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Massachusetts Speech Pathology State License Guide
Applicants for a speech-language pathology license in Massachusetts must meet the Board’s education, supervised experience, and examination requirements, which include standards consistent with those recognized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Meeting ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) standards is accepted by the Board as proof of meeting many licensure requirements.
To qualify for licensure in Massachusetts, applicants must submit evidence of completing a master’s degree from an accredited speech-language pathology program, documentation of supervised clinical experience, proof of passing the national Praxis exam in speech-language pathology, and any other requirements specified by the Board. Meeting ASHA’s CCC-SLP standards is accepted as proof of education and clinical requirements.
The information below is based on the current rules and regulations of the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and ASHA’s state licensure guidance, which the Board reviews when evaluating licensure eligibility.
Summary of Massachusetts Speech Pathology State License Requirements
Massachusetts is home to multiple universities offering Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA)–accredited speech-language pathology programs. Prospective students should consult ASHA’s CAA program directory for the most current list of approved programs in the state. Employment for speech-language pathologists is projected to grow much faster than average nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Demand is driven by an aging population, increased awareness of communication disorders, and expanded services in schools and healthcare settings. Applicants may pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology through a CAA-accredited program, including select online or hybrid formats, provided the program meets Massachusetts licensure requirements.
To qualify for licensure in Massachusetts, applicants must complete a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program that includes supervised clinical practicum hours, complete a supervised professional experience (clinical fellowship), and pass the national Praxis examination in speech-language pathology.
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Massachusetts
Applicants seeking initial licensure as a speech-language pathologist in Massachusetts must meet the requirements established by the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. These requirements include earning a master’s degree from a Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA)–accredited program, completing required supervised clinical practicum hours, fulfilling a supervised professional experience (clinical fellowship or provisional license period), and passing the national Praxis examination in speech-language pathology.
After meeting these requirements, applicants must submit a formal application through the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, provide all required documentation, pay applicable fees, and monitor their application status through the state’s online licensing system until approval is granted.
Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Massachusetts
Massachusetts law provides limited exemptions from speech-language pathology licensure under specific circumstances; licensed physicians practicing within the scope of their medical license and other licensed professionals performing services within the scope of their own legally authorized practice are not required to hold a separate SLP license, and students enrolled in accredited speech-language pathology programs are exempt while completing supervised clinical practicum requirements as part of their degree training, provided they are appropriately supervised and do not practice independently; additional exemptions may apply to individuals employed by federal agencies or to those whose services fall under another professional license, as defined by Massachusetts statutes and regulations, and you should consult the Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for clarification on whether licensure is required.
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who are currently licensed in another state. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their out-of-state license was issued under standards substantially equivalent to Massachusetts requirements at the time of application and must submit all required documentation for Board review. Applicants are also required to provide license verification from each jurisdiction in which they hold or have held licensure and to disclose any prior disciplinary actions or investigations, along with any additional documentation required by the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Interim Practice for those Aspiring to Become a Speech Pathologist in Massachusetts
Massachusetts provides a provisional license option for individuals completing their supervised professional experience (clinical fellowship). Applicants who have met the required educational and examination components may apply for a provisional speech-language pathology license, which permits supervised practice while completing the required professional experience period. Provisional license holders must practice under appropriate supervision and may not practice independently until full licensure requirements have been satisfied and the Board grants a standard license.
Continuing Education for Speech-Language Pathologists in Massachusetts
To maintain licensure in Massachusetts, speech-language pathologists must complete a minimum of 20 continuing education (CE) hours during each biennial renewal period. Licensees who hold dual licensure in both speech-language pathology and audiology must complete at least 30 CE hours per renewal cycle. Of the required hours, a minimum of 10 must be directly related to the licensee’s specific area of licensure. All continuing education activities must meet the standards established by the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology oversees licensure for speech-language pathologists in the Commonwealth. The Board can assist applicants and licensees with questions regarding application requirements, licensure by endorsement, provisional licensing, renewals, continuing education standards, and regulatory compliance. Individuals seeking guidance on the path to licensure or current licensing requirements should consult the Board directly through the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure.
Massachusetts SLP Licensing Board Oversight
Speech-language pathology licensure in Massachusetts is regulated by the Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The Board is responsible for issuing licenses to qualified applicants, establishing licensure standards, enforcing state statutes and regulations, and protecting the public by ensuring that licensed speech-language pathologists meet professional and ethical requirements.
Massachusetts Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Massachusetts Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Division of Occupational Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118
617-701-8679
Speech.audiology@mass.gov
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 800-905-8437
Email: EI@mass.gov
Massachusetts Hearing Screening Contacts
Massachusetts Early Intervention System
Massachusetts ASHA Network Representatives
ASHA’s State Advocacy Network in Massachusetts includes State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs), State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS), and State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP). Because representative assignments may change, individuals seeking current advocacy contacts should visit ASHA’s official state advocacy directory for the most up-to-date information: ASHA Directory.
Information Last Updated February 2026
Emerson College • Boston, MA
Master of Science in Communication Disorders
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 20 months
Credits
72
Admission Requirements
- Official Transcripts
- Résumé
- Letters of Recommendation
- Essay
- Interview
Pepperdine University • Malibu, CA
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
20-32 Months
Credits
53
Admission Requirements
- Completed undergraduate degree (BA/BS), with an overall GPA of 3.000 or higher.
- Official transcripts for all previous college coursework.
- Completion of required foundational courses in communicative disorders.
- Applicants who have not completed the required foundational courses may be admitted to complete those courses in advance of full admission to the program.
- Three letters of recommendation by people familiar with your background and potential for success as a speech-language pathologist
- Statement of interest
