District of Columbia Speech-Language Pathologist License
Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Total Fee
$85
Processing Time
4 to 8 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Passport-style Photo — One recent 2x2 passport-type photo with a white background.
- Government-issued ID — A clear photocopy of a current driver's license or passport.
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board.
- Praxis Score Report — Official score report sent directly from ETS (passing score 162).
- ASHA Certification or CF Proof — Proof of ASHA CCC-SLP or a completed Clinical Fellowship report.
- Social Security Number or Affidavit — Provide your SSN or a sworn affidavit if you do not have one.
How to Apply
-
Create a Portal Account ▾Register for an account on the DC Health Licensing Portal. You will need to provide your basic demographic information and create a password.
DC Health Licensing Portal -
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the online application for Speech-Language Pathologist by Examination or Endorsement. Pay the non-refundable application and license fee of $264 plus the $50 Criminal Background Check (CBC) fee.
Start Application -
Complete Criminal Background Check ▾After paying the CBC fee, you will receive an email with a six-letter code and a link to schedule your fingerprinting appointment through Fieldprint.
CBC Instructions -
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Request your university to send official transcripts directly to the Board. Transcripts must show a Master's or Doctoral degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a CAA-accredited program.
-
Submit Praxis Scores ▾Request ETS to send your Praxis Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331) scores directly to the DC Board. A passing score of 162 is required.
ETS Praxis Website -
Provide Proof of Clinical Fellowship or ASHA Certification ▾Submit proof of completion of your Clinical Fellowship (CF) or provide a copy of your current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP).
-
Board Review and Issuance ▾Once all documents are received, the Board will review your application. Approved licenses are issued digitally via email.
Total Fee
$85
Processing Time
4 to 8 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
DC does not participate in the ASLP Interstate Compact. Out-of-state SLPs must apply for full DC licensure.
Steps
-
Online Endorsement Application ▾Select the 'Endorsement' path in the DC Health Licensing Portal and pay the $264 fee.
Apply by Endorsement -
License Verification ▾Request official verification of your current, unrestricted license from every jurisdiction where you have ever been licensed. Verifications must be sent directly to the DC Board.
-
Proof of ASHA Certification ▾Submit proof of current ASHA CCC-SLP, which may waive certain education and exam documentation requirements.
-
Criminal Background Check ▾Complete the DC-specific fingerprinting process through Fieldprint as instructed after application submission.
CBC Details
Total Fee
$164
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Keeping Your License Active
District of Columbia Speech-Language Pathologist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $85 |
| Endorsement application | $85 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 164.0 |
Slow Downs
Third-Party Document Delays
▾
Waiting for transcripts, Praxis scores, or license verifications to be sent directly from the source is the most common cause of delay.
Incomplete Background Check
▾
Failing to schedule or attend the Fieldprint appointment after paying the CBC fee will stall the application.
Missing Name Change Documents
▾
If your name on transcripts or ASHA certification differs from your application, you must upload legal name change documents (marriage certificate, etc.).
Incorrect Fee Payment
▾
Applications will not be processed until the full $264 license fee and $50 CBC fee are paid through the portal.
Questions
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for SLPs in DC?
▾
SLPs must complete 20 hours of CE every two years. This must include 1 hour of Ethics, 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency, and 2 hours (10%) in public health priorities designated by the Director.
When does my DC SLP license expire?
▾
Effective June 2024, licenses expire biennially on the last day of the licensee's birth month. Previously, they expired on December 31 of even-numbered years.
Does DC offer a temporary SLP license?
▾
Yes, a temporary license may be issued for 90 days to applicants who hold an unrestricted license in another state while their permanent application is pending.
Is a DC license required for telepractice?
▾
Yes, any professional providing speech-language pathology services to a client located in the District of Columbia must hold a DC license, regardless of the provider's physical location.
How do I contact the DC Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology?
▾
You can email the board at dcboaud@dc.gov or call the Customer Service line at (877) 672-2174.
Board Info
Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Phone(202) 724-8800