Arizona Speech Pathology State License Guide

Applicants for an Arizona speech pathology license must meet certain criteria before verification can occur. These criteria include not only a master’s degree but also a supervised practicum and passage of an exam.   

The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)1 based on Arizona’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 Arizona Speech Pathology State License Requirements

In 2020, the number of individuals with an Arizona Speech Pathology license was close to 3,000. These individuals must have a master’s in speech pathology as well as complete clinical observation hours in a supervised setting. Arizona speech pathology licensure has a 27% demand in the state. Arizona also has five accredited institutions where a student can acquire their needed degree before pursuing licensure.

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Arizona

According to ASHA2, applicants for Arizona speech pathology licensure must meet the following criteria before license verification:

  1. Speech pathology applicants must have a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or equivalent from an accredited institution that is consistent with the state’s universities.
  2. Speech pathology applicants must complete a supervised clinical practicum for an Arizona speech pathology license. 
  3. Speech pathology applicants must complete a postgraduate professional experience that is approved by the director. 
  4. Speech pathology applicants must pass an exam at the conclusion of their studies. 

If an individual already possesses a license, then they must notify the Speech and Hearing Professionals Advisory committee in writing where they practice speech-language pathology. 

Speech-Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Arizona

Individuals who are exempt from Arizona speech-language pathology licensure include any Title 32 Arizona-licensed or health care professional and employees of a local education agency/state-supported institution who hold a temporary speech-language pathology certification granted by the Board of Education.1

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Arizona

Individuals seeking Arizona speech therapy licensure may receive a temporary license while waiting on a license application. The applicant can practice if they hold an active and unrestricted license in another state, they have never had a license revoked or suspended, or they are not the subject of an unresolved complaint against their current license. This temporary license expires 30 days after granted or on approval or denial of the license application.

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Arizona

The Department of Health Services may grant a speech pathology license in Arizona if the individual meets the professional experience requirement and all other requirements. For speech therapy license verification, the application must include a plan for meeting the postgraduate professional experience.1

Continuing Education for Speech-Language Pathologists in Arizona

In order for a speech pathologist to maintain their Arizona license, 20 hours of continuing education are needed. These CE hours are required every two years. 

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Arizona

For further information, individuals seeking speech pathology licensure in Arizona can refer to the Arizona Department of Health Services. They can assist in matters dealing with Arizona speech pathology licensure and public health licensing services. 

Arizona SLP Licensing Board Oversight

Arizona SLP licensing is regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services. The Department offers assistance on service providers and licensing standards as well as information on exams and continuing education. 

Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association

c/o Craven Management

700 McKnight Park Drive, Suite 708

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Contact: Kierstin Mitro, Account Manager

Phone: 855-727-2836

Email: arsha@arsha.org

Arizona Regulatory Agencies

Speech and Hearing Professionals Advisory Committee

Arizona Department of Health Services

150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 460

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Contact: Jay Griffin

Phone: 602-364-2079  

Email: Special.Licensing@azdhs.gov 

Educator Certification

Arizona Department of Education

P.O. Box 6490

Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490

Phone: 602-542-4367

Email: certification@azed.gov

Arizona Hearing Screening Contacts

Office of Newborn Screening

Arizona Department of Health Services

250 N. 18th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Phone: 602-364-1409

Email: nbseducation@azdhs.gov

School-Age Hearing Screening Program

Arizona Department of Health Services

150 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 320

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Phone: 602-364-2446  

Email: sensoryprogram@azdhs.gov

Arizona ASHA Network Representatives

1 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Arizona Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed December 2020. 


2 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Arizona State Flyer (PDF, 269 KB),” accessed December 2020. 

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