Applicants for a speech pathology license are required to have a master’s degree in the area of speech pathology. They also must complete clinical hours and pass an SLP exam.
The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)1 based on Arkansas’ 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 Arkansas Speech Pathology State License Requirements
Arkansas speech pathology licensure requires an applicant to have a master’s degree in the area of speech pathology as well as clinical observation hours to reach the 27% increase in demand for the profession.2 Arkansas holds six accredited institutions who offer the master’s in speech pathology, or applicants can seek the degree out of state.1 There are requirements for support personnel and teachers who work in this area. Early intervention and telepractice requirements are needed to assist those who need these services. Learn more about a master’s degree in speech pathology.
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Arkansas
The Arkansas Board of Examiners – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) requires conditions to be met before an applicant can be licensed in this state.
- Speech pathology candidates must have a master’s degree in communicative disorders.
- Arkansas speech-language licensure applicants must complete 36 weeks of supervised, paid full-time or part-time professional experience. For an Arkansas speech language license, an applicant will have a grace period to work while their initial application is being processed. When the application is received, a letter will be sent to the applicant beginning the grace period.
- Applicants must also pass the national Praxis exam for speech pathology license verification.
Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Arkansas
Individuals exempt from Arkansa speech language pathology licensure include physicians and state-licensed individuals who work in the profession or occupation for which they are licensed. Educators who are certified by their state Board of Education to work in the public school setting are also exempt. Further exemptions for Arkansas speech pathology license include students who work as speech-language pathology interns or trainees, a person who holds a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology but is supervised by a licensee, nonresidents who are licensed in another state and work in disability services, and nonresidents licensed in another state with similar standards.1
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Arkansas
Arkansas speech therapy licensure requires reciprocity from the Arkansas Board of Examiners – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to any applicant licensed in another state, the District of Columbia or U.S. territory with equivalent standards. The Board may also grant licenses to American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) holders.1
Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Arkansas
Applicants for a provisional speech pathology license in Arkansas must have a master’s degree and be in the process of completing the paid professional experience and passing their exam. The application must be made within 30 days of beginning the professional experience. This license may be renewed annually for up to 36 months. A submitted application for provisional speech pathology licensure in Arkansas must include the completed application form, application fee and signed completion plan from the clinical fellowship experience.1
Continuing Education for Speech-Language Pathologists in Arkansas
Maintaining your Arkansas license requires you as the SLP to complete 10 clock hours of continuing education per year, with at least five hours from Content Area I. Dual licensees must complete 15 CE hours per year, with at least five hours from the same content area.1
Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Arkansas
For more information on speech pathology licensure in Arkansas, potential applicants can contact the Arkansas Board of Examiners – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Arkansas SLP Licensing Board Oversight
Arkansas SLP licensing is monitored by the Arkansas Board of Examiners – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The Board can assist with those currently licensed, seeking licensing, or searching for a professional.
Arkansas Speech Language Hearing Association
Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association
c/o Best Association Management
P.O. Box 24103
Little Rock, AR 72221
Contact: Marilyn Porterfield, Executive Director
Phone: 501-244-0621
Email: arksha@arksha.org
Arkansas Regulatory Agencies
Arkansas Board of Examiners – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
101 East Capitol, Suite 103
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-9180
Email: abespa@arkansas.gov
Arkansas Hearing Screening Contacts
Arkansas Department of Health
4815 West Markham, Slot 20
Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
Phone: 501-280-4740
Email: adhinfanthearing@arkansas.gov
Arkansas Department of Education
Four Capitol Mall, Slot #14
Little Rock, AR 72201
Contact: Jerri Clark, School Health Services Director
Phone: 501-683-3604
Email: Jerri.clark@arkansas.gov
Arkansas ASHA Network Representatives
- State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs) – Lauren Rogers slp.laurenrogers@gmail.com; Carol Fleming carol.fleming@lrsd.org
- State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS) – Cheri Stevenson (SLP) cheri@accessschools.org
- State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP) Network – Portia Carr (SLP) PSCarr@uams.edu
1 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Arkansas Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed December 2020. ⬆
2 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Arkansas State Flyer (PDF, 261 KB),” accessed December 2020. ⬆
Information Last Updated June 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
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
SPONSORED