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Mississippi Speech-Language Pathologist License

Mississippi State Department of Health — Speech-Language Pathology

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
2 to 4 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Sent directly from the university to MSDH showing the conferral of a Master's degree.
  • SPEP Agreement and Report — Forms documenting the 9-month supervised professional employment experience.
  • Praxis Score Report — Official score report sent directly from ETS to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
  • Fingerprint Authorization Form — Required for the criminal history record check process.
  • Proof of Residency — Required for certain application types to verify Mississippi residency.

How to Apply

  1. Obtain Graduate Degree ▾
    Complete a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an ASHA-accredited program.
  2. Apply for Temporary License ▾
    Before beginning your Clinical Fellowship (SPEP), apply for a temporary license through the MSDH online portal and pay the $75 fee.
  3. Complete Supervised Professional Employment (SPEP) ▾
    Complete 9 months of full-time supervised professional employment. Submit the SPEP Agreement at the start and the SPEP Report upon completion.
  4. Pass the Praxis Exam ▾
    Take and pass the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam (test code 5331) with a minimum score of 162.
    Praxis MS Requirements
  5. Complete Criminal Background Check ▾
    Register with the SAFER system using facility code HC1310447, pay the $50 fee, and schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
    SAFER Background Check
  6. Submit Full Licensure Application ▾
    Once all requirements are met, upgrade to a full license via the MSDH portal. Pay the $100 application fee and $100 initial license fee.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
2 to 4 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Mississippi is a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact.

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Ensure you hold a current, valid SLP license in another state with equivalent standards.
  2. Submit Verification of Credential ▾
    Have your current state board send a verification of licensure directly to MSDH.
  3. Provide Proof of CCC-SLP ▾
    If you hold ASHA certification, provide proof to waive certain examination and clinical fellowship requirements.
  4. Complete Background Check ▾
    All new applicants, including those by endorsement, must complete the Mississippi fingerprinting process.
    SAFER Portal
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every year (December 31)
Compact
No
Board
Mississippi State Department of Health — Speech-Language Pathology

Keeping Your License Active

Mississippi Speech-Language Pathologist licenses renew Every year (December 31). Contact the Mississippi State Department of Health — Speech-Language Pathology for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
Criminal history results can take up to 4 weeks. Start the SAFER process as early as possible.
Incomplete SPEP Documentation ▾
Failing to submit the SPEP Agreement before starting the fellowship or missing the 10-day deadline for the SPEP Report can delay licensure.
Transcript Delays ▾
Transcripts must be official and sent directly from the institution; student copies are not accepted.

Questions

How many CE hours are required for renewal? ▾
Mississippi requires 20 contact hours every two years. At least 10 hours must be directly related to clinical practice.
When do SLP licenses expire? ▾
Licenses expire biennially on June 30 of even-numbered years.
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
You must hold a valid temporary or full license issued by MSDH before beginning practice or clinical fellowship hours.
What is the passing score for the Praxis exam? ▾
The required passing score for the Speech-Language Pathology exam (5331) is 162.

Board Info

Mississippi State Department of Health — Speech-Language Pathology
Phone(601) 364-1100
Emailmailto:licensure@msdh.ms.gov
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25