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Speech Language Pathologist Licensure in Tennessee

  • Timeline 6-9 weeks
  • Initial Costs $175
  • Renewal Costs $70
  • CE Requirements 30 Hours
  • Compact No

How to apply

To secure your Travel Speech Language Pathologist license in Tennessee, you'll be working with the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences. You will submit your application through the Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Create Your LARS Account: Head over to the LARS portal to create your account and start the application. This is where you'll enter your personal details and employment history. Hit submit on the application fee to officially open your file.
  2. Request Official Transcripts: Contact your university registrar to send your official Master's degree transcripts directly to the Board. These must come straight from the source; do not upload them yourself.
  3. Complete the Background Check: Tennessee uses IdentoGO for criminal background checks. You will need specific service codes which are typically provided in the application instructions or after you apply. Schedule your appointment and get your fingerprints done promptly.
  4. Take the Jurisprudence Exam: After the Board receives your application, they will email you the Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam. This is an open-book test covering the Board's statutes and rules. Complete it and return it as instructed.
  5. Verify Your Credentials: If you hold ASHA certification (CCC-SLP), request a verification letter from ASHA to be sent to the Board. If you are licensed in another state, request verification of licensure from that state's board.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: A clear passport-style photo, your Driver's License, Social Security Number, and a list of your past employment dates.
  • Items to Request: Official Transcripts (from your school), Praxis Exam scores (from ETS), and Verification of ASHA Certification (if applicable).
  • Exams: You will need to pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam, which is sent to you after applying.

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

  • Application Fee: $140
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $35 (approximate)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0
  • Verifications: $0
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $175

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

When to Renew: Tennessee 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 $70.

Note: Watch out—Tennessee does not have a grace period for practicing on an expired license, so be sure to renew on time to avoid penalties!

30 Clock Hours required every 2 years.

Deadline: The last day of your birth month during your renewal year.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: Tennessee allows all 30 hours to be completed via multi-media or online formats, provided they are from approved sources.

Provider Restrictions: Courses must be related to the clinical practice of speech-language pathology. Tennessee accepts courses from ASHA-approved providers. General portals like MedBridge are accepted and highly efficient for travelers managing multiple state licenses.

Mandatory Topics

  • Ethics (2 Clock Hours)
  • Jurisprudence: No specific law exam is required for renewal, but the 2-hour ethics requirement is mandatory every cycle.

Excluded Topics: CPR, basic life support, business management, marketing, and financial or investment topics.

New Licensee Rule: New licensees are exempt from continuing education requirements for the calendar year in which their license was initially granted.

Reporting: Tennessee utilizes CE Broker for tracking and reporting. While the board uses this system, you should maintain your own records for at least 4 years in case of an audit.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the State Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences Council for Hearing Instruments Specialists:


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 Tennessee, you'll be working with the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences. You will submit your application through the Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Create Your LARS Account: Head over to the LARS portal to create your account and start the application. This is where you'll enter your personal details and employment history. Hit submit on the application fee to officially open your file.
  2. Request Official Transcripts: Contact your university registrar to send your official Master's degree transcripts directly to the Board. These must come straight from the source; do not upload them yourself.
  3. Complete the Background Check: Tennessee uses IdentoGO for criminal background checks. You will need specific service codes which are typically provided in the application instructions or after you apply. Schedule your appointment and get your fingerprints done promptly.
  4. Take the Jurisprudence Exam: After the Board receives your application, they will email you the Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam. This is an open-book test covering the Board's statutes and rules. Complete it and return it as instructed.
  5. Verify Your Credentials: If you hold ASHA certification (CCC-SLP), request a verification letter from ASHA to be sent to the Board. If you are licensed in another state, request verification of licensure from that state's board.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: A clear passport-style photo, your Driver's License, Social Security Number, and a list of your past employment dates.
  • Items to Request: Official Transcripts (from your school), Praxis Exam scores (from ETS), and Verification of ASHA Certification (if applicable).
  • Exams: You will need to pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam, which is sent to you after applying.

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

  • Application Fee: $140
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $35 (approximate)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0
  • Verifications: $0
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $175

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

When to Renew: Tennessee 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 $70.

Note: Watch out—Tennessee does not have a grace period for practicing on an expired license, so be sure to renew on time to avoid penalties!

30 Clock Hours required every 2 years.

Deadline: The last day of your birth month during your renewal year.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: Tennessee allows all 30 hours to be completed via multi-media or online formats, provided they are from approved sources.

Provider Restrictions: Courses must be related to the clinical practice of speech-language pathology. Tennessee accepts courses from ASHA-approved providers. General portals like MedBridge are accepted and highly efficient for travelers managing multiple state licenses.

Mandatory Topics

  • Ethics (2 Clock Hours)
  • Jurisprudence: No specific law exam is required for renewal, but the 2-hour ethics requirement is mandatory every cycle.

Excluded Topics: CPR, basic life support, business management, marketing, and financial or investment topics.

New Licensee Rule: New licensees are exempt from continuing education requirements for the calendar year in which their license was initially granted.

Reporting: Tennessee utilizes CE Broker for tracking and reporting. While the board uses this system, you should maintain your own records for at least 4 years in case of an audit.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the State Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences Council for Hearing Instruments Specialists:


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

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