Speech Language Pathologist Licensure in California
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Timeline 4-6 weeks
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Initial Costs $374
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Renewal Costs $150
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CE Requirements 24 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Speech Language Pathologist license in California, you'll be working with the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. You will submit your application through the BreEZe online system (or the Board's "Apply Simply" forms). Before you start, I recommend gathering your ASHA account details and requesting your exam scores if they are recent.
Step-by-Step Guide
- The Application: Head over to the BreEZe portal to create an account and start your application. If you hold your CCC-SLP, select Option #2 (Equivalent Qualifications). This pathway is streamlined for certificate holders. You will need to enter your ASHA account number directly into the application, which allows the Board to verify your certification electronically without a separate letter.
- Fingerprinting: You must complete a criminal background check. If you are already in California, use a Live Scan service. If you are out of state, you must request two FD-258 fingerprint cards from the Board (or use standard cards) and have your prints rolled at a local law enforcement agency, then mail them to the Board with the processing fee.
- Exam Scores & Employment Verification: Request your Praxis scores to be sent electronically from ETS to the Board (Reporting Code 8544). Note: If your exam was passed more than 5 years ago, you must provide proof of continuous employment (at least 15 hours/week) for the last 3 years to qualify for an exemption.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: ASHA Account Number, Social Security Number, and a passport-style photo (if requested).
- Items to Request: Official Praxis Exam Scores (from ETS), Fingerprint Cards (if applying from out of state), and an Employment Verification Letter (from your HR/Employer if your exam scores are >5 years old).
- Exams: No Jurisprudence Exam is required for SLPs in California.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in California:
- Application Fee: $300
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $74 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $374
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: California Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens every two years and is due by the last day of your birth month.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $150.
Note: Watch out—there is no grace period, so be sure to renew before your expiration date to avoid a $25 delinquency fee!
CE Requirements
24 Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of your birth month in even or odd years based on your birth year.
Live vs. Online: California has specific rules for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: you are limited to 12 hours of "Self-Study" (non-simultaneous recorded courses). The remaining 12 hours must be "Live," which includes in-person events or live webinars where you can interact with the instructor in real-time.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be completed through a Board-approved provider or an organization recognized by the Board, such as ASHA or AAA. MedBridge is a highly recommended resource for travelers because their live webinars count toward your "Live" requirement and they are an ASHA-approved provider.
Mandatory Topics
- Supervision: (6 hours) Required once before supervising an SLPA or RPE temporary licensee; thereafter, 3 hours are required every 4 years.
- Indirect Patient Care: (Maximum 6 hours) This includes topics like legal/ethical issues, office management, or record-keeping.
- Jurisprudence: No specific law exam or ethics course is mandated by the state board, though ASHA requires 1 hour of Ethics and 2 hours of DEI for CCC maintenance.
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic life support, marketing, sales, personal finance, and business matters that do not directly benefit the consumer.
New Licensee Rule: If you are renewing for the first time, you only need to complete 12 hours of continuing professional development.
Reporting: California is audit-based. You do not need to submit certificates during renewal, but you must maintain your records for at least 2 years after the renewal date in case of a Board audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Hearing Aid Dispenser Licensing:
- Address: 2005 Evergreen St, Suite 2100 Sacramento, CA 95815
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (916) 287-7915
- Email: speechandhearing@dca.ca.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.
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How to Apply
To secure your Travel Speech Language Pathologist license in California, you'll be working with the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. You will submit your application through the BreEZe online system (or the Board's "Apply Simply" forms). Before you start, I recommend gathering your ASHA account details and requesting your exam scores if they are recent.
Step-by-Step Guide
- The Application: Head over to the BreEZe portal to create an account and start your application. If you hold your CCC-SLP, select Option #2 (Equivalent Qualifications). This pathway is streamlined for certificate holders. You will need to enter your ASHA account number directly into the application, which allows the Board to verify your certification electronically without a separate letter.
- Fingerprinting: You must complete a criminal background check. If you are already in California, use a Live Scan service. If you are out of state, you must request two FD-258 fingerprint cards from the Board (or use standard cards) and have your prints rolled at a local law enforcement agency, then mail them to the Board with the processing fee.
- Exam Scores & Employment Verification: Request your Praxis scores to be sent electronically from ETS to the Board (Reporting Code 8544). Note: If your exam was passed more than 5 years ago, you must provide proof of continuous employment (at least 15 hours/week) for the last 3 years to qualify for an exemption.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: ASHA Account Number, Social Security Number, and a passport-style photo (if requested).
- Items to Request: Official Praxis Exam Scores (from ETS), Fingerprint Cards (if applying from out of state), and an Employment Verification Letter (from your HR/Employer if your exam scores are >5 years old).
- Exams: No Jurisprudence Exam is required for SLPs in California.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in California:
- Application Fee: $300
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $74 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $374
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: California Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens every two years and is due by the last day of your birth month.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $150.
Note: Watch out—there is no grace period, so be sure to renew before your expiration date to avoid a $25 delinquency fee!
CE Requirements
24 Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of your birth month in even or odd years based on your birth year.
Live vs. Online: California has specific rules for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: you are limited to 12 hours of "Self-Study" (non-simultaneous recorded courses). The remaining 12 hours must be "Live," which includes in-person events or live webinars where you can interact with the instructor in real-time.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be completed through a Board-approved provider or an organization recognized by the Board, such as ASHA or AAA. MedBridge is a highly recommended resource for travelers because their live webinars count toward your "Live" requirement and they are an ASHA-approved provider.
Mandatory Topics
- Supervision: (6 hours) Required once before supervising an SLPA or RPE temporary licensee; thereafter, 3 hours are required every 4 years.
- Indirect Patient Care: (Maximum 6 hours) This includes topics like legal/ethical issues, office management, or record-keeping.
- Jurisprudence: No specific law exam or ethics course is mandated by the state board, though ASHA requires 1 hour of Ethics and 2 hours of DEI for CCC maintenance.
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic life support, marketing, sales, personal finance, and business matters that do not directly benefit the consumer.
New Licensee Rule: If you are renewing for the first time, you only need to complete 12 hours of continuing professional development.
Reporting: California is audit-based. You do not need to submit certificates during renewal, but you must maintain your records for at least 2 years after the renewal date in case of a Board audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Hearing Aid Dispenser Licensing:
- Address: 2005 Evergreen St, Suite 2100 Sacramento, CA 95815
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (916) 287-7915
- Email: speechandhearing@dca.ca.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.