Licensing Path
There is no active interstate compact route for speech-language pathologist licensing in Pennsylvania. Plan on endorsement through State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
- Endorsement fee
- $50
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 weeks
- Fingerprinting
- Required
- Temporary license
- Available
- Compact
- No active compact path
- Board
- State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
From the board
Endorsement Steps
-
Step 1
Earn a Master's Degree in SLP
Complete a master's or higher degree in speech-language pathology from an ASHA-accredited program. Must include 375+ hours of supervised clinical practicum.
-
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. Separate $30 registration fee paid to ETS.
-
Step 3
Complete Clinical Fellowship
Complete at least 1,260 hours of supervised professional experience within a maximum of two years. At least 80% must be direct client contact in assessment and treatment.
-
Step 4
Apply through PALS Portal
Submit the application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Pay the $50 application fee. Include official transcripts, Praxis scores, clinical fellowship verification, child abuse training certificate, and FBI fingerprint background check (effective July 7, 2025).
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $50
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 weeks
- Renewal fee
- $65
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years (July 31, odd years)
- Application
- $50
- Background check
- $0 (included in application)
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
- $50
License Types
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist: The full credential to independently practice speech-language pathology in Pennsylvania. Requires a master's degree, completed clinical fellowship (1,260+ hours), and a passing Praxis score.
Provisional SLP License: Issued to SLP graduates completing their clinical fellowship. Allows supervised clinical practice while fulfilling the 1,260-hour experience requirement within two years.
Required Documents
- Official graduate transcripts: From an ASHA-accredited speech-language pathology program.
- Praxis exam score report: Score of 162 or higher on test 5331.
- Clinical fellowship verification: Documentation of 1,260+ hours of supervised professional experience with 80% direct client contact.
- Child abuse recognition training: 3 hours of Board-approved CE in child abuse recognition and reporting (required for initial licensure).
- FBI fingerprint background check: Required for new applicants effective July 7, 2025. Pre-register through IdentoGO with service code provided during application.
Board Contact
- Board
- State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- Department
- Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs
- Phone
- (717) 783-1389
- st-speech@pa.gov
- Board site
- https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Speech-Language-Pathology-and-Audiology/
- Compact source
- https://aslpcompact.com/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is $65. Renewal cycle: Every 2 years (July 31, odd years).
Pennsylvania Speech-Language Pathologist Licensing FAQ
How much does a Pennsylvania SLP license cost?
Pennsylvania has one of the lowest SLP licensing fees in the country. The initial application fee is $50. Biennial renewal is $65, due by July 31 of odd-numbered years.
What is the new fingerprinting requirement for Pennsylvania SLPs?
Effective July 7, 2025, new health care practitioner applicants, including SLPs, must obtain a fingerprint-based FBI background check. Pre-register through IdentoGO using the service code provided during your application. This does not apply to renewals.
How many CE hours are required for Pennsylvania SLP renewal?
Pennsylvania requires 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours of mandated child abuse reporter training. CE credits must be through ASHA or ASHA-approved entities.
Does Pennsylvania have reciprocity for speech-language pathologists?
No interstate compact currently covers speech-language pathologist practice in Pennsylvania. To work in Pennsylvania, apply for licensure by endorsement through the state board.
How long does it take to transfer my speech-language pathologist license to Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania while my endorsement application is processing?
A temporary or provisional credential is available while the full endorsement application is pending.