District of Columbia Speech Pathology License Guide

A speech pathology license from the District of Columbia allows SLPs to identify and assess language, communication, and swallowing disorders. To receive a license in D.C., a candidate will need to have a master’s degree, complete a clinical fellowship, and pass an exam.²

The information below has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on the District of Columbia’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.²

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Summary of the District of Columbia Speech Pathology License Requirements

Nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% job growth for speech-language pathologists from 2024 to 2034. Speech pathology licensure requires a master’s degree from an institution that is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Washington, D.C. Applicants must also complete a clinical fellowship that meets District requirements.²

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

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for the District of Columbia

According to the District of Columbia’s speech-language pathology regulations, initial licensure generally requires the following:

Candidates must have a master’s or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology from a recognized educational institution whose program is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA).²
Candidates must commence the clinical fellowship within 2 years of the degree being conferred and complete it within 3.5 years. The fellowship must be at least 9 months with a minimum of 30 hours/week, and DC also allows part-time completion as follows: 15–19 hours/week for 18 months, 20–24 hours/week for 15 months, or 25–29 hours/week for 12 months.²
Candidates must pass the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (the Praxis exam in Speech-Language Pathology, administered by ETS).²

Speech-Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for the District of Columbia

Under District of Columbia regulations, the practice of speech-language pathology does not include the practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine, nor does it include performing tasks that are part of the normal practice of medicine when properly delegated by a licensed physician. In general, individuals who provide speech-language pathology services in the District of Columbia must hold a valid license issued by the DC Department of Health. Speech-language pathologists working in school settings should ensure they meet DC Health licensure requirements as well as any additional credentialing requirements established by their employer or the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).²

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia offers licensure by endorsement for speech-language pathologists who hold a current, active, and unrestricted license in another U.S. state or territory with licensing standards that are substantially equivalent to those of the District. Applicants must submit verification of their out-of-state license and demonstrate that they have met the education, examination (National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology), and clinical fellowship requirements comparable to those in DC regulations. Approval is not automatic and is subject to review by the DC Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.²

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in the District of Columbia

Speech-language pathologists licensed in another state must apply for licensure through the DC Department of Health before practicing in the District. Holding an active license in another jurisdiction does not authorize an individual to practice in DC without first obtaining a DC license or appropriate authorization. Applicants seeking licensure by endorsement must submit verification of their out-of-state license and meet the District’s education, examination, and clinical fellowship requirements prior to approval.²

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in the District of Columbia

To maintain an active license in the District of Columbia, speech-language pathologists must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. This total must include at least 1 hour of ethics and continuing education on public health priorities designated by the Director, currently including LGBTQ cultural competency training and implicit bias training. Individuals who hold dual licensure in both audiology and speech-language pathology must complete 30 continuing education hours every two years, including at least 5 hours in each discipline. The required ethics and public health priority hours are included within the total CE requirement.²

Contact Information for SLP Licensure in the District of Columbia

For more information about speech-language pathology licensure in the District of Columbia, applicants should contact the DC Department of Health (DC Health), Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA). The Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology operates under DC Health and oversees licensure standards and regulatory requirements for speech-language pathologists practicing in the District. Applicants can find applications, renewal information, and official guidance through the DC Health licensing website.²

District of Columbia SLP Licensing Board Oversight

The D.C. Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology evaluates applicants’ qualifications and reviews examination results submitted as part of the licensure process. Licenses are issued through the DC Department of Health’s Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA), under the authority of the Board.

District of Columbia Speech Language Hearing Association

District of Columbia Speech-Language-Hearing Association

2115 G Street NW, Suite 201

Washington, DC 20009

District of Columbia Regulatory Agencies

D.C. Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

District of Columbia Department of Health

2201 Shannon Place SE

Washington, DC 20020

School Support Personnel Certification

Office of the State Superintendent of Education

1050 First Street, NE

Washington, DC 20002

District of Columbia Hearing Screening Contacts

Newborn Screening

Perinatal & Infant Health Bureau

District of Columbia Department of Health

899 North Capitol Street, NE

Washington, DC 20002

District of Columbia ASHA Network Representatives

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) maintains advocacy network representatives for each state and the District of Columbia, including State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs), State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS), and State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP). Because representative assignments may change, applicants and professionals should refer to ASHA’s official advocacy network directory for the most current contact information.

Return to footnote reference²The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “District of Columbia Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed February 2026. Return to footnote reference

Information Last Updated: February 2026

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 AD

Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Pepperdine University

Full-time (five trimesters) or part-time (eight trimesters) options available.
No GRE scores required.
400+ supervised, clinical learning hours are done at schools/clinics local to students
Three onsite experiences build a sense of camaraderie and community throughout the program

info AD

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 AD