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California Speech-Language Pathologist License

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board

Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
4 to 6 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the university showing a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
  • Praxis Exam Scores — Official scores sent from ETS (Code 8544). Scores older than 5 years may require proof of recent employment. ETS Praxis Site
  • Live Scan Form / Fingerprint Cards — Completed Live Scan form (for CA residents) or two FD-258 hard cards (for out-of-state). Fingerprint Info
  • ASHA CCC Verification — Required for the 'Equivalent Qualifications' pathway. The Board can often verify this electronically if your ASHA number is provided.
  • Clinical Practicum Verification — Verification of 300 hours of supervised clinical practice (usually part of the university recommendation).

How to Apply

  1. Determine Application Pathway
    Identify if you are applying via Required Professional Experience (RPE) for new grads, Equivalent Qualifications (ASHA CCC holders), or as an Out-of-State licensee.
    View Application Options
  2. Submit Online Application
    Create a BreEZe account and submit the 'Apply Simply' online application for the appropriate SLP license type.
    Start Online Application
  3. Complete Fingerprinting
    California residents must use Live Scan. Out-of-state applicants must request FD-258 fingerprint cards from the Board and have them rolled at a local law enforcement agency.
    Fingerprint Instructions
  4. Submit Praxis Exam Scores
    Request ETS to send your Praxis exam scores directly to the Board using reporting code 8544.
    Order Praxis Scores
  5. Verify Education and Clinical Experience
    Submit official transcripts and clinical practicum verification. If applying via RPE, you must also submit the RPE supervisor responsibility statement.
    Download Forms
  6. Pay Application Fees
    Pay the non-refundable application fee of $150 (or $35 for RPE temporary license) via the BreEZe portal.
Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
4 to 6 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements
California offers alternative licensure pathways for out-of-state SLPs. Applicants holding a current ASHA CCC-SLP or a valid license in another state may qualify for expedited review. However, California does not participate in the ASLP Interstate Compact. All out-of-state applicants must submit a full application with California-specific documentation.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License
    Request a verification of licensure from every state where you hold or have held a license to be sent directly to the California Board.
    Endorsement Info
  2. Submit Equivalent Qualifications Application
    If you hold ASHA CCCs, use the 'Option #2 - Equivalent Qualifications' application for a streamlined process.
    Apply via BreEZe
  3. Provide Proof of Employment
    If your Praxis scores are older than 5 years, you must provide proof of continuous employment (at least 15 hours/week) for the last 3 years.
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board

Keeping Your License Active

California Speech-Language Pathologist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$35
Endorsement application$35
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal150.0

Slow Downs

Incomplete Documentation
Missing transcripts or clinical verification forms are the most common cause of delays. Ensure all third-party documents are requested early.
Fingerprint Processing
Manual fingerprint cards from out-of-state take significantly longer (8-12 weeks) than electronic Live Scan (1-3 days).
Name Mismatches
Differences in names between transcripts, exam scores, and the application can stall the matching process. Submit name change documentation if applicable.

Questions

How long does the application process take?
Processing times vary but typically range from 4 to 8 weeks once all documents are received. You can check current timeframes on the Board's website.
Do I need to take a California-specific jurisprudence exam?
No, California does not currently require a separate jurisprudence exam for SLP licensure.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
SLPs must complete 24 hours of CE every two years. At least 12 hours must be from 'live' or interactive sources.
Can I practice while my application is pending?
No, you must have an active license or a valid RPE temporary license to practice in California.

Board Info

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board