A speech pathology state license in Pennsylvania allows licensees to assess and treat communication and speech-language disorders. This guide details the requirements for potential candidates and those who are licensed in other states.1
The information below has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on Pennsylvania’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.1
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Summary of Pennsylvania Speech Pathology State License Requirements
Pennsylvania speech pathology licensure requires potential licensees to have a master’s degree in speech pathology. The other requirements include completion of a clinical practicum and a supervised professional experience. Clinical observation hours will be included in both the practicum and the professional experience. Applicants must also pass a national exam for a Pennsylvania speech pathology license.1
Don’t have a master’s degree? Learn how to get your master’s degree in speech pathology.
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Pennsylvania
According to ASHA1, Pennsylvania speech pathology licensure requires specific criteria be met before license verification. Candidates must do the following:1
- Earn a master’s degree from an accredited academic program
- Complete a clinical practicum with 375 hours.
- Complete a supervised professional experience with at least 1,260 hours in no less than 9 months and no more than 2 years.
- Take and pass a national examination.
- Complete the required Act 31 child abuse recognition and reporting training (3 hours) for initial licensure.
Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania speech pathology license exempts the following individuals: physicians and surgeons, individuals who hold a valid credential issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in the area of speech or hearing and who are employed in public or private elementary and secondary schools or institutions chartered by the Commonwealth, students/trainees, persons licensed or registered in Pennsylvania who are engaging in the profession or occupation for which they are licensed or registered, and individuals employed by the Commonwealth or the Federal Government as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist when performing services solely within the scope of that employment, and organizations engaged in the practice of speech-language pathology, as long as it employs licensed individuals to provide the direct practice.
Nonresidents may practice speech-language pathology or audiology in Pennsylvania for no more than five days in any calendar year if they meet Pennsylvania’s licensure qualifications or are licensed in another state with requirements deemed at least equivalent, and if the services are performed in cooperation with a Pennsylvania-licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers licensure by reciprocity for applicants who hold a currently valid license in another state with standards determined by the Board to be at least equal to Pennsylvania’s requirements. Waivers can also be granted to holders of a Certificate of Clinical Competence.1
Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania may issue a provisional license to certain speech-language pathology applicants, including (1) applicants who have completed the requirements in 49 Pa. Code § 45.12(b)(1) (valid for 6 months from the date the licensure application is submitted) and (2) applicants who are completing the supervised professional experience necessary to receive an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (valid for 18 months and renewable one time). Individuals who hold a valid license in another state and apply for Pennsylvania licensure may also apply for a provisional license, which is valid for 90 days.
Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Pennsylvania
Maintaining Pennsylvania speech pathology licensure requires the completion of continuing education hours. Twenty (20) clock hours are required per biennial renewal period, and the 20 hours must include 2 hours of the mandated Act 31 child abuse reporter training.
Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Pennsylvania
For further information, potential applicants for speech licensure in Pennsylvania can contact the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs, State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. More information for speech pathology licensure can be found via the Board’s Pennsylvania Department of State webpage and the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) portal.
Pennsylvania SLP Licensing Board Oversight
Pennsylvania SLP licensing is monitored by the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs, State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The Board oversees the rules and regulations, as well as license verification, for the state of Pennsylvania. For more information, visit the Board’s Pennsylvania Department of State webpage and the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) portal.
Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Mailing address and additional contact details are available on PSHA’s official website.
Pennsylvania Regulatory Agencies
State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Additional licensing information, forms, and updates are available on the Board’s official Pennsylvania Department of State webpage and through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) portal.
Pennsylvania Hearing Screening Contacts
Pennsylvania Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention (Hearing) program
Program information, contacts, and updates are available on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Hearing page.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
School health resources are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Pennsylvania ASHA Network Representatives
Pennsylvania ASHA advocacy network contacts (SEALs, STARs, and StAMPs) are maintained by ASHA and may change; for the most current listings, refer to ASHA’s State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs) directory and State-Based Advocacy Networks pages.
- State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS): Cynthia Green (SLP) greency@ohsu.edu
- State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP) Network: Lindsay Baustien (SLP) lbaustien@gmail.com
1The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Pennsylvania Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed February 2026. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
Information Last Updated in February 2026
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
AD
Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University’s online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program combines a robust, innovative curriculum rooted in Christian values with a full-time or part-time option that features online learning, on-campus intensive experiences, and comprehensive clinical field practicums to prepare skilled, compassionate students for careers as speech-language pathologists.
- Full-time (five trimesters) or part-time (eight trimesters) options available.
- No GRE scores required.
- 400+ supervised, clinical learning hours are done at schools/clinics local to students
- Three onsite experiences build a sense of camaraderie and community throughout the program
AD
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
AD