Georgia Speech Pathology State License Guide

A speech pathology state license in Georgia requires candidates to have a master’s degree. They will also need to follow the guidelines from the Georgia Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.1

The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)2 based on Georgia’s rules and regulations for state licensure. Please note that requirements/information may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

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Summary of Georgia Speech Pathology State License Requirements

Georgia speech pathology licensure requires a master’s in speech pathology or its equivalent. Candidates must also complete clinical observation hours, complete a professional experience and pass a national exam. A Georgia speech pathology license now has a 20% increase in demand with licensees working in schools as well as health care facilities.2

Don’t have your master’s degree? Learn how to get your masters in speech pathology.

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Georgia

According to ASHA1, qualifying for Georgia speech pathology licensure requires candidates meet certain criteria. For speech pathology license verification, candidates must:

  1. Obtain a speech pathology master’s or higher degree from an accredited program. The program should incorporate the 75 credit hours of classwork with 36 hours earned at the graduate level.1
  2. Complete a supervised clinical practicum in a variety of areas working with adults and children with any communication disorder. The experience must be with an accredited program and amount to 375 clock hours of direct supervision and 25 clock hours of observation. At least 325 of the 400 hours must be completed at the graduate level.1
  3. Complete a required nine-month professional experience in a part-time or full-time setting.1
  4. Pass a national examination approved by the Board.1
  5. Show continuation of study via two CEUs within two years preceding application.1

Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Georgia

The following individuals are exempt from Georgia speech language pathology licensure: certified SLPs who are employees of an educational institution as well as students, interns and clinical fellows.1

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Georgia

Applicants seeking Georgia speech pathology licensure who are licensed in another state may be verified if their state criteria is equivalent. SLP applicants who hold a CCC, or a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, may also receive a Georgia speech pathology license.1

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Georgia

An interim license is required for the paid clinical experience/required professional experience fellowship. The supervisors must hold a speech pathology license in Georgia and may supervise only two fellows at a time. The license is valid for one year and may be renewed once.1

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Georgia

Maintaining your Georgia license requires completion of continuing education hours; 20 clock hours or 2.0 CEUs are required per biennium. A dual license holder must complete 2.0 CEUs per biennium in each field to maintain their Georgia license.1

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Georgia

Speech licensure in Georgia is guided by the Georgia Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. Their website can guide candidates on speech licensure in Georgia with more information on application as well as license laws/regulations. 

Georgia SLP Licensing Board Oversight

Georgia SLP licensing is monitored by the Georgia Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. The Board protects public health and safety of Georgia and examines all licenses and regulations set upon SLPs in the state.

Georgia Speech Language Hearing Association

Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association

P.O. Box 1867

Buford, GA 30515

Contact: Janna Buchan, Executive Director

Phone: 770-405-9552              

Email: execdir@gsha.org

Georgia Regulatory Agencies

Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensing Board

237 Coliseum Drive 

Macon, GA 31217-3858

Contact: Brig Zimmerman, Executive Director

Phone: 478-207-2440  

Email: jzimmerman@sos.ga.gov

Georgia Hearing Screening Contacts

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention

Georgia Department of Public Health

2 Peachtree Street NW, 11th Floor

Atlanta, GA 30303

Phone: 404-657-4143 

Georgia School Health

Georgia Department of Public Health

2 Peachtree Street, NW, 9th Floor

Atlanta, GA 30303

Contact: Sara Kroening, Deputy Chief Nurse for School Health         

E-mail: schoolhealth@dph.ga.gov

Georgia ASHA Network Representatives

1The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Georgia Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed December 2020. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference

2The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Georgia State Flyer (PDF, 261 KB),” accessed December 2020. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference

Information Last Updated December 2020

Sponsored online speech pathology programs

Online MS: Pursue SLP Certification. Study FT/PT

Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.

  • Prepares you to pursue certification as an SLP generalist
  • In-person clinical placements at faculty-approved partner sites
  • As few as 20 months to complete

info SPONSORED

Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.

  • Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure 
  • Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation 
  • As few as six terms to complete 
  • Full-time and part-time plans of study

info SPONSORED