Tennessee Speech-Language Pathologist License
Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
2 to 4 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.
- Praxis Score Report — Official scores sent directly from ETS.
- Declaration of Citizenship Form — A required state form verifying citizenship or legal presence in the U.S. Download Form
- Practitioner Profile Questionnaire — Mandatory profile information required for the public database.
- Verification of ASHA Certification — If applicable, a verification letter from ASHA (CCC-SLP).
How to Apply
-
Create a LARS Account ▾Register for an account on the Tennessee Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS) portal to begin the application process.
Register on LARS -
Submit Application and Fees ▾Complete the online application for Speech-Language Pathologist licensure and pay the required fees (approximately $160 total for application, initial license, and regulatory fees).
Apply Online -
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Request that your university registrar send official transcripts directly to the Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences. Transcripts uploaded by the applicant are not accepted.
-
Request Praxis Scores ▾Have your Praxis exam scores sent directly from ETS to the Tennessee Board (State Code 0343).
Order Praxis Scores -
Complete Criminal Background Check ▾Schedule a fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGO. You will need the specific OCA code provided by the Board or found in the application instructions.
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Pass the Jurisprudence Exam ▾After your application is received, the Board will email you the Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam. This is an open-book test covering state statutes and rules.
-
Complete Mandatory Practitioner Profile ▾Tennessee requires all health professionals to maintain a practitioner profile. This must be completed before a license can be issued.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
2 to 4 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Tennessee is a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Request official verification of your current license from the state board where you are currently practicing.
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Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Apply through the LARS portal selecting the 'Licensure by Reciprocity' or 'Endorsement' option.
LARS Portal -
Provide ASHA CCCs ▾Submit proof of current ASHA certification, which may waive certain educational and clinical fellowship documentation requirements.
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Complete TN Jurisprudence Exam ▾All endorsement applicants must still pass the Tennessee-specific open-book jurisprudence exam.
Total Fee
$115
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (January 31)
Compact
No
Board
Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences
Keeping Your License Active
Tennessee Speech-Language Pathologist licenses renew Every 2 years (January 31). Contact the Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $50 |
| Endorsement application | $50 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 115.0 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
Fingerprint results can take several weeks to be processed by the TBI and FBI. Schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your OCA code.
Incomplete Practitioner Profile
▾
The Board cannot issue a license until the Mandatory Practitioner Profile is fully completed and submitted.
Unpaid Professional Privilege Tax
▾
For renewals, failure to pay the annual $400 Professional Privilege Tax to the Department of Revenue will block license renewal.
Transcript Delivery Issues
▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the school. Hand-delivered or applicant-uploaded copies will cause the application to be marked as incomplete.
Questions
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required?
▾
Licensed SLPs must complete 10 hours of CE every calendar year (20 hours per biennial renewal cycle). At least 5 hours must be in the licensee's specific area of practice.
When does my Tennessee SLP license expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on the last day of your birth month.
Is there a grace period for license renewal?
▾
No. Tennessee does not have a grace period. Practicing on an expired license is a violation of state law and may result in fines.
What is the Professional Privilege Tax?
▾
It is an annual $400 tax required by the TN Department of Revenue for certain licensed professionals. While many health professions were recently exempted, you should verify your current status with the Dept. of Revenue to ensure renewal eligibility.
How do I take the Jurisprudence Exam?
▾
The exam is not available for download; it is emailed directly to the applicant by the Board administrative staff once the initial application has been processed.
Board Info
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25