Wisconsin Speech Pathology State License Guide

SLP state licensure in Wisconsin allows speech language pathologists to evaluate and treat speech language disorders. Licensure applicants must first meet several prerequisites, including completing a graduate degree and a clinical practicum. This guide covers the licensing, continuing education requirements, and state-level contact information.

Summary of Wisconsin Speech Pathology State License Requirements

Wisconsin speech-language pathology licensure requires candidates to earn a master’s in speech pathology, a supervised clinical practicum, and completion of a postgraduate clinical fellowship under a Wisconsin temporary license.

The Wisconsin Hearing and Speech Examining Board may permit graduate work or training it considers equivalent to its SLP licensing requirements. Candidates must meet Wisconsin’s examination requirement, and applicants who hold ASHA CCC-SLP may submit ASHA certification verification as supporting documentation through the LicensE application.

“Information below on speech pathology licensure in Wisconsin was verified using the Wisconsin DSPS Hearing and Speech Examining Board and ASHA’s Wisconsin licensing summary (verified February 2026).

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Wisconsin

Before gaining initial Wisconsin SLP licensure, you’ll need to meet specific state licensing guidelines, according to the Wisconsin Administrative Rules for the Hearing and Speech Examining Board, including:

• Complete a supervised clinical practicum as part of an acceptable graduate program (or equivalent training accepted by the Board). If you’re also pursuing ASHA certification, ASHA’s current practicum standard requires at least 400 hours (including 25 observation hours and 375 direct client/patient contact hours).
• Complete a postgraduate clinical fellowship in speech-language pathology approved by the Board (completed under a Wisconsin temporary license and supervision).
• If you hold ASHA CCC-SLP, you may submit ASHA certification verification as supporting documentation through the LicensE application.
• Meet Wisconsin’s examination requirement by passing the Praxis Speech-Language Pathologist examination, or by completing education/training the Board determines is substantially equivalent to the state’s exam requirement (which may include ASHA CCC-SLP verification as part of an equivalency review).
• Before beginning the postgraduate clinical fellowship in Wisconsin, obtain a temporary license and practice under supervision.

Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Wisconsin

Wisconsin law and administrative rules allow certain individuals to perform limited activities related to speech-language pathology without holding an SLP license, provided they do not misrepresent their role or use protected titles. Licensure is not required for hearing instrument specialists whose work is limited to ordering, fitting, or selling hearing aids, for students or trainees providing services as part of a supervised course of study leading to an SLP degree (including clinical practicum or internship experiences), or for speech-language pathology assistants/support personnel who provide services only under the direct supervision of a licensed Wisconsin speech-language pathologist and in accordance with state supervision requirements.

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers a pathway for out-of-state speech-language pathologists to become licensed when they hold a current SLP license in another U.S. state or territory and the Wisconsin Hearing and Speech Examining Board determines that the other jurisdiction’s licensing standards are substantially equivalent to Wisconsin’s requirements. Wisconsin law also recognizes practice through a compact privilege where applicable, which is separate from obtaining a Wisconsin-issued license.

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Wisconsin

Wisconsin allows limited interim practice options in specific situations. Applicants who are completing the required postgraduate clinical fellowship may qualify for a temporary SLP license, which allows practice under the supervision of a Wisconsin-licensed speech-language pathologist after meeting the required education/practicum requirements and submitting an application to take the next available licensure examination.

A temporary license is valid for a period designated by the Board not to exceed 18 months and may be renewed once for up to an additional 18 months at the Board’s discretion.

Wisconsin also provides limited permits for nonresidents: a 10-day limited permit may be granted to a nonresident to practice in association with a Wisconsin-licensed SLP for up to 10 days in any calendar year, and Wisconsin law also authorizes a limited permit for certain out-of-state licensees for a Board-designated period not to exceed 45 days in any calendar year.

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Wisconsin

Wisconsin requires licensed speech language pathologists to complete 20 hours of continuing education as part of the state’s license renewal process. At least two (2) hours must relate to ethics, and the 20 total hours must be board-approved continuing education.

• Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
• National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS)
• International Hearing Society (IHS)

A CE course offered outside of these organizations is also acceptable, provided it is approved by DPI, ASHA, AAA, NBC-HIS or IHS. Graduate courses may be approved if they are directly SLP-related and from an accredited institution. If a CE activity isn’t offered through the listed organizations, it should qualify as board-approved continuing education under the Hearing and Speech Examining Board’s approval standards.

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Wisconsin

Speech pathology license applicants in Wisconsin can find further information on the regulations and laws for speech language pathologists through the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Wisconsin SLP Licensing Board Oversight

The responsibility of monitoring the speech language pathology licensing rules and regulations in Wisconsin belongs to the Hearing and Speech Examining Board.

Contact information:

Hearing and Speech Examining Board

DSPS

4822 Madison Yards Way

Madison, WI 53705

Phone: (608) 266-2112

Email: dsps@wi.gov

Other Resources for Wisconsin Speech Pathology Licensure

American Board of Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders (formerly the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders)

563 Carter Court, Suite B

Kimberly, WI 54136

Phone: (920) 750-7720

Email: info@stutteringspecialists.org

Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association

563 Carter Court, Suite B

Kimberly, WI 54316

Phone: (920) 560-5642

Email: WSHA@badgerbay.co

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) – Speech or Language Impairment Resources

Special Education Team

125 S. Webster St., P.O. Box 7841

Madison, WI 53707

Phone: (608) 266-3390

State and National Professional Supports for SLPs

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Special Education

125 S. Webster St., 4th Floor

P.O. Box 7841

Madison, WI 53707-7841

Phone: (800) 441-4563

State of Wisconsin Hearing and Speech Examining Board

Information last updated: February 2026