How to Become a Speech Pathologist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before filling out your application, double-check that you meet all the program eligibility criteria. Some programs require completed coursework, degrees, or even volunteer and work experience.

Prerequisite Coursework for Speech Pathology Degree Programs

If your bachelor’s degree was in an area other than communication science and disorders (CSD), you may need to take CSD-related prerequisites before applying to your desired graduate speech-language pathology programs. A few online master’s in speech pathology programs offer these as optional courses that can be taken during your first semester or before application. However, many speech pathology master’s programs require completion of this coursework before candidates apply.

Additionally, ASHA certification standards require prerequisite coursework in biological science, chemistry or physics (physical science), social/behavioral science, and statistics (course acceptance is determined by the graduate program). Be sure to check with the specific schools to see how many credits you’ll need.

Some programs may require applicants to complete observation hours before admission, but ASHA’s minimum observation requirement is 25 hours of guided clinical observation, to be completed before beginning direct client/patient contact (timing can vary by program).

Speech Pathology Program Application Requirements

Speech pathology graduate programs often have application requirements that include:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Completion of prerequisites
• Strong GPA: Many online programs require a 3.0 GPA and are competitive even if the requirement is lower
• GRE test scores
• Transcripts
• A résumé
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

Once you confirm that you can fulfill these requirements, you can choose the best speech pathology school program for you and complete your master’s in speech pathology application.

After entering a speech pathology program, a graduate degree in speech-language pathology typically takes about 3 years to complete, though some can be completed in less time. SLP programs have two main components: coursework and practicum or fieldwork requirements.

Speech Pathology Coursework

Speech pathology graduate programs typically cover topics such as:

• Fluency
• Voice and resonance
• Articulation
• Receptive and expressive language
• Swallowing
• Hearing and its impact on language
• Cognitive and social aspects of communication
• Augmentative and alternative methods of communication

Your program may also require you to take other courses or electives. If you speak more than one language, you may wish to enroll in a speech pathology program that offers a bilingual speech pathology concentration. Make sure you choose a program that offers you the opportunity to pursue your preferred specialty.

Speech Therapy Master’s Programs Clinical Practicum and Field Placement Components

ASHA certification standards require a minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical experience, including 25 hours of guided clinical observation and 375 hours in direct client/patient contact. At least 325 hours must be completed at the graduate level. Supervision must be real-time and occur for at least 25% of the student’s total contact with each client/patient.

Most speech pathology master’s programs distribute clinical experience over several semesters. While many programs allow students to work while in school, you must be available for various practicum requirements. Some programs may require you to be on campus to complete clinical hours; others may place you in clinical settings near your place of residence.

Some programs require students to complete all their practicum hours consecutively for several weeks, while others allow you to complete these hours over a longer period, such as a couple of days each week. Depending on the program you choose, you may be required to spread these hours across different sites or populations.

Once you have your speech pathology degree and have completed the practicum, you are ready to complete your clinical fellowship year.

Learn about scholarships to help finance your education.

After earning your master’s in speech pathology, your state will likely require you to complete a clinical fellowship year. You may need to apply for a temporary or intern license to do this in some states. Learn more about SLP internship opportunities. Check your state’s requirements to see if this is a step you need to complete.

To become a licensed SLP, you must complete a Clinical Fellowship (CF) if required by your state. For ASHA’s CCC-SLP, the CF is at least 36 weeks and 1,260 hours, completed within 48 months, with 80% in direct clinical contact; weeks of fewer than 5 hours don’t count. Your CF must be mentored by a CCC-SLP, who provides required supervision/mentorship and submits the final report and rating form.

ASHA notes that candidates can take the Praxis before, during, or after applying for certification, and Praxis scores must be submitted directly to ASHA from ETS. For ASHA certification purposes, the current passing score for the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis (5331) is 162 on a 100–200 scale.

All states require licensure to practice as a speech pathologist, but the licensure requirements vary by state.

In many states, obtaining the ASHA CCC can fulfill many of the requirements for becoming a speech therapist. The same criteria for the CCC often serve as the standard for state licensure, but a CCC isn’t usually required to obtain state licensure. However, requirements for state licensure may change if you hold a higher degree in the field. There may be other exceptions, with certain states waiving requirements for physicians, federal employees, and other professionals. It’s always best to check with your state licensing board to ensure you meet all requirements or qualify for the available exceptions.

Additionally, some states may require those for whom English is a second language to demonstrate proficiency in English. If you speak more than one language fluently, you may also want to explore becoming a bilingual speech pathologist.

If you need or want to obtain your CCC-SLP, you must submit an application with the following to ASHA:

• Passing the Praxis exam scores
• Graduate transcript
• Clinical fellowship report and rating form
• Disclosure documents
• Fees

ASHA fees by applicant type:

• National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) conversion: $240
• Certification and ASHA membership: $490
• Certification without ASHA membership: $455
• Dual certification: $256

Current ASHA dues/fees are subject to change; refer to ASHA for the latest amounts. Fees were last retrieved in March 2026.

Once you are certified and licensed, you will need to maintain these credentials through continued education and renewal fees. Learn more about state requirements for maintaining licensure from ASHA.

Requirements for maintaining a CCC-SLP:
• 30 hours of certification maintenance each three-year cycle, submitted via a compliance form, including one hour in ethics and at least two hours in cultural competency, cultural humility, culturally responsive practice, or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
• Abiding by the ASHA code of ethics
• Payment of annual dues or annual certification fee

Annual renewal dues/fees are currently $250 annually for certified members and $221 annually for certified non-members (amounts subject to change).

• Certified member: $225
• Graduate student certified member: $135
• Member without certification: $84
• Certified nonmember: $199
• Life member: $64
• International affiliate: $75
• Assistants: $125

Data from ASHA, last updated March 2026.