Speech Language Pathologist Licensure in Arkansas
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $43
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Renewal Costs $60
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CE Requirements 10 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Speech Language Pathologist license in Arkansas, you'll be working with the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA). You will submit your application through the ABESPA Licensure Application portal. Before you start, I recommend gathering your ASHA certification details, as this can significantly streamline your process.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get the Ball Rolling: Head over to the online application portal to create your account and start the application. The Board offers a 30-day grace period to begin working while your initial application is being processed, which is a huge perk for travelers!
- Verify Your Licenses: Request official verification from every state where you currently hold or have held a license. These must be sent directly from the licensing boards to ABESPA. Most states use an online verification system, but check each board's specific process.
- Submit Your Credentials (The Easy Way): If you hold a current Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), you can simply upload a clear copy of your current ASHA card (or a verification letter from ASHA). This allows you to skip sending official transcripts and Praxis scores! If you don't have your CCCs yet, you'll need to request official transcripts and Praxis scores (Code R8773) to be sent directly to the Board.
- Background Check: Arkansas requires a criminal background check. While the application checklist focuses heavily on credentials, state law mandates this check through the Arkansas State Police. Look for specific instructions and the required forms within the application portal or on the Board's website after you submit your application.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and your current ASHA Card (this is your "golden ticket" to a faster approval).
- Items to Request: Official License Verifications from other states. (If you don't have your ASHA CCCs, you'll also need Official Transcripts and Praxis Scores).
- Exams: Good news—Arkansas does not currently require a separate Jurisprudence Exam for SLPs.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arkansas:
- Application Fee: $5
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $38 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $43
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Arkansas Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens annually and is due by July 15.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $60.
Note: While licenses technically expire on June 30, you have a grace period until July 15 to renew before late fees apply.
CE Requirements
10 Clock Hours required every year.
Deadline: June 30th annually.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: Arkansas allows all 10 hours to be completed via online self-study or webinars. There is currently no "live" requirement.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the field of speech-language pathology. The Board automatically accepts activities provided by ASHA-approved providers. Popular online platforms like MedBridge are accepted as they are ASHA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
- Jurisprudence: No specific law or ethics exam is required for annual renewal.
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, business management, marketing, or any courses not directly related to the clinical practice of speech-language pathology.
New Licensee Rule: If you have been licensed for less than 9 months of the current fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), you are exempt from the continuing education requirement for your first renewal.
Reporting: Arkansas uses an audit-based system. You must attest to completing your hours during renewal and maintain your certificates of completion for at least 3 years in case of a random audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:
- Address: 101 East Capitol, Suite 103 Little Rock, AR 72201
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (501) 682-9180
- Email: abespa@arkansas.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 Arkansas, you'll be working with the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA). You will submit your application through the ABESPA Licensure Application portal. Before you start, I recommend gathering your ASHA certification details, as this can significantly streamline your process.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get the Ball Rolling: Head over to the online application portal to create your account and start the application. The Board offers a 30-day grace period to begin working while your initial application is being processed, which is a huge perk for travelers!
- Verify Your Licenses: Request official verification from every state where you currently hold or have held a license. These must be sent directly from the licensing boards to ABESPA. Most states use an online verification system, but check each board's specific process.
- Submit Your Credentials (The Easy Way): If you hold a current Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), you can simply upload a clear copy of your current ASHA card (or a verification letter from ASHA). This allows you to skip sending official transcripts and Praxis scores! If you don't have your CCCs yet, you'll need to request official transcripts and Praxis scores (Code R8773) to be sent directly to the Board.
- Background Check: Arkansas requires a criminal background check. While the application checklist focuses heavily on credentials, state law mandates this check through the Arkansas State Police. Look for specific instructions and the required forms within the application portal or on the Board's website after you submit your application.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and your current ASHA Card (this is your "golden ticket" to a faster approval).
- Items to Request: Official License Verifications from other states. (If you don't have your ASHA CCCs, you'll also need Official Transcripts and Praxis Scores).
- Exams: Good news—Arkansas does not currently require a separate Jurisprudence Exam for SLPs.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arkansas:
- Application Fee: $5
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $38 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $43
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Arkansas Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens annually and is due by July 15.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $60.
Note: While licenses technically expire on June 30, you have a grace period until July 15 to renew before late fees apply.
CE Requirements
10 Clock Hours required every year.
Deadline: June 30th annually.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: Arkansas allows all 10 hours to be completed via online self-study or webinars. There is currently no "live" requirement.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the field of speech-language pathology. The Board automatically accepts activities provided by ASHA-approved providers. Popular online platforms like MedBridge are accepted as they are ASHA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
- Jurisprudence: No specific law or ethics exam is required for annual renewal.
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, business management, marketing, or any courses not directly related to the clinical practice of speech-language pathology.
New Licensee Rule: If you have been licensed for less than 9 months of the current fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), you are exempt from the continuing education requirement for your first renewal.
Reporting: Arkansas uses an audit-based system. You must attest to completing your hours during renewal and maintain your certificates of completion for at least 3 years in case of a random audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:
- Address: 101 East Capitol, Suite 103 Little Rock, AR 72201
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (501) 682-9180
- Email: abespa@arkansas.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.