Pennsylvania Speech-Language Pathologist License
State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Total Fee
$50
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 educational institution to the Board showing the conferral of a Master's degree.
- Praxis Score Report — Official scores sent directly from ETS to the Board (Recipient Code 8053).
- Verification of Supervised Professional Experience — Form completed by your supervisor verifying the 1,260 hours of clinical fellowship. Download CFY Form
- NPDB Self-Query Report — Official report from the National Practitioner Data Bank, dated within 6 months of application. Request NPDB Report
- Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) — A report from every state where you have lived or worked in the past 5 years. PA PATCH Portal
- Resume/CV — A current resume or curriculum vitae in chronological order listing all professional experience.
How to Apply
-
Complete Educational Requirements ▾Earn a Master's degree or higher in Speech-Language Pathology from an ASHA-accredited program.
-
Pass the Praxis Examination ▾Take and pass the Praxis Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331). Ensure scores are sent to the PA Board using code 8053.
Register for Praxis -
Complete Supervised Professional Experience (CFY) ▾Complete 1,260 hours of supervised professional experience over a period of 9 to 24 months. At least 80% of the week must be spent in direct client contact.
-
Complete Act 31 Mandated Reporter Training ▾Complete 3 hours of Board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting training. The provider will report completion electronically to the Board.
Find Act 31 Providers -
Obtain Background Checks ▾Request a Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Check (PATCH) and a Self-Query from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).
Request PA Background Check -
Submit Application via PALS ▾Create an account on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) and submit the 'Speech-Language Pathologist by Education' application with the $50 fee.
Apply via PALS
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
4 to 6 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Pennsylvania does not have formal reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state SLPs must apply for a new Pennsylvania license through the PALS portal. ASHA CCC-SLP holders must still submit all required documentation, including transcripts, Praxis scores, and fellowship verification.
Steps
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Hold a current, valid license in another state with equivalent standards or hold a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).
-
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Log into PALS and select 'Licensure by Reciprocity' or 'Licensure by Waiver' (if using ASHA CCCs).
PALS Portal -
Request Letters of Good Standing ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a professional license.
-
Complete Act 31 Training ▾Complete the 3-hour child abuse reporting course required for all initial PA health licenses.
Free Act 31 Training -
Provide Background Checks ▾Submit the NPDB Self-Query and CHRC for all states resided in during the last 5 years.
Total Fee
$65
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (July 31, odd years)
Compact
No
Board
State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Keeping Your License Active
Pennsylvania Speech-Language Pathologist licenses renew Every 2 years (July 31, odd years). Contact the State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $50 |
| Endorsement application | $50 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 65.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Transcripts or Scores
▾
Delays often occur when transcripts or Praxis scores are not sent directly from the source to the Board using the correct recipient code (8053).
Incomplete Background Checks
▾
Failing to provide criminal history reports for every state lived in during the last 5 years will stall the application.
Name Discrepancies
▾
If documents (transcripts, scores, background checks) use different names, you must provide legal name change documentation (e.g., marriage certificate).
Expired Documents
▾
Background checks and NPDB reports must typically be dated within 6 months of the application submission.
Questions
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
▾
Licensees must complete 20 hours of continuing education every biennial period, including 2 hours of Act 31 child abuse training.
When does my Pennsylvania SLP license expire?
▾
Licenses expire on July 31 of even-numbered years.
Can I practice while completing my Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY)?
▾
Yes, you must apply for a Provisional License, which is valid for 18 months and can be renewed once for an additional 18 months.
What is the Praxis score recipient code for Pennsylvania?
▾
The recipient code for the Pennsylvania State Board is 8053.
Does Pennsylvania accept ASHA certification for licensure?
▾
Yes, you can apply for 'Licensure by Waiver' if you hold a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).
Board Info
State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Phone(717) 783-1389