Licensing Path
Alabama participates in the ASLP-IC. If your home state also participates and your license is eligible, you may be able to practice through compact privilege.
If you do not qualify for compact privilege, use the endorsement path below.
- Endorsement fee
- $150
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 weeks
- Fingerprinting
- Required
- Temporary license
- Available
- Compact
- ASLP-IC active in Alabama
- Board
- Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
From the board
Endorsement Steps
-
Step 1
Earn a Master's Degree in SLP
Complete a master's or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited program.
-
Step 2
Pass the Praxis Examination
Achieve a passing score on the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331). The current passing score is 162.
-
Step 3
Complete Clinical Fellowship
Complete a minimum of 36 weeks of full-time supervised clinical practice (1,260 hours) under an ASHA-certified SLP.
-
Step 4
Submit Application to ABESPA
Submit the application with the $100 fee plus $50 license fee. Include official transcripts, Praxis scores, CF verification, and background check.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $150
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 weeks
- Renewal fee
- $100
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Application
- $100
- Background check
- $0 (included in application)
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
- $150
License Types
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist: The full credential to independently practice speech-language pathology in Alabama. Requires a master's degree, clinical fellowship, and passing Praxis score.
Provisional SLP License: Issued to SLP graduates completing their Clinical Fellowship. Allows supervised practice while fulfilling post-graduate experience requirements.
Required Documents
- Official graduate transcripts: From a CAA-accredited speech-language pathology program.
- Praxis exam score report: Score of 162 or higher on test 5331.
- Clinical Fellowship verification: CF supervisor attestation or ASHA CCC-SLP certificate.
- Background check: Criminal background check as required by ABESPA.
Board Contact
- Board
- Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- Department
- ABESPA
- Phone
- (334) 269-1434
- abespa@abespa.org
- Board site
- https://www.abespa.alabama.gov/
- Compact source
- https://aslpcompact.com/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is $100. Renewal cycle: Every 2 years.
Alabama Speech-Language Pathologist Licensing FAQ
How much does an Alabama SLP license cost?
The total initial cost is approximately $150, including a $100 application fee and $50 license fee. Biennial renewal is $100.
Is Alabama part of the ASLP Interstate Compact?
Yes. Alabama has enacted ASLP-IC legislation. SLPs from other compact member states can practice in Alabama through a compact privilege once the system is fully operational.
Does Alabama allow telepractice for SLPs?
Yes. Alabama permits telepractice for licensed SLPs. The practitioner must hold a valid Alabama license or ASLP compact privilege.
Does Alabama have reciprocity for speech-language pathologists?
Yes. Alabama participates in the ASLP-IC. If your home state and license qualify for compact privilege, you can typically practice in Alabama without a separate endorsement application.
How long does it take to transfer my speech-language pathologist license to Alabama?
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 6 weeks. If you qualify for an active compact privilege, there may be no separate wait to start practicing.
Can I start working in Alabama while my endorsement application is processing?
A temporary or provisional credential is available while the full endorsement application is pending.