Louisiana Speech Pathology State License Guide

Louisiana requires speech language pathologists to meet certain requirements to evaluate and treat communication and swallowing disorders. This information can change at any time so it’s a good idea to check with the state for the most recent information. 

This guide outlines requirements for state licensure and contains additional resources to learn about getting licensed in Louisiana. 

Information on this page was retrieved from the Louisiana Board of Examiners as of December 2021. Requirements for speech pathology licensure may change. Be sure to check with the licensing board for up to date information. 

Summary of Louisiana Speech Pathology State License Requirements 

Every state has unique requirements for licensure as a speech language pathologist. According to the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (LBESPA), Louisiana speech pathology licensure requires SLPs to obtain a master’s in speech pathology. 

Additional requirements for state licensure include completing clinical hours, obtaining a certification and having a minimum of nine months of full-time professional experience. 

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Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Louisiana

Speech language pathologists are required to meet the following criteria to obtain SLP state licensure in Louisiana: 

  1. Complete 400 clinical hours under direct supervision while working with clients who present language, speech or communication disorders.
  2. Complete nine months of post-graduate, full-time professional work.
  3. Successfully meet exam requirements, including Praxis or American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification. 
    1. The Praxis test helps prepare speech language pathology educators with the necessary skills, content and pedagogy to be successful in the classroom.
    2. ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is used to set the standard for licensure in most states. 

Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Louisiana   

Speech pathology licensure exemptions in Louisiana are made under certain circumstances, including for candidates who:

  • Are licensed in another state or the District of Columbia where all requirements are similar to the requirements for Louisiana licensure. 
  • Hold a CCC-SLP from ASHA.
  • Request it for the time they hold current certification from the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as a speech language pathology specialist with current employment in a school. 

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Louisiana

Louisiana does allow speech pathology license reciprocity under certain circumstances. You must provide proof of your current licensure in another state for the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (LBESPA) to consider waiving the examination requirement. 

This only applies if you can demonstrate proof that your license has not been suspended or revoked in another state. The state in which you’re licensed must have standards that are equivalent to those in Louisiana. 

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Louisiana 

If you are aspiring to be a speech language pathologist, you may practice as a trainee in Louisiana under supervision if the activities you do are part of the trainee’s course of study. You can identify yourself as a student or trainee but not as a speech language pathologist. 

When you apply for state licensure, you are given a 60-day grace period to practice before obtaining an official license. 

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Louisiana 

Licensees for speech pathology in Louisiana need to complete 10 hours of continuing education activities each license period with five hours dedicated to enhancing skills and knowledge in licensure. 

The remaining five hours can be in studies related to the SLP profession, including:

  • Billing
  • Coding and reimbursement
  • Record-keeping
  • Ethics
  • Supervision

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Louisiana 

Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (LBESPA)

Towne Park Centre
32783 Swamp Road, Suite 3B
Prairieville, LA 70769
Phone: (225) 313-6358
Email and E-transcripts: mricca@lbespa.org

Additional information on SLP licensure in Louisiana can be found on the LBESPA website. 

Louisiana SLP Licensing Oversight 

Louisiana SLP licensing is overseen by the LBESPA [PDF, 135 KB] and is responsible for creating rules and regulations and processing licenses for the state of Louisiana. Contact info for LBESPA can be located directly above. 

Other Resources for Louisiana Speech Pathology Licensure 

The following revised statutes can provide you with detailed information about the most recent procedures for obtaining a speech pathology license in Louisiana:

Last updated January 2022.