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Maryland Speech-Language Pathology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Speech-Language Pathologist Full License

A license to practice speech-language pathology authorizes the licensee to practice speech-language pathology while the license is effective.

Licensing authority: Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapist · Application information

New licensure after statutory disciplinary restoration period
Additional requirements
Meet continuing education and any additional requirements the controlling reinstatement or disciplinary provision places on this applicant.
Application
Submit the completed signed application, required documentation, photograph, privacy form and fee; the application includes implicit bias with structural racism training.
Clinical fellowship
Complete the supervised postgraduate clinical fellowship; COMAR 10.41.03.03C requires at least 9 months at 30 hours weekly or its specified part-time equivalents, with at least 80% direct client contact and a Board-approved supervisor.
Continuing education
For expiration over 5 years, COMAR 10.41.03.06H requires 30 CE hours for each 2-year inactivity cycle, capped at 100; statutory §2-309(b) also permits qualification through §2-305, whose waivers remain discretionary.
Criminal history
Submit the State and national criminal history records check, including fingerprints; the Board must receive the reports before issuing the licence.
Education
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology with the required academic coursework and supervised training is required.
Good moral character
The applicant must be of good moral character (Health Occupations §2-302.2(b)).
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral English competency by at least 60 undergraduate credits taught in English or TOEFL of at least 105 with at least 26 in Speaking and Listening within the preceding 2 years. TOEFL is an applicant condition.
Prior status
New licensure after statutory disciplinary restoration period. Apply the current new-licence requirements or any expressly permitted §2-305 credentials waiver; the Board decides waiver eligibility.
Score age
If the national passing score is older than 5 years, the Board may approve one or more of: practice in 3 of the previous 5 years; supervised practice equivalent to limited licensure; or a current licence elsewhere plus continuing education for time not practising. The national examination remains a leaf.
Initial licensure by endorsement and discretionary examination waiver
Application
Submit the completed signed application, required documentation, photograph, privacy form and fee; the application includes implicit bias with structural racism training.
Clinical fellowship
Complete the supervised postgraduate clinical fellowship; COMAR 10.41.03.03C requires at least 9 months at 30 hours weekly or its specified part-time equivalents, with at least 80% direct client contact and a Board-approved supervisor.
Criminal history
Submit the State and national criminal history records check, including fingerprints; the Board must receive the reports before issuing the licence.
Education
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology with the required academic coursework and supervised training is required.
Good moral character
The applicant must be of good moral character (Health Occupations §2-302.2(b)).
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Licence elsewhere
Hold a current, unsuspended and unrevoked licence obtained under requirements at least equivalent to Maryland and meet COMAR 10.41.03.03D(5).
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral English competency by at least 60 undergraduate credits taught in English or TOEFL of at least 105 with at least 26 in Speaking and Listening within the preceding 2 years. TOEFL is an applicant condition.
Score age
If the national passing score is older than 5 years, the Board may approve one or more of: practice in 3 of the previous 5 years; supervised practice equivalent to limited licensure; or a current licence elsewhere plus continuing education for time not practising. The national examination remains a leaf.
Waiver discretion
Under Health Occupations §2-305(b) and (c), the Board may waive qualifications or examinations after adequate evidence of equivalent licensing requirements; the examination is retained because waiver is discretionary.
Initial licensure by examination
Application
Submit the completed signed application, required documentation, photograph, privacy form and fee; the application includes implicit bias with structural racism training.
Clinical fellowship
Complete the supervised postgraduate clinical fellowship; COMAR 10.41.03.03C requires at least 9 months at 30 hours weekly or its specified part-time equivalents, with at least 80% direct client contact and a Board-approved supervisor.
Criminal history
Submit the State and national criminal history records check, including fingerprints; the Board must receive the reports before issuing the licence.
Education
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology with the required academic coursework and supervised training is required.
Good moral character
The applicant must be of good moral character (Health Occupations §2-302.2(b)).
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral English competency by at least 60 undergraduate credits taught in English or TOEFL of at least 105 with at least 26 in Speaking and Listening within the preceding 2 years. TOEFL is an applicant condition.
Score age
If the national passing score is older than 5 years, the Board may approve one or more of: practice in 3 of the previous 5 years; supervised practice equivalent to limited licensure; or a current licence elsewhere plus continuing education for time not practising. The national examination remains a leaf.
Reapplication after more than 5 years of expiration
Additional requirements
Meet continuing education and any additional requirements the controlling reinstatement or disciplinary provision places on this applicant.
Application
Submit the completed signed application, required documentation, photograph, privacy form and fee; the application includes implicit bias with structural racism training.
Clinical fellowship
Complete the supervised postgraduate clinical fellowship; COMAR 10.41.03.03C requires at least 9 months at 30 hours weekly or its specified part-time equivalents, with at least 80% direct client contact and a Board-approved supervisor.
Continuing education
For expiration over 5 years, COMAR 10.41.03.06H requires 30 CE hours for each 2-year inactivity cycle, capped at 100; statutory §2-309(b) also permits qualification through §2-305, whose waivers remain discretionary.
Criminal history
Submit the State and national criminal history records check, including fingerprints; the Board must receive the reports before issuing the licence.
Education
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology with the required academic coursework and supervised training is required.
Good moral character
The applicant must be of good moral character (Health Occupations §2-302.2(b)).
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral English competency by at least 60 undergraduate credits taught in English or TOEFL of at least 105 with at least 26 in Speaking and Listening within the preceding 2 years. TOEFL is an applicant condition.
Prior status
Reapplication after more than 5 years of expiration. Apply the current new-licence requirements or any expressly permitted §2-305 credentials waiver; the Board decides waiver eligibility.
Score age
If the national passing score is older than 5 years, the Board may approve one or more of: practice in 3 of the previous 5 years; supervised practice equivalent to limited licensure; or a current licence elsewhere plus continuing education for time not practising. The national examination remains a leaf.
Reinstatement within 5 years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Remain entitled to licensure and submit the renewal application and renewal fee before expiration; a 30-day grace period allows retroactive renewal with a late fee.
Continuing education
SLP reinstatement requires at least 30 CE hours for every 2-year cycle of inactivity under COMAR 10.41.03.06G. Assistant reinstatement follows §2-309(a), renewal continuing education and delegation requirements.
Criminal history
COMAR requires a new criminal history check every 3 renewal cycles or 6 years; statute §2-308(g)(3) exempts repeat checks unless otherwise required.
Expiration
Apply within 5 years after expiration, satisfy renewal requirements and pay renewal and reinstatement fees.
Military deployment
Health Occupations §1-703 permits a Board-approved late renewal without penalty or reinstatement fee if caused by deployment outside the United States, with reasonable additional time for CE or the criminal history check.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement on inactive status and permitted inactive renewals
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the inactive-status application and fee.
Practice
Do not practise while the licence is inactive.
Term
Inactive status lasts at most 2 years and may be renewed for at most two consecutive additional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retroactive renewal during the 30 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Remain entitled to licensure and submit the renewal application and renewal fee before expiration; a 30-day grace period allows retroactive renewal with a late fee.
Continuing education
SLP: 30 CEUs per 2-year period, including at least 20 in the area of licensure and 1 each in ethics and cultural competency; assistant: at least 10 CEUs, 5 in clinical practice and 5 in work-related areas. Apply the provisions specific to this credential.
Criminal history
COMAR requires a new criminal history check every 3 renewal cycles or 6 years; statute §2-308(g)(3) exempts repeat checks unless otherwise required.
Grace period
Renew within 30 days after expiration, otherwise satisfy renewal eligibility, and pay renewal and late fees.
Military deployment
Health Occupations §1-703 permits a Board-approved late renewal without penalty or reinstatement fee if caused by deployment outside the United States, with reasonable additional time for CE or the criminal history check.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by national certification and discretionary credentials waiver
Application
Submit the completed signed application, required documentation, photograph, privacy form and fee; the application includes implicit bias with structural racism training.
Clinical fellowship
Complete the supervised postgraduate clinical fellowship; COMAR 10.41.03.03C requires at least 9 months at 30 hours weekly or its specified part-time equivalents, with at least 80% direct client contact and a Board-approved supervisor.
Criminal history
Submit the State and national criminal history records check, including fingerprints; the Board must receive the reports before issuing the licence.
Education
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology with the required academic coursework and supervised training is required.
Good moral character
The applicant must be of good moral character (Health Occupations §2-302.2(b)).
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
National certification
Hold a valid ASHA CCC-SLP under COMAR 10.41.03.03D(4)(a)(i). Health Occupations §2-305(b) also permits discretionary qualification waivers for current or former Board-recognized national certification; the applicant must meet the Board’s practice requirements. Certification verification reduces documentation, and does not by itself remove the registered national-exam leaf.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral English competency by at least 60 undergraduate credits taught in English or TOEFL of at least 105 with at least 26 in Speaking and Listening within the preceding 2 years. TOEFL is an applicant condition.
Score age
If the national passing score is older than 5 years, the Board may approve one or more of: practice in 3 of the previous 5 years; supervised practice equivalent to limited licensure; or a current licence elsewhere plus continuing education for time not practising. The national examination remains a leaf.
Waiver discretion
The Board may waive qualifications under §2-305(b); the implementing rule otherwise requires the national examination. A waiver depends on the applicant’s approval.
Reinstatement after inactive status becomes nonrenewed
Additional requirements
Meet continuing education and any additional requirements the controlling reinstatement or disciplinary provision places on this applicant.
Application
Submit the completed signed application, required documentation, photograph, privacy form and fee; the application includes implicit bias with structural racism training.
Clinical fellowship
Complete the supervised postgraduate clinical fellowship; COMAR 10.41.03.03C requires at least 9 months at 30 hours weekly or its specified part-time equivalents, with at least 80% direct client contact and a Board-approved supervisor.
Continuing education
For expiration over 5 years, COMAR 10.41.03.06H requires 30 CE hours for each 2-year inactivity cycle, capped at 100; statutory §2-309(b) also permits qualification through §2-305, whose waivers remain discretionary.
Criminal history
Submit the State and national criminal history records check, including fingerprints; the Board must receive the reports before issuing the licence.
Education
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology with the required academic coursework and supervised training is required.
Good moral character
The applicant must be of good moral character (Health Occupations §2-302.2(b)).
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral English competency by at least 60 undergraduate credits taught in English or TOEFL of at least 105 with at least 26 in Speaking and Listening within the preceding 2 years. TOEFL is an applicant condition.
Prior status
Reinstatement after inactive status becomes nonrenewed. Apply the current new-licence requirements or any expressly permitted §2-305 credentials waiver; the Board decides waiver eligibility.
Score age
If the national passing score is older than 5 years, the Board may approve one or more of: practice in 3 of the previous 5 years; supervised practice equivalent to limited licensure; or a current licence elsewhere plus continuing education for time not practising. The national examination remains a leaf.
Reactivation within 6 years of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit satisfactory proof of at least 30 CE hours for each 2-year cycle of inactivity.
Fees
Pay the renewal and reactivation fees.
Inactive period
Inactive for no more than three 2-year renewal cycles.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of full licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Remain entitled to licensure and submit the renewal application and renewal fee before expiration; a 30-day grace period allows retroactive renewal with a late fee.
Continuing education
SLP: 30 CEUs per 2-year period, including at least 20 in the area of licensure and 1 each in ethics and cultural competency; assistant: at least 10 CEUs, 5 in clinical practice and 5 in work-related areas. Apply the provisions specific to this credential.
Criminal history
COMAR requires a new criminal history check every 3 renewal cycles or 6 years; statute §2-308(g)(3) exempts repeat checks unless otherwise required.
Military deployment
Health Occupations §1-703 permits a Board-approved late renewal without penalty or reinstatement fee if caused by deployment outside the United States, with reasonable additional time for CE or the criminal history check.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of active limited licence to full licence
Application
Submit the completed signed application, required documentation, photograph, privacy form and fee; the application includes implicit bias with structural racism training.
Clinical fellowship
Complete the supervised postgraduate clinical fellowship; COMAR 10.41.03.03C requires at least 9 months at 30 hours weekly or its specified part-time equivalents, with at least 80% direct client contact and a Board-approved supervisor.
Criminal history
Submit the State and national criminal history records check, including fingerprints; the Board must receive the reports before issuing the licence.
Education
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology with the required academic coursework and supervised training is required.
Good moral character
The applicant must be of good moral character (Health Occupations §2-302.2(b)).
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Limited status
Hold an active Maryland SLP limited licence and complete the clinical fellowship and Praxis; submit the fee and either AS3, ETS score and degree transcript, or primary-source ASHA CCC-SLP verification. A new full-licence application is not needed.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral English competency by at least 60 undergraduate credits taught in English or TOEFL of at least 105 with at least 26 in Speaking and Listening within the preceding 2 years. TOEFL is an applicant condition.
Score age
If the national passing score is older than 5 years, the Board may approve one or more of: practice in 3 of the previous 5 years; supervised practice equivalent to limited licensure; or a current licence elsewhere plus continuing education for time not practising. The national examination remains a leaf.

Speech-Language Pathologist Limited License

Permits supervised speech–language pathology practice while completing licensing requirements.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists · Application information

Initial limited licensure for supervised practice
Law and Regulations Examination
Character and criminal history
Good moral character and the applicable criminal history check are required.
Education
Hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and satisfy the ASHA academic and practicum requirements in effect when the degree was obtained.
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
National exam exception
Health Occupations §2-310.2(a)(1) excepts the examination and postgraduate professional practice from limited-licence issuance; Praxis passage is a later full-licence requirement.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral English competency by at least 60 undergraduate credits taught in English or TOEFL of at least 105 with at least 26 in Speaking and Listening within the preceding 2 years. TOEFL is an applicant condition.
Supervisory plan
Obtain Board approval before supervised practice; the licence is tied to the approved supervisor and setting. A change requires prior Board approval of a revised plan.
Term
The licence lasts 1 year and may be renewed once for 1 additional year.
New limited licence after the statutory waiting period
Law and Regulations Examination
Character and criminal history
Good moral character and the applicable criminal history check are required.
Education
Hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and satisfy the ASHA academic and practicum requirements in effect when the degree was obtained.
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
National exam exception
Health Occupations §2-310.2(a)(1) excepts the examination and postgraduate professional practice from limited-licence issuance; Praxis passage is a later full-licence requirement.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral English competency by at least 60 undergraduate credits taught in English or TOEFL of at least 105 with at least 26 in Speaking and Listening within the preceding 2 years. TOEFL is an applicant condition.
Supervisory plan
Obtain Board approval before supervised practice; the licence is tied to the approved supervisor and setting. A change requires prior Board approval of a revised plan.
Term
The licence lasts 1 year and may be renewed once for 1 additional year.
Waiting period
After failing to obtain a full licence within 2 years of the initial limited licence, wait at least 1 year before applying for another licence under §2-310.2(e).
One additional year of limited licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the limited-licence renewal application and fee; maintain the approved supervisory plan.
Eligibility
The holder otherwise meets the limited-licence requirements and has not passed the national examination, holds a part-time supervised position needing more weeks, or has another reason acceptable to the Board.
Term
The Board may renew once for 1 additional year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant License

A license to assist in the practice of speech–language pathology authorizes the licensee to assist a speech–language pathologist in the practice of speech–language pathology while the license is effective.

Licensing authority: board of examiners for audiologists, hearing aid dispensers, speech-language pathologists & music therapists · Application information

Assistant licensure through ASHA certification waiver
Law and Regulations Examination
Certification
Hold valid ASHA certification as an SLPA. The rule requires the credential and does not name the ASHA examination as a passing-score requirement.
Clinical hours
Complete 25 clinical observation hours and 75 clinical assisting or clinical practice hours. A Board-approved alternative clinical-hours plan may be completed under a limited licence.
Competency documentation
Submit the competency skills checklist completed by the supervising SLP. The official provisions describe supervisor documentation of competency, not a separately identified examination.
Criminal history
Submit the required criminal history records check under Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(6).
Education
Qualify through an approved SLPA associate’s programme; an allied-health associate’s degree or higher with the five specified subject courses; or a baccalaureate in SLP or communication sciences and disorders, under COMAR 10.41.11.02C. The Board may approve an extenuating-circumstances exception with documented continuing education.
Good moral character
Good moral character is required.
Law exam
Complete the Board's required electronic Law and Regulations Examination and have completion on file before the application is considered complete. Follow the Board's examination instructions for the applicable passing standard.
Limited practice
Obtain a limited licence and complete at least 9 months of supervised practice, with a delegation agreement for each supervising SLP.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral competency as required by Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(5).
Waiver discretion
The Board may waive qualifications under COMAR 10.41.11.05; the applicant must obtain the Board’s waiver, and the general law-examination application instruction still applies.
New licensure after statutory disciplinary restoration period
Law and Regulations Examination
Additional requirements
Meet continuing education and any additional requirements the controlling reinstatement or disciplinary provision places on this applicant.
Clinical hours
Complete 25 clinical observation hours and 75 clinical assisting or clinical practice hours. A Board-approved alternative clinical-hours plan may be completed under a limited licence.
Competency documentation
Submit the competency skills checklist completed by the supervising SLP. The official provisions describe supervisor documentation of competency, not a separately identified examination.
Criminal history
Submit the required criminal history records check under Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(6).
Education
Qualify through an approved SLPA associate’s programme; an allied-health associate’s degree or higher with the five specified subject courses; or a baccalaureate in SLP or communication sciences and disorders, under COMAR 10.41.11.02C. The Board may approve an extenuating-circumstances exception with documented continuing education.
Good moral character
Good moral character is required.
Law exam
Complete the Board's required electronic Law and Regulations Examination and have completion on file before the application is considered complete. Follow the Board's examination instructions for the applicable passing standard.
Limited practice
Obtain a limited licence and complete at least 9 months of supervised practice, with a delegation agreement for each supervising SLP.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral competency as required by Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(5).
Prior status
New licensure after statutory disciplinary restoration period. Apply the current new-licence requirements or any expressly permitted §2-305 credentials waiver; the Board decides waiver eligibility.
Assistant licensure through equivalent licence, certification or registration
Law and Regulations Examination
Clinical hours
Complete 25 clinical observation hours and 75 clinical assisting or clinical practice hours. A Board-approved alternative clinical-hours plan may be completed under a limited licence.
Competency documentation
Submit the competency skills checklist completed by the supervising SLP. The official provisions describe supervisor documentation of competency, not a separately identified examination.
Criminal history
Submit the required criminal history records check under Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(6).
Education
Qualify through an approved SLPA associate’s programme; an allied-health associate’s degree or higher with the five specified subject courses; or a baccalaureate in SLP or communication sciences and disorders, under COMAR 10.41.11.02C. The Board may approve an extenuating-circumstances exception with documented continuing education.
Good moral character
Good moral character is required.
Law exam
Complete the Board's required electronic Law and Regulations Examination and have completion on file before the application is considered complete. Follow the Board's examination instructions for the applicable passing standard.
Licence elsewhere
Hold a valid SLPA licence, certification or registration elsewhere with qualifications equivalent to Maryland.
Limited practice
Obtain a limited licence and complete at least 9 months of supervised practice, with a delegation agreement for each supervising SLP.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral competency as required by Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(5).
Waiver discretion
The Board may waive qualifications under COMAR 10.41.11.05; the applicant must obtain the Board’s waiver, and the general law-examination application instruction still applies.
Reapplication after more than 5 years of expiration
Law and Regulations Examination
Additional requirements
Meet continuing education and any additional requirements the controlling reinstatement or disciplinary provision places on this applicant.
Clinical hours
Complete 25 clinical observation hours and 75 clinical assisting or clinical practice hours. A Board-approved alternative clinical-hours plan may be completed under a limited licence.
Competency documentation
Submit the competency skills checklist completed by the supervising SLP. The official provisions describe supervisor documentation of competency, not a separately identified examination.
Criminal history
Submit the required criminal history records check under Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(6).
Education
Qualify through an approved SLPA associate’s programme; an allied-health associate’s degree or higher with the five specified subject courses; or a baccalaureate in SLP or communication sciences and disorders, under COMAR 10.41.11.02C. The Board may approve an extenuating-circumstances exception with documented continuing education.
Good moral character
Good moral character is required.
Law exam
Complete the Board's required electronic Law and Regulations Examination and have completion on file before the application is considered complete. Follow the Board's examination instructions for the applicable passing standard.
Limited practice
Obtain a limited licence and complete at least 9 months of supervised practice, with a delegation agreement for each supervising SLP.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral competency as required by Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(5).
Prior status
Reapplication after more than 5 years of expiration. Apply the current new-licence requirements or any expressly permitted §2-305 credentials waiver; the Board decides waiver eligibility.
Reinstatement within 5 years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Remain entitled to licensure and submit the renewal application and renewal fee before expiration; a 30-day grace period allows retroactive renewal with a late fee.
Continuing education
SLP reinstatement requires at least 30 CE hours for every 2-year cycle of inactivity under COMAR 10.41.03.06G. Assistant reinstatement follows §2-309(a), renewal continuing education and delegation requirements.
Criminal history
COMAR requires a new criminal history check every 3 renewal cycles or 6 years; statute §2-308(g)(3) exempts repeat checks unless otherwise required.
Delegation
Submit a delegation agreement for each supervisor.
Expiration
Apply within 5 years after expiration, satisfy renewal requirements and pay renewal and reinstatement fees.
Military deployment
Health Occupations §1-703 permits a Board-approved late renewal without penalty or reinstatement fee if caused by deployment outside the United States, with reasonable additional time for CE or the criminal history check.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement on inactive status and permitted inactive renewals
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the inactive-status application and fee.
Practice
Do not practise while the licence is inactive.
Term
Inactive status lasts at most 2 years and may be renewed for at most two consecutive additional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retroactive renewal during the 30 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Remain entitled to licensure and submit the renewal application and renewal fee before expiration; a 30-day grace period allows retroactive renewal with a late fee.
Continuing education
SLP: 30 CEUs per 2-year period, including at least 20 in the area of licensure and 1 each in ethics and cultural competency; assistant: at least 10 CEUs, 5 in clinical practice and 5 in work-related areas. Apply the provisions specific to this credential.
Criminal history
COMAR requires a new criminal history check every 3 renewal cycles or 6 years; statute §2-308(g)(3) exempts repeat checks unless otherwise required.
Delegation
Submit a delegation agreement for each supervisor.
Grace period
Renew within 30 days after expiration, otherwise satisfy renewal eligibility, and pay renewal and late fees.
Military deployment
Health Occupations §1-703 permits a Board-approved late renewal without penalty or reinstatement fee if caused by deployment outside the United States, with reasonable additional time for CE or the criminal history check.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after inactive status becomes nonrenewed
Law and Regulations Examination
Additional requirements
Meet continuing education and any additional requirements the controlling reinstatement or disciplinary provision places on this applicant.
Clinical hours
Complete 25 clinical observation hours and 75 clinical assisting or clinical practice hours. A Board-approved alternative clinical-hours plan may be completed under a limited licence.
Competency documentation
Submit the competency skills checklist completed by the supervising SLP. The official provisions describe supervisor documentation of competency, not a separately identified examination.
Criminal history
Submit the required criminal history records check under Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(6).
Education
Qualify through an approved SLPA associate’s programme; an allied-health associate’s degree or higher with the five specified subject courses; or a baccalaureate in SLP or communication sciences and disorders, under COMAR 10.41.11.02C. The Board may approve an extenuating-circumstances exception with documented continuing education.
Good moral character
Good moral character is required.
Law exam
Complete the Board's required electronic Law and Regulations Examination and have completion on file before the application is considered complete. Follow the Board's examination instructions for the applicable passing standard.
Limited practice
Obtain a limited licence and complete at least 9 months of supervised practice, with a delegation agreement for each supervising SLP.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral competency as required by Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(5).
Prior status
Reinstatement after inactive status becomes nonrenewed. Apply the current new-licence requirements or any expressly permitted §2-305 credentials waiver; the Board decides waiver eligibility.
Assistant licensure through pre October 2007 practice waiver
Law and Regulations Examination
Clinical hours
Complete 25 clinical observation hours and 75 clinical assisting or clinical practice hours. A Board-approved alternative clinical-hours plan may be completed under a limited licence.
Competency documentation
Submit the competency skills checklist completed by the supervising SLP. The official provisions describe supervisor documentation of competency, not a separately identified examination.
Criminal history
Submit the required criminal history records check under Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(6).
Education
Qualify through an approved SLPA associate’s programme; an allied-health associate’s degree or higher with the five specified subject courses; or a baccalaureate in SLP or communication sciences and disorders, under COMAR 10.41.11.02C. The Board may approve an extenuating-circumstances exception with documented continuing education.
Good moral character
Good moral character is required.
Law exam
Complete the Board's required electronic Law and Regulations Examination and have completion on file before the application is considered complete. Follow the Board's examination instructions for the applicable passing standard.
Limited practice
Obtain a limited licence and complete at least 9 months of supervised practice, with a delegation agreement for each supervising SLP.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral competency as required by Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(5).
Prior practice
Worked as an SLPA before October 1, 2007; meet education requirements, document sufficient qualifications with the competency checklist, and complete each delegation agreement.
Waiver discretion
The Board may waive qualifications under COMAR 10.41.11.05; the applicant must obtain the Board’s waiver, and the general law-examination application instruction still applies.
Reactivation during the permitted inactive period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board requirements
Comply with any other requirements the Board sets under Health Occupations §2-308.1(e)(2); the statute does not identify a currently offered examination for this reactivation.
Fees
Pay the reactivation fee.
Inactive period
Apply during the permitted inactive-status period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of full licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Remain entitled to licensure and submit the renewal application and renewal fee before expiration; a 30-day grace period allows retroactive renewal with a late fee.
Continuing education
SLP: 30 CEUs per 2-year period, including at least 20 in the area of licensure and 1 each in ethics and cultural competency; assistant: at least 10 CEUs, 5 in clinical practice and 5 in work-related areas. Apply the provisions specific to this credential.
Criminal history
COMAR requires a new criminal history check every 3 renewal cycles or 6 years; statute §2-308(g)(3) exempts repeat checks unless otherwise required.
Delegation
Submit a delegation agreement for each supervisor.
Military deployment
Health Occupations §1-703 permits a Board-approved late renewal without penalty or reinstatement fee if caused by deployment outside the United States, with reasonable additional time for CE or the criminal history check.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial assistant licensure after supervised limited practice
Law and Regulations Examination
Clinical hours
Complete 25 clinical observation hours and 75 clinical assisting or clinical practice hours. A Board-approved alternative clinical-hours plan may be completed under a limited licence.
Competency documentation
Submit the competency skills checklist completed by the supervising SLP. The official provisions describe supervisor documentation of competency, not a separately identified examination.
Criminal history
Submit the required criminal history records check under Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(6).
Education
Qualify through an approved SLPA associate’s programme; an allied-health associate’s degree or higher with the five specified subject courses; or a baccalaureate in SLP or communication sciences and disorders, under COMAR 10.41.11.02C. The Board may approve an extenuating-circumstances exception with documented continuing education.
Good moral character
Good moral character is required.
Law exam
Complete the Board's required electronic Law and Regulations Examination and have completion on file before the application is considered complete. Follow the Board's examination instructions for the applicable passing standard.
Limited practice
Obtain a limited licence and complete at least 9 months of supervised practice, with a delegation agreement for each supervising SLP.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral competency as required by Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(5).

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Limited License

Limited license permitting supervised practice as a speech-language pathology assistant while completing licensing requirements.

Licensing authority: Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists · Application information

Initial assistant limited licensure — alternative hours plan
Law and Regulations Examination
Clinical hours
The applicant submits a Board-approved alternative plan under COMAR 10.41.11.02D(2); complete hours in 60 days under 100% direct supervision during client contact, and submit successful completion by 90 days or the limited licence is void.
Competency documentation
During limited practice, the supervisor ensures completion of the competency checklist; submit it at least 60 days before the limited licence expires. It is not a separately identified examination.
Criminal history
Submit the required criminal history records check under Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(6).
Education
Qualify through an approved SLPA associate’s programme; an allied-health associate’s degree or higher with the five specified subject courses; or a baccalaureate in SLP or communication sciences and disorders, under COMAR 10.41.11.02C. The Board may approve an extenuating-circumstances exception with documented continuing education.
Good moral character
Good moral character is required.
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Limited practice
Obtain the limited licence before starting supervised practice and submit a delegation agreement for each supervising SLP; complete at least 9 months during limited practice before qualifying for the full licence.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral competency as required by Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(5).
Term
The limited licence expires 12 months after its effective date; practice at least 9 months and submit the supervisor-completed competency checklist at least 60 days before expiration.
Initial assistant limited licensure — hours complete
Law and Regulations Examination
Clinical hours
The applicant has completed the 25 observation and 75 clinical hours under COMAR 10.41.11.02D(1).
Competency documentation
During limited practice, the supervisor ensures completion of the competency checklist; submit it at least 60 days before the limited licence expires. It is not a separately identified examination.
Criminal history
Submit the required criminal history records check under Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(6).
Education
Qualify through an approved SLPA associate’s programme; an allied-health associate’s degree or higher with the five specified subject courses; or a baccalaureate in SLP or communication sciences and disorders, under COMAR 10.41.11.02C. The Board may approve an extenuating-circumstances exception with documented continuing education.
Good moral character
Good moral character is required.
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Limited practice
Obtain the limited licence before starting supervised practice and submit a delegation agreement for each supervising SLP; complete at least 9 months during limited practice before qualifying for the full licence.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral competency as required by Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(5).
Term
The limited licence expires 12 months after its effective date; practice at least 9 months and submit the supervisor-completed competency checklist at least 60 days before expiration.
New assistant limited licence after statutory waiting period
Law and Regulations Examination
Clinical hours
Complete 25 clinical observation hours and 75 clinical assisting or clinical practice hours. A Board-approved alternative clinical-hours plan may be completed under a limited licence.
Competency documentation
During limited practice, the supervisor ensures completion of the competency checklist; submit it at least 60 days before the limited licence expires. It is not a separately identified examination.
Criminal history
Submit the required criminal history records check under Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(6).
Education
Qualify through an approved SLPA associate’s programme; an allied-health associate’s degree or higher with the five specified subject courses; or a baccalaureate in SLP or communication sciences and disorders, under COMAR 10.41.11.02C. The Board may approve an extenuating-circumstances exception with documented continuing education.
Good moral character
Good moral character is required.
Law exam
The Board requires a completed Law and Regulations Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Limited practice
Obtain the limited licence before starting supervised practice and submit a delegation agreement for each supervising SLP; complete at least 9 months during limited practice before qualifying for the full licence.
Military assistance
Health Occupations §§1-702 and 1-704 provide qualifying military experience and education credit, an advisor, expedited processing and issuance within 15 business days after a completed qualifying application; military status does not itself waive the identified examinations.
Oral english
Demonstrate oral competency as required by Health Occupations §2-302.3(b)(5).
Waiting period
If a limited licensee fails to receive a full licence within 2 years, wait at least 1 year before applying for another licence; a clinical-hours limited licence void at 90 days may be reapplied for under COMAR 10.41.11.02D(2)(e).
One additional year of assistant limited licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Otherwise meet limited-licence eligibility, submit the Board renewal application and pay the renewal fee.
Supervision
Maintain the applicable supervised-practice and delegation conditions.
Term
The Board may renew once for 1 additional year under Health Occupations §2-310.3(d).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Law and Regulations Examination

Provider
Maryland State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists
Format
Electronic open-book examination
Passing score
75% or greater
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Health Occupations Article, Title 2 — Maryland Audiology, Hearing Aid Dispensing, Speech–Language Pathology, and Music Therapy Act
  • COMAR 10.41.02 — Code of Ethics
  • COMAR 10.41.03 — Licensure and Continuing Education
  • COMAR 10.41.04 — Rules of Procedure for Board Hearings
  • COMAR 10.41.05 — Music Therapy
  • COMAR 10.41.06 — Telehealth Communication
  • COMAR 10.41.07 — Cerumen Management
  • COMAR 10.41.08 — Hearing Aid Dispensing
  • COMAR 10.41.09 — Civil Penalties
  • COMAR 10.41.10 — Compelling Purpose Disclosure
  • COMAR 10.41.11 — Speech-Language Pathology Assistants and Audiology Assistants
  • COMAR 10.41.12 — Supervision of Students
  • COMAR 10.41.13 — Sanctioning Guidelines
Examination sources

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