports
Scoring the Exam
ASHA: About the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam
About the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam, passing score statement
The Praxis Study Companion: Speech-Language Pathology 5331 (ETS)
p.45, Step 10: What are the score requirements for my state?
ETS Praxis test page: Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Purchase panel: delivery options
ETS Praxis test page: Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Purchase panel: test price
ETS Praxis test page: Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Purchase panel: fee
The Praxis Study Companion: Speech-Language Pathology 5331 (ETS)
p.2, Which tests should I take?
ASHA: Praxis Exam in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Praxis Exam page, testing vendor transition notice (first sentence)
ASHA: Praxis Exam in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Praxis Exam page, testing vendor transition notice (second sentence)

LBESPA Open Book Examination

Examination outline

Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 37, Chapter 34 — Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, including the Interstate Compact
Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part LXXV, Chapter 1 — General Rules
Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part LXXV, Chapter 3 — Impaired Practitioner Program
Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part LXXV, Chapter 5 — Procedural Rules
Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part LXXV, Chapter 7 — Code of Ethics

Examination sources

LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.109(O)(1), examination scope
Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
Practice Act compilation heading, statutory body
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV, chapter enumeration and title
Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act
R.S. 37:2678.1, Compact Section 3(F)
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV, Chapter 1 heading
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV, Chapter 3 heading
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV, Chapter 5 heading
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV, Chapter 7 heading
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.109(O)(1)(a)-(e), scored questions and retakes
LAC 46:LXXV, Speech Pathology and Audiology
LAC 46:LXXV.109(O), consent-order licensing and examination