A speech pathology license in California requires the applicant to have a master’s degree with completion of 60 credit hours. Supervised clinical practice and supervised professional experience are also required.1
The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) 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.1
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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 (with 60 credit hours) 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. 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.1
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.1
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.1
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.
California Speech Language Hearing Association
California Speech-Language-Hearing Association
825 University Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95825
Contact: Brian Lewis, Executive Director
Phone: 916-921-1568
Email: blewis@csha.org
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
MS 8102
P.O. Box 997413
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
Phone: 916-322-5794
Email: nhsp3@dhcs.ca.gov
California Hearing Conservation Program
California Department of Health Care Services
MS 8103
P.O. Box 997413
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
Phone: 916-323-8087
Email: HearingConservationProgram@dhcs.ca.gov
California ASHA Network Representatives
- State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs) – Francine Wenhardt fwenhardtSLP@gmail.com
- State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS) – Katie Saul (SLP) KatieSaulSLP@gmail.com
- State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP) Network – Jennifer Kizner (SLP) jkizner@stanfordhealthcare.org
1The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “California Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” 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
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