Speech Language Pathologist Licensure in Louisiana
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $255
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Renewal Costs $65
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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 Louisiana, you'll be working with the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. You will submit your application through the LBESPA Online Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts, as these steps often take the longest.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your Account: Head over to the LBESPA Online Portal to create your user profile. Once logged in, you can start the application for a Speech-Language Pathology license.
- Background Check: Louisiana requires a state and federal criminal background check for all applicants. You cannot use a previous check from another agency. Visit the Criminal Background Checks page to download the "Fingerprint Service Code Form" and the specific procedures for "Out-of-State Applicants." You will likely need to register for digital fingerprinting (often via IdentoGO) using the service codes provided on that page.
- Submit the Application: Complete the online application forms and pay the application fee. Once you hit submit, you can track your status on your dashboard. Note that the Board grants a 60-day grace period to work only after they have acknowledged receipt of all your application documents.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A copy of your current ASHA Membership card (or letter of verification), your driver's license, and your employment history for the past few years.
- Items to Request:
- Official Transcripts: These must come directly from your university. They can be sent via e-script to
mricca@lbespa.orgor mailed in a sealed envelope. - Praxis Scores: Request your passing Praxis score be sent electronically from ETS to the Board (Code: R7331).
- License Verification: If you hold or have held a license in another state, you must request a Verification of Licensure from that state's board. It must be emailed directly from them to
mricca@lbespa.orgor sent in a sealed envelope.
- Official Transcripts: These must come directly from your university. They can be sent via e-script to
- Exams: Louisiana does not currently require a separate Jurisprudence Exam for SLPs, but you should familiarize yourself with the Practice Act.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Louisiana:
- Application Fee: $125
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $100 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $30
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $255
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Louisiana Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens annually and is due by June 30th.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $65.
Note: Be mindful that the continuing education cycle runs from July 1 to June 30, meaning all 10 required hours must be completed before the renewal deadline.
CE Requirements
10 Clock Hours required every year.
Deadline: June 30th annually.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: you can complete all 10 hours online! Louisiana does not currently limit distance learning as long as the courses are provided by ASHA-approved sponsors.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be provided by ASHA-approved continuing education providers, the Board (LBESPA), or related professional organizations (like AAA or LSHA). General portals like MedBridge are accepted because they are ASHA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- Directly Related Scope of Practice: (5 Clock Hours) Must focus on diagnosis and treatment within the area of licensure.
- Related Areas: (Up to 5 Clock Hours) Can include topics like billing, coding, ethics, or supervision.
- Jurisprudence: No specific Law/Ethics exam is required for annual renewal, though ethics is an approved "related" topic.
Excluded Topics: Business meetings, luncheons, award ceremonies, receptions, clinical practicum, and teaching at the college level strictly DO NOT count toward your total.
New Licensee Rule: Requirements are prorated for your first renewal based on when you received your license: 10 hours if licensed July–Sept, 6 hours if Oct–Dec, 3 hours if Jan–March, and 0 hours if licensed in April–June.
Reporting: Louisiana is an Audit-based state. You must record your activities on the renewal form and maintain your certificates 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 for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:
- Address: 37283 Swamp Road, Suite 3B Prairieville, LA 70769
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (225) 313-6358
- Email: mricca@lbespa.org
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 Louisiana, you'll be working with the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. You will submit your application through the LBESPA Online Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts, as these steps often take the longest.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your Account: Head over to the LBESPA Online Portal to create your user profile. Once logged in, you can start the application for a Speech-Language Pathology license.
- Background Check: Louisiana requires a state and federal criminal background check for all applicants. You cannot use a previous check from another agency. Visit the Criminal Background Checks page to download the "Fingerprint Service Code Form" and the specific procedures for "Out-of-State Applicants." You will likely need to register for digital fingerprinting (often via IdentoGO) using the service codes provided on that page.
- Submit the Application: Complete the online application forms and pay the application fee. Once you hit submit, you can track your status on your dashboard. Note that the Board grants a 60-day grace period to work only after they have acknowledged receipt of all your application documents.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A copy of your current ASHA Membership card (or letter of verification), your driver's license, and your employment history for the past few years.
- Items to Request:
- Official Transcripts: These must come directly from your university. They can be sent via e-script to
mricca@lbespa.orgor mailed in a sealed envelope. - Praxis Scores: Request your passing Praxis score be sent electronically from ETS to the Board (Code: R7331).
- License Verification: If you hold or have held a license in another state, you must request a Verification of Licensure from that state's board. It must be emailed directly from them to
mricca@lbespa.orgor sent in a sealed envelope.
- Official Transcripts: These must come directly from your university. They can be sent via e-script to
- Exams: Louisiana does not currently require a separate Jurisprudence Exam for SLPs, but you should familiarize yourself with the Practice Act.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Louisiana:
- Application Fee: $125
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $100 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $30
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $255
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Louisiana Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens annually and is due by June 30th.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $65.
Note: Be mindful that the continuing education cycle runs from July 1 to June 30, meaning all 10 required hours must be completed before the renewal deadline.
CE Requirements
10 Clock Hours required every year.
Deadline: June 30th annually.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: you can complete all 10 hours online! Louisiana does not currently limit distance learning as long as the courses are provided by ASHA-approved sponsors.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be provided by ASHA-approved continuing education providers, the Board (LBESPA), or related professional organizations (like AAA or LSHA). General portals like MedBridge are accepted because they are ASHA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- Directly Related Scope of Practice: (5 Clock Hours) Must focus on diagnosis and treatment within the area of licensure.
- Related Areas: (Up to 5 Clock Hours) Can include topics like billing, coding, ethics, or supervision.
- Jurisprudence: No specific Law/Ethics exam is required for annual renewal, though ethics is an approved "related" topic.
Excluded Topics: Business meetings, luncheons, award ceremonies, receptions, clinical practicum, and teaching at the college level strictly DO NOT count toward your total.
New Licensee Rule: Requirements are prorated for your first renewal based on when you received your license: 10 hours if licensed July–Sept, 6 hours if Oct–Dec, 3 hours if Jan–March, and 0 hours if licensed in April–June.
Reporting: Louisiana is an Audit-based state. You must record your activities on the renewal form and maintain your certificates 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 for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:
- Address: 37283 Swamp Road, Suite 3B Prairieville, LA 70769
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (225) 313-6358
- Email: mricca@lbespa.org
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.