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Ohio Speech-Language Pathology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Conditional Speech-Language Pathology License

Licensing authority: Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board · Application information

Conditional license for supervised professional experience
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit fees, photograph, university letter or transcript. Final transcript is due within 90 days if a university letter supports issuance.
Clinical experience
Document supervised clinical experience under R.C. 4753.06(D) and O.A.C. 4753-3-05. Non-accredited programs must document 400 hours (25 observation and 375 practicum), including 325 graduate-level hours and the rule’s category, setting and supervision requirements.
Criminal records
Complete the initial-license criminal records check under R.C. 4753.061.
Education
Submit an official transcript showing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or a Board-determined equivalent; meet O.A.C. 4753-3-04 coursework requirements. Accredited graduate programs meet the specified coursework through the rule’s accreditation provision.
Plan timing
The rule requires a plan with the conditional application; Board FAQ questions 10–11 instruct submitting the plan after issuance and within 30 days after beginning the CFY. Follow the Board’s stated submission procedure while retaining the statutory plan requirement.
Praxis score
The Board’s conditional-license rule specifies at least 162 on Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331. Authorize ETS to report the score directly to the Board. Passing before application does not remove this examination from the requirement.
Supervision
Practice only after issuance, under an approved experience plan and fully licensed Ohio SLP supervisor meeting O.A.C. 4753-3-07(D). No clinical supervision of students, aides or other practitioners by the conditional licensee.
Term
Valid for 18 months unless suspended or revoked.
Recognition of out of state occupational license or government certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Authorization
Hold a substantially similar license for the same occupation, or government certification from the uniformed services or a nonlicensing jurisdiction; hold it for one year and practice for one of the preceding five years unless the Board waives those time requirements.
Background check
R.C. 4796.08(B) retains any required criminal records check.
Conditional scope
The authorization remains a conditional license for supervised professional experience; it is not an ordinary independent-practice license.
Disciplinary history
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional occupational misconduct; meet disqualifying-offense and fee requirements in R.C. 4796.03(E)–(G). Pending complaints or investigations delay the decision under R.C. 4796.20.
Exam boundary
Chapter 4796 specifies the recognition prerequisites and retains only an Ohio laws-and-rules examination if this profession otherwise requires one under R.C. 4796.08(A); O.A.C. 4753-3-06 and 4753-3-07 identify ETS Praxis rather than a state laws-and-rules examination. No new Ohio examination is a prerequisite of these recognition pathways.
Good standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction. Originating education, training, experience or examination qualification under R.C. 4796.03(D) is evidence for the originating authorization, not a named Ohio examination.
Personal capacity
Apply as an individual and satisfy R.C. 4796.26.
Restrictions
The Board may limit or restrict this license under R.C. 4796.10 for a disqualifying offense and may apply relevant non-examination disciplinary and fitness requirements under R.C. 4796.11–4796.13.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Recognition of private certification and qualifying practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
R.C. 4796.08(B) retains any required criminal records check.
Certification
Hold qualifying private certification for two years and practice for two of the preceding five years in a jurisdiction that issues neither occupational licenses nor government certifications for this occupation, unless the Board waives those time requirements. Be in good standing with the certifier.
Conditional scope
The authorization remains a conditional license for supervised professional experience; it is not an ordinary independent-practice license.
Disciplinary history
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional occupational misconduct; meet disqualifying-offense and fee requirements in R.C. 4796.03(E)–(G). Pending complaints or investigations delay the decision under R.C. 4796.20.
Exam boundary
Chapter 4796 specifies the recognition prerequisites and retains only an Ohio laws-and-rules examination if this profession otherwise requires one under R.C. 4796.08(A); O.A.C. 4753-3-06 and 4753-3-07 identify ETS Praxis rather than a state laws-and-rules examination. No new Ohio examination is a prerequisite of these recognition pathways.
Personal capacity
Apply as an individual and satisfy R.C. 4796.26.
Restrictions
The Board may limit or restrict this license under R.C. 4796.10 for a disqualifying offense and may apply relevant non-examination disciplinary and fitness requirements under R.C. 4796.11–4796.13.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Recognition of qualifying work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
R.C. 4796.08(B) retains any required criminal records check.
Conditional scope
The authorization remains a conditional license for supervised professional experience; it is not an ordinary independent-practice license.
Disciplinary history
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional occupational misconduct; meet disqualifying-offense and fee requirements in R.C. 4796.03(E)–(G). Pending complaints or investigations delay the decision under R.C. 4796.20.
Exam boundary
Chapter 4796 specifies the recognition prerequisites and retains only an Ohio laws-and-rules examination if this profession otherwise requires one under R.C. 4796.08(A); O.A.C. 4753-3-06 and 4753-3-07 identify ETS Praxis rather than a state laws-and-rules examination. No new Ohio examination is a prerequisite of these recognition pathways.
Experience
Practice the same occupation for three of the preceding five years in a jurisdiction that does not license or government-certify it, or in the uniformed services, subject to the Board’s statutory waiver power.
Personal capacity
Apply as an individual and satisfy R.C. 4796.26.
Restrictions
The Board may limit or restrict this license under R.C. 4796.10 for a disqualifying offense and may apply relevant non-examination disciplinary and fitness requirements under R.C. 4796.11–4796.13.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Second conditional license for unfinished professional experience
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Eligibility
Existing conditional licensee has not completed supervised experience; Board must find good cause based on progress, efforts to obtain employment and time needed. Submit another application and fee.
Practice
Apply before the first license expires to continue under the approved plan; otherwise stop services until the second license issues.
Praxis score
The existing conditional license rests on a passing Praxis 5331 score under the conditional prerequisites; no separate examination is named for the second application.
Term
The Board fixes the second conditional term at 18 months.
Regular license elected in place of temporary military license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Authorization
Hold a valid corresponding occupational license from another state or jurisdiction and be in good standing; the temporary conditional route accepts its equivalent.
Board election
R.C. 4743.041(C) permits the Board to issue the regular license instead of the temporary license, with the same military eligibility and statutory issuance deadline; this is the Board’s election.
Criminal records
Submit the required initial criminal records check.
Fees
Fee waiver is expressly for temporary licenses; any fee treatment for a regular license follows the Board’s application instructions.
Military duty
Applicant or applicant’s spouse is on military duty in Ohio; provide proof.
Renewal
The Board verifies originating license good standing on renewal; loss of license or qualifying spousal status can require denial or revocation.
Term
The regular license follows its ordinary license term and renewal rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-03-20.

Speech-Language Pathologist License

Ordinary Ohio speech-language pathology license. Inactive classification and disciplinary restrictions are statuses of this license. Compact privileges are Commission authorizations rather than separate Board-issued licenses; R.C. 4753.17 Section 3(I) preserves single-state issuance requirements and the Board compact page directs privilege applications to Compact Connect.

Licensing authority: Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board · Application information

Licensure by ASHA certificate of clinical competence waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the application, photograph, fees and criminal records check.
Certification
Present a current ASHA certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology in good standing; ASHA must send verification directly. R.C. 4753.08(B) waives examination, education and professional experience requirements.
Lawful ohio experience
Certification obtained from professional experience in Ohio that violated Ohio law or rules does not qualify for waiver.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal attestation and all fees before expiry; comply with any audit.
Continuing education
Twenty hours in the preceding two-year licensure period, including ten clinical SLP hours and two ethics hours. First renewal is exempt. Qualifying volunteering may supply up to six hours; optional continuing-education post-tests are training evidence, not a separately identified licensure examination.
Term
Renew biennially; Board materials identify December 31 of even-numbered years as expiry.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-05.

Relicensure after prolonged expiration by ASHA CCC waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reapplication, fees and required documentation.
Certification
Current good-standing ASHA CCC-SLP supports R.C. 4753.08(B) waiver; obtain direct verification.
Continuing education
Submit Board-required prior-license CE documentation under O.A.C. 4753-4-01(A)(7); after extended nonpractice, the Board may impose additional competency measures.
Expiry
Application is one year or longer after renewal became due.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Relicensure after prolonged expiration under R.C. 4753.06
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit complete Board forms, photograph and applicable fees.
Board stated alternatives
O.A.C. 4753-3-10(E)(2) offers current certification, equal-standard out-of-state authorization or continuing-education documentation. R.C. 4753.09 directs relicensure under R.C. 4753.06 or 4753.08(B); the examination leaf follows that statute.
Clinical experience
Document supervised clinical experience under R.C. 4753.06(D) and O.A.C. 4753-3-05. Non-accredited programs must document 400 hours (25 observation and 375 practicum), including 325 graduate-level hours and the rule’s category, setting and supervision requirements.
Criminal records
Complete the initial-license criminal records check under R.C. 4753.061.
Education
Submit an official transcript showing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or a Board-determined equivalent; meet O.A.C. 4753-3-04 coursework requirements. Accredited graduate programs meet the specified coursework through the rule’s accreditation provision.
Expiry
Renewal application made one year or longer after it is due; apply anew under R.C. 4753.06 if not using the ASHA CCC waiver.
Extended absence
After more than five years without practice, the Board may require additional education, mentorship, performance appraisals, coursework or a professional development plan.
Other assessments
O.A.C. 4753-3-06 permits other practical, oral or written examinations that the Board determines necessary; it identifies no additional specific examination. Such slots remain applicant conditions.
Praxis score
The Board’s conditional-license rule specifies at least 162 on Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331. Authorize ETS to report the score directly to the Board. Passing before application does not remove this examination from the requirement.
Professional experience
Complete Board-approved supervised clinical work under a conditional license: at least 30 hours weekly for 36 weeks or 15 hours weekly for 72 weeks; submit professional experience report and supervision log within 30 days of completion.
Initial licensure with foreign professional preparation
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit complete Board forms, photograph and applicable fees.
Clinical experience
Document supervised clinical experience under R.C. 4753.06(D) and O.A.C. 4753-3-05. Non-accredited programs must document 400 hours (25 observation and 375 practicum), including 325 graduate-level hours and the rule’s category, setting and supervision requirements.
Criminal records
Complete the initial-license criminal records check under R.C. 4753.061.
Education
Submit an official transcript showing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or a Board-determined equivalent; meet O.A.C. 4753-3-04 coursework requirements. Accredited graduate programs meet the specified coursework through the rule’s accreditation provision.
Foreign preparation
O.A.C. 4753-3-01(E) requires Board equivalency review of education, clinical and professional experience obtained in another country and requires passing the ETS national examination in the area sought.
Other assessments
O.A.C. 4753-3-06 permits other practical, oral or written examinations that the Board determines necessary; it identifies no additional specific examination. Such slots remain applicant conditions.
Praxis score
The Board’s conditional-license rule specifies at least 162 on Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331. Authorize ETS to report the score directly to the Board. Passing before application does not remove this examination from the requirement.
Professional experience
Complete Board-approved supervised clinical work under a conditional license: at least 30 hours weekly for 36 weeks or 15 hours weekly for 72 weeks; submit professional experience report and supervision log within 30 days of completion.
Classification of existing license as inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Existing license is in good standing with no complaint, investigation or disciplinary action; apply at biennial renewal, submit fee and signed nonpractice statement.
Practice
No practice or representation as actively licensed while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Initial licensure by examination
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Application
Submit complete Board forms, photograph and applicable fees.
Clinical experience
Document supervised clinical experience under R.C. 4753.06(D) and O.A.C. 4753-3-05. Non-accredited programs must document 400 hours (25 observation and 375 practicum), including 325 graduate-level hours and the rule’s category, setting and supervision requirements.
Criminal records
Complete the initial-license criminal records check under R.C. 4753.061.
Education
Submit an official transcript showing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or a Board-determined equivalent; meet O.A.C. 4753-3-04 coursework requirements. Accredited graduate programs meet the specified coursework through the rule’s accreditation provision.
Other assessments
O.A.C. 4753-3-06 permits other practical, oral or written examinations that the Board determines necessary; it identifies no additional specific examination. Such slots remain applicant conditions.
Praxis score
The Board’s conditional-license rule specifies at least 162 on Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331. Authorize ETS to report the score directly to the Board. Passing before application does not remove this examination from the requirement.
Professional experience
Complete Board-approved supervised clinical work under a conditional license: at least 30 hours weekly for 36 weeks or 15 hours weekly for 72 weeks; submit professional experience report and supervision log within 30 days of completion.
Late renewal within one year of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
License expired for one year or less; submit renewal application, continuing education attestation and renewal plus late fees. Do not practice while expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Recognition of out of state occupational license or government certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Authorization
Hold a substantially similar license for the same occupation, or government certification from the uniformed services or a nonlicensing jurisdiction; hold it for one year and practice for one of the preceding five years unless the Board waives those time requirements.
Background check
R.C. 4796.08(B) retains any required criminal records check.
Board documentation
O.A.C. 4753-3-01(D)(2) and the Board Application Guide reciprocity column require direct verification, the originating licensing law in effect at licensure, transcript, photo, fee and background check for applicants without ASHA CCC. These documentation demands remain conditions; the current statute directs issuance under Chapter 4796.
Disciplinary history
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional occupational misconduct; meet disqualifying-offense and fee requirements in R.C. 4796.03(E)–(G). Pending complaints or investigations delay the decision under R.C. 4796.20.
Exam boundary
Chapter 4796 specifies the recognition prerequisites and retains only an Ohio laws-and-rules examination if this profession otherwise requires one under R.C. 4796.08(A); O.A.C. 4753-3-06 and 4753-3-07 identify ETS Praxis rather than a state laws-and-rules examination. No new Ohio examination is a prerequisite of these recognition pathways.
Good standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction. Originating education, training, experience or examination qualification under R.C. 4796.03(D) is evidence for the originating authorization, not a named Ohio examination.
Personal capacity
Apply as an individual and satisfy R.C. 4796.26.
Restrictions
The Board may limit or restrict this license under R.C. 4796.10 for a disqualifying offense and may apply relevant non-examination disciplinary and fitness requirements under R.C. 4796.11–4796.13.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Recognition of private certification and qualifying practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
R.C. 4796.08(B) retains any required criminal records check.
Certification
Hold qualifying private certification for two years and practice for two of the preceding five years in a jurisdiction that issues neither occupational licenses nor government certifications for this occupation, unless the Board waives those time requirements. Be in good standing with the certifier.
Disciplinary history
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional occupational misconduct; meet disqualifying-offense and fee requirements in R.C. 4796.03(E)–(G). Pending complaints or investigations delay the decision under R.C. 4796.20.
Exam boundary
Chapter 4796 specifies the recognition prerequisites and retains only an Ohio laws-and-rules examination if this profession otherwise requires one under R.C. 4796.08(A); O.A.C. 4753-3-06 and 4753-3-07 identify ETS Praxis rather than a state laws-and-rules examination. No new Ohio examination is a prerequisite of these recognition pathways.
Personal capacity
Apply as an individual and satisfy R.C. 4796.26.
Restrictions
The Board may limit or restrict this license under R.C. 4796.10 for a disqualifying offense and may apply relevant non-examination disciplinary and fitness requirements under R.C. 4796.11–4796.13.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Recognition of qualifying work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
R.C. 4796.08(B) retains any required criminal records check.
Disciplinary history
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional occupational misconduct; meet disqualifying-offense and fee requirements in R.C. 4796.03(E)–(G). Pending complaints or investigations delay the decision under R.C. 4796.20.
Exam boundary
Chapter 4796 specifies the recognition prerequisites and retains only an Ohio laws-and-rules examination if this profession otherwise requires one under R.C. 4796.08(A); O.A.C. 4753-3-06 and 4753-3-07 identify ETS Praxis rather than a state laws-and-rules examination. No new Ohio examination is a prerequisite of these recognition pathways.
Experience
Practice the same occupation for three of the preceding five years in a jurisdiction that does not license or government-certify it, or in the uniformed services, subject to the Board’s statutory waiver power.
Personal capacity
Apply as an individual and satisfy R.C. 4796.26.
Restrictions
The Board may limit or restrict this license under R.C. 4796.10 for a disqualifying offense and may apply relevant non-examination disciplinary and fitness requirements under R.C. 4796.11–4796.13.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Renewal of expired license after military related absence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Absence
Nonrenewal arose from licensee military service or spouse service that caused absence from Ohio.
Continuing education
Meet O.A.C. 4753-3-10(E) and (F); request any applicable military CE extension.
Documentation
Present evidence of honorable discharge or release within six months; absent denial grounds, renew at usual cost without penalty or re-examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Regular license elected in place of temporary military license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Authorization
Hold a valid corresponding occupational license from another state or jurisdiction and be in good standing; the temporary conditional route accepts its equivalent.
Board election
R.C. 4743.041(C) permits the Board to issue the regular license instead of the temporary license, with the same military eligibility and statutory issuance deadline; this is the Board’s election.
Criminal records
Submit the required initial criminal records check.
Fees
Fee waiver is expressly for temporary licenses; any fee treatment for a regular license follows the Board’s application instructions.
Military duty
Applicant or applicant’s spouse is on military duty in Ohio; provide proof.
Renewal
The Board verifies originating license good standing on renewal; loss of license or qualifying spousal status can require denial or revocation.
Term
The regular license follows its ordinary license term and renewal rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-03-20.

Restoration from inactive status: 12 to 24 months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit signed restoration application, fee and evidence requested on the form.
Competency
Applicants who have not practiced for more than five years may be assigned performance appraisals, mentorship, additional CE, coursework or a development plan; no specific licensure examination is identified.
Continuing education
Document at least 20 contact hours completed in the two years immediately before restoration; those hours cannot be reused to renew the restored license. Document an additional 20 hours during inactivity; additional hours may count for first renewal if earned in its qualifying two-year period.
Inactive period
12 to 24 months

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Restoration from inactive status: 25 to 48 months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit signed restoration application, fee and evidence requested on the form.
Competency
Applicants who have not practiced for more than five years may be assigned performance appraisals, mentorship, additional CE, coursework or a development plan; no specific licensure examination is identified.
Continuing education
Document at least 20 contact hours completed in the two years immediately before restoration; those hours cannot be reused to renew the restored license. Document an additional 40 hours during inactivity; additional hours may count for first renewal if earned in its qualifying two-year period.
Inactive period
25 to 48 months

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Restoration from inactive status: 49 to 60 months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit signed restoration application, fee and evidence requested on the form.
Competency
Applicants who have not practiced for more than five years may be assigned performance appraisals, mentorship, additional CE, coursework or a development plan; no specific licensure examination is identified.
Continuing education
Document at least 20 contact hours completed in the two years immediately before restoration; those hours cannot be reused to renew the restored license. Document an additional 50 hours during inactivity; additional hours may count for first renewal if earned in its qualifying two-year period.
Inactive period
49 to 60 months

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Restoration from inactive status: more than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit signed restoration application, fee and evidence requested on the form.
Competency
Applicants who have not practiced for more than five years may be assigned performance appraisals, mentorship, additional CE, coursework or a development plan; no specific licensure examination is identified.
Continuing education
Document at least 20 contact hours completed in the two years immediately before restoration; those hours cannot be reused to renew the restored license.
Inactive period
more than five years

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Restoration from inactive status: less than 12 months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit signed restoration application, fee and evidence requested on the form.
Competency
Applicants who have not practiced for more than five years may be assigned performance appraisals, mentorship, additional CE, coursework or a development plan; no specific licensure examination is identified.
Continuing education
Document at least 20 contact hours completed in the two years immediately before restoration; those hours cannot be reused to renew the restored license. Document an additional 10 hours during inactivity; additional hours may count for first renewal if earned in its qualifying two-year period.
Inactive period
less than 12 months

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

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