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How to become a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) in Washington. Praxis exam required. Clinical fellowship required. Total initial fees: $287. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Required
Praxis Required
Not Required
CCC-SLP Required
Required
Clinical Fellowship
Permitted
Telepractice
30 hrs
CE Hours
$287
Total Initial Fees
Education & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Master's degree program that includes clinical practicum experience (official transcripts required showing degree and date granted)
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
400 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
Format
$146
Exam Fee
Additional State Exam
Jurisprudence examination required (1 CE hour); must pass to obtain or renew license
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.
Overall licensing difficulty: 17/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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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 weeks of full-time postgraduate professional work experience or part-time equivalent
Supervisor Qualifications
Supervisor must hold current CCC-SLP and a valid WA SLP license
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
VerifiedNot Required
CCC-SLP for License
Not Required
ASHA Membership
Accepted in Lieu
CCC-SLP accepted in lieu of exam and CF documentation
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 | $91 |
Praxis Fee Paid directly to ETS | $146 |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Renewal Fee | $91 |
Background Check Fee WSP and FBI fingerprint-based background check may be required | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($91), Praxis ($135), background check (~$50) | $287 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$276
Exam prep materials
Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Exam
Study guides & supplies
SLP Exam Prep Books
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$276
Average Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Washington: $102,450/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 1 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual renewal; renew on or before birthday
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
Accepted
ASHA CEUs Accepted
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$91
Late renewal incurs additional $45 penalty fee
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.
We'll send you courtesy reminders at 90, 60, and 30 days before your license expires — so you can stay ahead of your CE and renewal deadlines.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
Interstate Compact
Washington is a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).
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 →
Washington requires a registered agent for service of process for any violation of law, which is unique among states. Annual renewal with 30 CE hours over a 3-year rolling cycle includes mandatory infection control (1 hour), health equity training (2 hours), and a jurisprudence exam that must be passed for renewal.
Washington has annual renewal requiring 30 CE hours per 3-year cycle.
Jurisprudence examination required for initial licensure and renewal.
Must designate a registered agent for service of process.
Specific CE requirements: 25 hours profession-specific, 1 hour infection control, 2 hours health equity.
Washington is a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).
Late renewal incurs $45 penalty fee.
All fees are non-refundable per WAC 246-12-340.
Confirmed non-refundable per WAC 246-12-340
Speech Language Pathologist requirements in nearby states
Washington ranks #18 out of 51 for lowest speech language pathologist licensing fees ($287). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
✓ ASLP-IC Compact State — Washington 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 Washington.
Speech Language Pathologist Schools in Washington
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#8 of 51
Cost
#17 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
$86,990
25th percentile
Median
$102,450
+7% vs. national avg ($95,410)Experienced
$118,650
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,170 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.
Source: Washington State Department of Health (DOH) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Washington State Department of Health (DOH) — Licensing Requirements
Moving to Washington? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Speech Language Pathologist license to Washington →
A week-by-week action plan built for your situation — with every cost, deadline, and next step mapped out.
A week-by-week action plan built for your situation — with every cost, deadline, and next step mapped out.
Washington requires passing the Praxis SLP exam for SLP licensure. A clinical fellowship is required. All licensing is managed through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.