2022 South Carolina Speech Pathology State License Guide

In order to get a speech pathology license in South Carolina, you will need to meet state licensure requirements. This guide details the state licensure process for South Carolina, so you know where to start if you’re interested in working as a speech language pathologist (SLP) in the state.

Summary of South Carolina Speech Pathology State License Requirements 

Speech pathology license requirements vary by state. To obtain South Carolina speech pathology licensure, the following is required:

  1. A master’s degree in speech language pathology, earned from a school accredited by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).
  2. A passing score on a board-approved exam.
  3. Nine months of supervised professional employment.
  4. Have a current license or meet the standards for an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence at the time of application.

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for South Carolina 

Initial licensure for SLPs in South Carolina includes a clinical hour requirement of nine months’ full-time (at least 30 hours per week) supervised professional employment. In addition, applicants are required to pass an exam1, such as the PRAXIS Speech-Language Pathology test. 

At the time of application, you will also need to meet the standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) for Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA. ASHA certification is a way to demonstrate your expertise to your patients, colleagues and potential employers.

Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for South Carolina 

According to ASHA, the following individuals may be allowed to practice in South Carolina with speech pathology licensure exemptions:

  • Federal or state employees.
  • Students completing supervised clinical experience.
  • Hearing aid dealers or fitters.
  • RNs or LPNs working under the supervision of a physician, audiologist or otological consultant.
  • Speech language therapists certified by the State Board of Education.

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in South Carolina 

South Carolina offers license reciprocity for SLPs who are licensed in another state with “substantially equivalent” licensing standards. You may need to meet additional requirements, such as continuing education credits. South Carolina ASHA staff liaisons may be able to determine if you are eligible for license reciprocity.

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in South Carolina 

South Carolina offers interim licenses for candidates who have earned a master’s degree but have not yet completed the other requirements for SLP licensure. The interim license is valid for one year and may be renewed once. However, the professional exam must be passed within a year of obtaining the interim license. 1

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in South Carolina 

To maintain a speech pathology license in South Carolina, SLPs need to complete 16 hours of continuing education each licensing period. You may complete continuing education hours through programming offered by a variety of organizations, as qualified by the state’s licensing board. For auditing purposes, SLPs in South Carolina are asked to maintain records of their continuing education hours.

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in South Carolina 

If you have questions about SLP licensure in South Carolina, contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Their website offers helpful information about licensure, renewals, examinations, continuing education programs and application forms. Additional contact information for SLP licensure in South Carolina is detailed below.

South Carolina SLP Licensing Board Oversight 

The branch of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation responsible for monitoring SLP state licensure is the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. Their website has additional details about the licensure application process.

South Carolina Speech Language Hearing Association 

The South Carolina Speech Language Hearing Association (SCSHA) is a professional organization for speech language pathologists and audiologists in the state that offers networking and continuing education opportunities. 

c/o MPA Strategies, LLC
P.O. Box 1782
Columbia, SC 29202
Contact: Ashley Hunter
Phone: 803-764-5041                    
Email: ahunter@mpastrategies.com

South Carolina Regulatory Agencies 

The primary regulatory agency for speech language pathology in the state is the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. They may assist with questions on examination, continuing education and licensure applications/renewals in South Carolina.

Board of Examiners in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology 

South Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

110 Centerview Drive 
Columbia, SC 29210
Contact: Mack Williams, Administrator
Phone: 803-896-4655
Email: Contact.Speech@llr.sc.gov

South Carolina Hearing Screening Contacts

South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control has implemented programs designed to achieve early identification of children with hearing loss. Early interventions may prevent delays in communication skills, social isolation and other problems associated with hearing loss. Contact information for hearing screening in South Carolina can be found below.

Newborn Hearing 

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control – Newborn Hearing

2600 Bull St. 
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-0708  

State School Nurse Consultant 

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control – State School Nurse Consultant

2600 Bull St. 
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-3432  

South Carolina ASHA Staff Liaison

ASHA staff liaisons may be an excellent resource for state-specific licensure questions. Contact information for South Carolina’s ASHA staff liaison is below:

Liaison: Tim Boyd
Email: tboyd@asha.org

Last updated January 2022

1 ASHA, South Carolina Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists. Accessed on April 12, 2021. https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/info/SC/licensure/arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference