A speech pathology license in California requires the applicant to have a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, 300 hours of supervised clinical practice in at least three different settings, 36 weeks of full-time supervised experience, and a passing score on the national speech-language pathology exam in the last five years.
The information below has been found on the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) website and is based on California’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 California Speech Pathology State License Requirements
California speech pathology licensure requires a master’s in speech pathology as well as a supervised clinical practice that reaches a wide variety of age ranges and communication disorders. A California speech pathology license requires not only the practice but also work in a setting that is under the supervision of a current licensee.
Don’t have a master’s degree? Learn how to get your master’s in speech pathology.
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for California
According to ASHA, California speech pathology licensure requires the following before working in the state1:
- Speech-language pathologists need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an educational institution approved by the Board.
- Speech-language pathologists must complete a 300-hour supervised clinical practice of all ages and communication disorders – this must be completed in three different settings to gain diverse experience. The practice must be under the direction of an educational institution approved by the Board.
- Speech-language pathologists must provide evidence of completion of no less than 36 weeks of supervised professional full-time experience or 72 weeks of professional part-time experience. The practice must be under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.
- Speech-language pathologists must pass a Board-approved examination for license verification.
Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for California
California speech-language pathology licensure exempts physicians; school personnel who are properly licensed and not practicing outside the school setting; interns or trainees; federal employees; and required professional experience temporary licensee.
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in California
A California speech therapy license can be extended to holders of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). Individuals who are licensed in other states and have worked for one year, but do not possess the ASHA CCC, are exempt from the required professional experience requirement, but they must provide proof of education, clinical practicum and passage of a national exam.
Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in California
California allows a temporary license for a period of 6 months from the issued date to a speech-language pathologist who holds an unrestricted license from another state. Those who hold equivalent qualifications as determined by the Board and have submitted an application to the Board for a license are also allowed to hold a speech pathology license in California. A person who completes the required professional experience for licensure must obtain a temporary license to start working with clients.
Continuing Education for Speech-Language Pathologists in California
Speech-language pathologists are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education per license renewal period (two years) to maintain their California license. Dual licensees must complete 16 CE hours in each practiced discipline for a total of 32 hours per license renewal period.
Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in California
For further information on speech pathology licensure in California, interested individuals can consult the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. This Board has speech-language pathology applicants and verification information from the state.
California SLP Licensing Board Oversight
Licensing for California SLPs is monitored through the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board.
(Department of Consumer Affairs – State of California)
1601 Response Road, Suite 260
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (916) 287-7915
The Board is the primary authority for licensure, renewal, regulations, and enforcement for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and hearing aid dispensers in California.
California Speech Language Hearing Association
California Speech-Language-Hearing Association
9444 Waples Street, Suite 105
San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: (916) 921-1568
Email: board@csha.org
CSHA is the professional association for SLPs and audiologists in California. It provides advocacy, continuing education, and resources for clinicians and students.
California Regulatory Agencies
California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2100
Sacramento, CA 95815
Contact: Paul Sanchez, Executive Officer
Phone: 916-263-2666
Email: speechandhearing@dca.ca.gov
California Hearing Screening Contacts
California Newborn Hearing Screening Program
California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) – Children’s Medical Services (CMS)
For current contact information or questions about newborn hearing screening and follow-up services, families and providers can use the contact options listed on the NHSP website or reach the California Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) / Newborn Hearing Screening Program at:
- Email: nhsp3@dhcs.ca.gov
- Phone: (877) 388-5301
California Hearing Conservation Program (School-Age Hearing Screening)
California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Children’s Medical Services – Hearing Conservation Program
P.O. Box 997413, MS 8102
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
Email: HearingConservationProgram@dhcs.ca.gov
Fax: (916) 323-5316
The Hearing Conservation Program supports school-age hearing screening and follow-up services throughout California.
California ASHA Network Contacts
- ASHA State-by-State (California page) – overview of California licensure, reimbursement, and education issues, plus links to state resources.
- State-Based Advocacy Networks – find California’s current:
- State Education Advocacy Leader (SEAL)
- State Advocate for Reimbursement (STAR)
- State Advocate for Medicare Policy (StAMP)
You can access these contacts by visiting ASHA’s State-By-State portal and selecting California.
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Information Last Update: November 2025
Sponsored online speech pathology programs
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
SPONSORED
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