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Speech Language Pathologist Licensure in Massachusetts

  • Timeline 6-9 weeks
  • Initial Costs $136
  • Renewal Costs $68
  • CE Requirements 20 Hours
  • Compact No

How to apply

To secure your Travel Speech Language Pathologist license in Massachusetts, you'll be working with the Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. You will submit your application through the Health Professions Licensing Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check requirements and requesting your verifications to avoid delays.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Get the ball rolling: Head over to the Health Professions Licensing Portal to create your account. This is the hub for your entire application process. Once logged in, select "Start a New Application" and choose the Speech-Language Pathologist license type.
  2. Request your verifications: If you hold a license in another state, you must request official verification from each state board where you are licensed. These need to be sent directly to the Massachusetts Board. Additionally, request your Letter of Certification from ASHA to be sent directly to the Board to prove your clinical competency.
  3. Handle the background check: Massachusetts requires a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. You will likely need to complete a CORI Acknowledgement Form as part of your application. Be honest and thorough when answering the "Good Moral Character" questions, as discrepancies here can cause significant delays.
  4. Hit submit: Once you've uploaded your documents and filled out the application, submit it along with the application fee. Keep an eye on your portal account for any status updates or requests for additional information.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photo (headshot), your Social Security Number, and a detailed list of your employment history for the past five years.
  • Items to Request: Official License Verifications from every state where you hold a license and your official ASHA Certification (sent directly from ASHA). If you are not applying via reciprocity/ASHA, you will also need Official Transcripts sent directly from your university.
  • Exams: You will need to have passed the Praxis Series II examination in Speech-Language Pathology. Ensure your score report is sent to the Board if it's not covered by your ASHA certification transfer.

Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Massachusetts:

  • Application Fee: $136 (includes the $68 application processing fee and the $68 initial license fee)
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $0 (approximate; the Board conducts a name-based CORI check at no additional cost to the applicant)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0
  • Verifications: $0 (the Massachusetts Board does not charge a fee to receive license verifications from other states)
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $136

Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!

When to Renew: Massachusetts Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens biennially and is due by your birthday.

Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $68.

Note: You must complete 20 hours of continuing education before renewing, and there is no grace period for practicing with an expired license.

20 Continuing Education Hours required every two years.

Deadline: January 6th of even-numbered years.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: Massachusetts does not currently limit the number of hours you can earn through home-study or online courses, provided they are from approved organizations.

Provider Restrictions: Courses must be sponsored or approved by recognized professional organizations such as ASHA or the Massachusetts Board. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they are ASHA-approved providers.

Mandatory Topics

  • Area of Licensure: (10 hours minimum) must be directly related to the practice of Speech-Language Pathology.
  • No specific mandatory topics like Ethics or Jurisprudence are required—choose what interests you for the remaining 10 hours!

Excluded Topics: Courses in office management, marketing, financial gain, CPR, first aid, or basic life support do not count toward your total.

New Licensee Rule: If you have held your license for less than 6 months before the renewal date, you are exempt. If you have held it for 6 months to 1 year, you only need 10 hours (4 of which must be in your area of licensure).

Reporting: Massachusetts uses an audit-based system. You will attest to your hours during renewal but must keep your certificates on file for at least 4 years (two renewal cycles) in case of an audit.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:


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 Massachusetts, you'll be working with the Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. You will submit your application through the Health Professions Licensing Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check requirements and requesting your verifications to avoid delays.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Get the ball rolling: Head over to the Health Professions Licensing Portal to create your account. This is the hub for your entire application process. Once logged in, select "Start a New Application" and choose the Speech-Language Pathologist license type.
  2. Request your verifications: If you hold a license in another state, you must request official verification from each state board where you are licensed. These need to be sent directly to the Massachusetts Board. Additionally, request your Letter of Certification from ASHA to be sent directly to the Board to prove your clinical competency.
  3. Handle the background check: Massachusetts requires a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. You will likely need to complete a CORI Acknowledgement Form as part of your application. Be honest and thorough when answering the "Good Moral Character" questions, as discrepancies here can cause significant delays.
  4. Hit submit: Once you've uploaded your documents and filled out the application, submit it along with the application fee. Keep an eye on your portal account for any status updates or requests for additional information.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photo (headshot), your Social Security Number, and a detailed list of your employment history for the past five years.
  • Items to Request: Official License Verifications from every state where you hold a license and your official ASHA Certification (sent directly from ASHA). If you are not applying via reciprocity/ASHA, you will also need Official Transcripts sent directly from your university.
  • Exams: You will need to have passed the Praxis Series II examination in Speech-Language Pathology. Ensure your score report is sent to the Board if it's not covered by your ASHA certification transfer.

Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Massachusetts:

  • Application Fee: $136 (includes the $68 application processing fee and the $68 initial license fee)
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $0 (approximate; the Board conducts a name-based CORI check at no additional cost to the applicant)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0
  • Verifications: $0 (the Massachusetts Board does not charge a fee to receive license verifications from other states)
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $136

Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!

When to Renew: Massachusetts Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens biennially and is due by your birthday.

Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $68.

Note: You must complete 20 hours of continuing education before renewing, and there is no grace period for practicing with an expired license.

20 Continuing Education Hours required every two years.

Deadline: January 6th of even-numbered years.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: Massachusetts does not currently limit the number of hours you can earn through home-study or online courses, provided they are from approved organizations.

Provider Restrictions: Courses must be sponsored or approved by recognized professional organizations such as ASHA or the Massachusetts Board. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they are ASHA-approved providers.

Mandatory Topics

  • Area of Licensure: (10 hours minimum) must be directly related to the practice of Speech-Language Pathology.
  • No specific mandatory topics like Ethics or Jurisprudence are required—choose what interests you for the remaining 10 hours!

Excluded Topics: Courses in office management, marketing, financial gain, CPR, first aid, or basic life support do not count toward your total.

New Licensee Rule: If you have held your license for less than 6 months before the renewal date, you are exempt. If you have held it for 6 months to 1 year, you only need 10 hours (4 of which must be in your area of licensure).

Reporting: Massachusetts uses an audit-based system. You will attest to your hours during renewal but must keep your certificates on file for at least 4 years (two renewal cycles) in case of an audit.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:


Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.

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