Illinois Speech Pathology State License Guide

A speech pathology state license in Illinois requires a candidate to meet certain criteria as well as understand the regulations for this career. SLPs in Illinois are licensed to diagnose and assist with communication disorders.1

The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on Illinois’ 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.

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

Summary of Illinois Speech Pathology State License Requirements

For an Illinois speech pathology license, candidates must have a master’s degree in speech pathology, pass a national exam, and complete a supervised professional experience. In addition, they must complete a certain number of clinical observation hours for license verification.1

Don’t have your master’s degree yet? Learn how to get your master’s degree in speech pathology

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Illinois

According to ASHA,Illinois speech pathology licensure requires candidates to meet criteria for official verification1. Candidates must have the following:

  • Master’s in speech-language pathology from an approved program that includes a clinical practicum of 375 hours for speech-language pathologists.1
  • Passing score on the Praxis exam.1

Completion of nine months of supervised experience with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) are acceptable in lieu of the supervised professional experience requirements and the Praxis exam documentation.

Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Illinois

Illinois speech language pathology licensure exempts the following individuals: students, individuals certified by the Illinois State Board of Education, paraprofessionals practicing speech-language pathology services if the person is directly supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist, and a licensed individual in the state under any other act engaging in the practice for which they are licensed.1

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Illinois

An individual can obtain Illinois speech therapy licensure if the requirements of the other state are equivalent to those in Illinois. Licensure can also be granted if the requirements of the other state are substantially equal to the Illinois requirements.1

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Illinois

An individual licensed in another state or the District of Columbia who has applied for an Illinois speech pathology license may practice speech language pathology for 90 days from the date of application if they have their CCCs without pending disciplinary matters. Speech language pathologists must obtain a temporary license before their supervised professional experience. Speech language pathologists who have not yet finished their master’s degree may apply for a temporary license and begin the supervised professional experience without the temporary license. This temporary license lasts for 120 days from the date of application.1

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Illinois

Maintaining your Illinois license requires 20 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle.1

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Illinois

Individuals interested in Illinois speech pathology licensure can contact the IDFPR – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. They can provide information on licensure procedures, applications and standards.

Illinois SLP Licensing Board Oversight

Illinois SLP licensing is monitored by the IDFPR – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. SLP laws and regulations are available as are continuing education hours and application assistance. 

Illinois Speech Language Hearing Association

Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association

c/o Bostrom Association Management Services

35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 850

Chicago, IL 60601-2106

Contact: Brian White, Executive Director

Phone: 312-644-0828  

Email: executivedirector@ishail.org

Illinois Regulatory Agencies

IDFPR – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

320 West Washington Street

Springfield, IL 62786

Contact: Jerry Miller, Board Liaison

Phone: 217-785-0820

Fax: 217-782-7645

E-mail: jerry.r.miller@illinois.gov

Illinois Hearing Screening Contacts

Sound Beginnings

Illinois Department of Public Health/Department of Human Services/University of Illinois at Chicago

8609 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 202

Chicago, IL 60631-3524

Phone: 217-782-4733

Email: DPH.Newbornhearing@illinois.gov

Division of Health Assessment and Screening

Illinois Department of Public Health

535 West Jefferson Street

Springfield, IL 62761

Phone: 217-524-2396  

Email: dph.visionandhearing@illinois.gov

Illinois ASHA Network Representatives

1 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Illinois Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed December 2020arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference

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