Rhode Island — Newport harbor at dusk

Rhode Island Speech-Language Pathologist License

Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Total Fee
$40
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.
  • ASHA CCC-SLP Verification — Verification of your Certificate of Clinical Competence sent directly from ASHA.
  • Praxis Score Report — Official score report sent directly from ETS to the Board.
  • Passport Photograph — One recent passport-style photograph (approx. 2x2 inches) attached to the application.
  • Tax Payer Status Affidavit — Required attestation that all state taxes are paid, usually included in the application packet.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Educational Requirements
    Earn a Master's or Doctoral degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an ASHA-accredited program.
  2. Pass the Praxis Examination
    Take and pass the Praxis Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331) with a score of at least 162.
    Praxis SLP Requirements
  3. Apply for Provisional Licensure
    If you are beginning your Clinical Fellowship (CF), you must apply for a provisional license to practice under supervision.
  4. Complete Clinical Fellowship (CF)
    Complete 1,260 hours of supervised postgraduate professional experience.
  5. Obtain ASHA CCC-SLP
    Apply for and receive your Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA, which is required for full Rhode Island licensure.
  6. Submit Full Licensure Application
    Submit the paper application for full SLP licensure to the Rhode Island Department of Health along with the $145 fee.
  7. Complete Background Check (BCI)
    Obtain a state criminal background check (BCI) from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office.
Total Fee
$40
Processing Time
4 to 6 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements
Rhode Island is a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact.

Steps

  1. Submit Application
    Complete the standard SLP application and check the box for 'Endorsement'.
  2. License Verification
    Request official verification of licensure from every state where you hold or have held a license.
  3. RI Background Check
    Complete the RI Attorney General BCI process.
Total Fee
$75
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Keeping Your License Active

Rhode Island Speech-Language Pathologist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$40
Endorsement application$40
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal75.0

Slow Downs

Missing ASHA Verification
The Board requires verification directly from ASHA; personal copies of certificates are not accepted.
Incomplete BCI
Failure to complete the background check through the RI Attorney General's office will stall the application.
Transcript Delivery
Transcripts must be official and sent directly from the university; student-issued copies cause rejection.
Tax Affidavit Issues
Rhode Island law requires a signed tax affidavit; missing this signature prevents license issuance.

Questions

How long does the application process take?
Once a complete application is received, processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
When do Rhode Island SLP licenses expire?
Licenses expire biennially on June 30th of even-numbered years.
What are the continuing education requirements?
SLPs must complete 20 clock hours of continuing education every two years.
Is the CCC-SLP required for licensure?
Yes, Rhode Island requires the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) for full licensure.

Board Info

Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25