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How to become a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) in Alabama. Praxis exam required. CCC-SLP required. Clinical fellowship required. Total initial fees: ~$380+. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Governing Authority
Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA)
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
94% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Required
Praxis Required
Required
CCC-SLP Required
Required
Clinical Fellowship
Permitted
Telepractice
12 hrs
CE Hours
~$380+
Total Initial Fees
Education & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Master's degree in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited program
CAA Accreditation
Required
CAA Details
Program must be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Program Length
2-3 years (master's level)
Clinical Practicum Hours
375 hrs
Required Coursework
SLP licensure requires a master's degree in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited program (Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology). Programs typically include 375-400 clinical practicum hours and coursework in speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive-communication disorders.
Browse approved speech language pathologist training programs to find the right fit.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedPraxis Required
Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology
162
Passing Score
Computer-delivered test; 132 selected-response questions; 2.5 hours; Praxis SLP test code 5331
Format
$146
Exam Fee
Retake Policy
28-day waiting period between attempts; no limit on number of attempts
The Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331) is administered by ETS. Most states require a passing score of 162. The exam covers foundations of practice, screening and assessment, planning and intervention, and professional issues.
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Study guides for the Praxis SLP licensing exam.
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Clinical Fellowship Requirements
VerifiedClinical Fellowship Required
36 wks
Duration
1,260 hrs
Total Hours
Yes
CF License Available
Supervision Requirements
Minimum 36 supervisory activities over the CF period; at least 18 must be direct observation; at least 6 per each third of the CF
Supervisor Qualifications
Supervisor must hold current CCC-SLP and have completed at least 9 months of post-certification experience
The Clinical Fellowship (CF) is a mentored professional experience completed after earning a master's degree. It typically requires 36 weeks of full-time experience (approximately 1,260 hours) under the supervision of a CCC-SLP certified speech-language pathologist. Many states offer a temporary CF license to allow practice during this period.
CCC-SLP & ASHA Requirements
VerifiedRequired
CCC-SLP for License
Not Required
ASHA Membership
Accepted in Lieu
CCC-SLP verification accepted in lieu of separate Praxis exam documentation and clinical fellowship verification
The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) is a nationally recognized credential granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Some states require or accept CCC-SLP certification as part of the licensure process or in lieu of certain requirements such as the Praxis exam or clinical fellowship verification.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $200 |
Praxis Fee Paid directly to ETS | $146 |
License Fee | Staggered based on when in license cycle you apply |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Background Check Fee | $45 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($200), Praxis exam ($135), background check (~$45); license fee varies by cycle timing | ~$380+ |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual renewal; 25% of licensees randomly audited for CE compliance each year
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
Accepted
ASHA CEUs Accepted
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$100
Regulatory Board
SLP licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require 20-30 hours of continuing education per renewal period. Many states accept ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to satisfy state CE requirements.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
Interstate Compact
The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) allows eligible licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists an alternative method for providing services in other member states.
Endorsement Requirements
The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) allows licensed SLPs to practice in other compact member states. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying existing credentials and may require additional documentation.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Alabama requires annual license renewal (not biennial like many states), with 12 CE hours per year. At least 10 hours must be in the licensee's area of certification, with up to 2 in related topics such as practice management.
Alabama requires a master's degree from a CAA-accredited program for SLP licensure.
The Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331, score of 162) is required.
A Clinical Fellowship of 36 weeks (1,260 hours) must be completed under supervision.
The CCC-SLP is not required for state licensure but is accepted in lieu of other documentation.
12 CE hours required annually (10 in area of licensure, 2 in related topics).
Alabama is a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).
Speech Language Pathologist requirements in nearby states
Alabama ranks #38 out of 51 for lowest speech language pathologist licensing fees ($~$380+). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
✓ ASLP-IC Compact State — Alabama is a member of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). Licensed speech language pathologists from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
Speech Language Pathologist Schools in Alabama
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#48 of 51
Cost
#37 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Speech-Language Pathologists (SOC 29-1127)
Entry Level
$60,430
25th percentile
Median
$72,560
-24% vs. national avg ($95,410)Experienced
$93,600
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,840 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Speech-Language Pathologists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+10.4%
High DemandNew Jobs
+17,600
over 10 years
Annual Openings
11,200
per year (avg.)
168,700 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Exam — 2023-2024National rate
90%
First-time Pass Rate
~90%+ for candidates with graduate degrees. Passing score is 162 on a 100-200 scale.
Source: ASHA / ETS Praxis Data (2024)
Pass rates are approximate national averages and may vary by state, exam provider, and candidate preparation.
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 170–216 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
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Alabama requires passing the Praxis SLP exam for SLP licensure. A clinical fellowship is required. CCC-SLP certification is required for licensure. All licensing is managed through the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.