Speech Language Pathologist Licensure in Pennsylvania
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Timeline 4-6 weeks
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Initial Costs $75
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Renewal Costs $65
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CE Requirements 20 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Speech Language Pathologist license in Pennsylvania, you'll be working with the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. You will submit your application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your PALS Account: Head over to the PALS portal to create your account and start your application. This is your hub for the entire process, so keep your login details handy.
- Request Official Transcripts & Scores: Contact your university to have your official Master's transcripts sent directly to the Board. You will also need to log into your ETS account and request that your Praxis scores be sent directly to the Pennsylvania Board.
- Complete the Background Check: You must pre-register for a fingerprint-based FBI background check. In Pennsylvania, this is typically handled by IdentoGO. Make sure to use the correct service code provided in the application instructions to ensure your results go to the right Board.
- Child Abuse Recognition Training: Pennsylvania requires all health-related licensees to complete 3 hours of Board-approved training in Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (Act 31). You must complete this through an approved provider, who will then electronically submit your certificate of completion directly to the Board.
- Verify Your Credentials: If you hold your CCC-SLP, you can often waive the Clinical Fellowship verification. Request a Letter of Good Standing or verification of certification directly from ASHA to be sent to the Board.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and a detailed employment history for your application.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (from your school), Praxis Scores (from ETS), and ASHA Verification (if applying by reciprocity/waiver).
- Exams & Training: While there isn't a standard jurisprudence exam, the 3-hour Act 31 Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting course is mandatory for initial licensure.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Pennsylvania:
- Application Fee: $50
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $35 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $85
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Pennsylvania Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens biennially and is due by July 31st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $65.
Note: You must complete 20 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours of mandated child abuse reporter training, during each renewal cycle.
CE Requirements
20 Clock Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: September 30th of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: Pennsylvania currently has no limit on home-study or online courses, meaning you can complete all 20 hours remotely!
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be offered by ASHA-approved providers or Board-approved sponsors. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they are ASHA CE Providers.
Mandatory Topics
- Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (2 Clock Hours): Required by Act 31 for every renewal. This must be taken from a provider specifically approved by the PA Department of Human Services.
- Jurisprudence: No specific law or ethics exam is required by the state board for renewal at this time.
Excluded Topics: The board does not accept hours for CPR, office management, marketing, financial gain, or business-related topics.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new grad or newly licensed in PA, you are exempt from the 20-hour requirement for your first renewal cycle, but you must still complete the mandatory Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting course.
Reporting: Pennsylvania uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates during renewal unless you are selected for an audit; however, you must maintain your records for at least 4 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs:
- Address: PO Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (717) 783-1389
- Fax: (717) 783-0510
- Email: ST-SPEECH@PA.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 Pennsylvania, you'll be working with the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. You will submit your application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your PALS Account: Head over to the PALS portal to create your account and start your application. This is your hub for the entire process, so keep your login details handy.
- Request Official Transcripts & Scores: Contact your university to have your official Master's transcripts sent directly to the Board. You will also need to log into your ETS account and request that your Praxis scores be sent directly to the Pennsylvania Board.
- Complete the Background Check: You must pre-register for a fingerprint-based FBI background check. In Pennsylvania, this is typically handled by IdentoGO. Make sure to use the correct service code provided in the application instructions to ensure your results go to the right Board.
- Child Abuse Recognition Training: Pennsylvania requires all health-related licensees to complete 3 hours of Board-approved training in Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (Act 31). You must complete this through an approved provider, who will then electronically submit your certificate of completion directly to the Board.
- Verify Your Credentials: If you hold your CCC-SLP, you can often waive the Clinical Fellowship verification. Request a Letter of Good Standing or verification of certification directly from ASHA to be sent to the Board.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and a detailed employment history for your application.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (from your school), Praxis Scores (from ETS), and ASHA Verification (if applying by reciprocity/waiver).
- Exams & Training: While there isn't a standard jurisprudence exam, the 3-hour Act 31 Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting course is mandatory for initial licensure.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Pennsylvania:
- Application Fee: $50
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $35 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $85
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Pennsylvania Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens biennially and is due by July 31st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $65.
Note: You must complete 20 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours of mandated child abuse reporter training, during each renewal cycle.
CE Requirements
20 Clock Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: September 30th of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: Pennsylvania currently has no limit on home-study or online courses, meaning you can complete all 20 hours remotely!
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be offered by ASHA-approved providers or Board-approved sponsors. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they are ASHA CE Providers.
Mandatory Topics
- Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (2 Clock Hours): Required by Act 31 for every renewal. This must be taken from a provider specifically approved by the PA Department of Human Services.
- Jurisprudence: No specific law or ethics exam is required by the state board for renewal at this time.
Excluded Topics: The board does not accept hours for CPR, office management, marketing, financial gain, or business-related topics.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new grad or newly licensed in PA, you are exempt from the 20-hour requirement for your first renewal cycle, but you must still complete the mandatory Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting course.
Reporting: Pennsylvania uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates during renewal unless you are selected for an audit; however, you must maintain your records for at least 4 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs:
- Address: PO Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (717) 783-1389
- Fax: (717) 783-0510
- Email: ST-SPEECH@PA.GOV
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.