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How to become a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) in California. Praxis exam required. Clinical fellowship required. Total initial fees: ~$450-$550+. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Governing Authority
California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPAHADB)
Official website →Required
Praxis Required
Not Required
CCC-SLP Required
Required
Clinical Fellowship
Permitted
Telepractice
24 hrs
CE Hours
~$450-$550+
Total Initial Fees
Education & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Master's degree or equivalent in speech-language pathology with 60 credit hours from a board-approved institution
CAA Accreditation
Required
CAA Details
Board-approved program; CAA accreditation accepted
Program Length
2-3 years (master's level); 60 credit hours minimum
Clinical Practicum Hours
300 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.
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; results must be no older than 5 years
Format
$146
Exam Fee
Retake Policy
28-day waiting period between 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.
Clinical Fellowship Requirements
VerifiedClinical Fellowship Required
36 wks
Duration
1,260 hrs
Total Hours
Yes
CF License Available
Supervision Requirements
RPE completed under supervision while holding an RPE temporary license
Supervisor Qualifications
Supervisor must be a licensed SLP
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
Current ASHA CCC-SLP accepted as one of five pathways to licensure, in lieu of RPE and other 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 Permanent license application fee | $150 |
Praxis Fee Paid directly to ETS | $146 |
License Fee | $150 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Background Check Fee | Fingerprinting required; fee varies by vendor |
Total Initial Fees Includes RPE temp license, permanent license application, Praxis, fingerprinting | ~$450-$550+ |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (2 years)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
Accepted
ASHA CEUs Accepted
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$150
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
California is NOT 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.
California is NOT a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact. The state uses 'Required Professional Experience' (RPE) terminology instead of 'Clinical Fellowship' and requires the RPE to be completed while holding an RPE temporary license. California also offers five separate pathways to licensure, including a military spouse pathway.
California uses 'Required Professional Experience' (RPE) instead of 'Clinical Fellowship' terminology.
Five pathways to licensure: RPE, ASHA CCC-SLP, out-of-state license, previously licensed CA, international education.
24 CE hours per biennial renewal (12 for first renewal).
California is NOT a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).
Praxis scores must be no older than 5 years.
New CE requirements effective January 1, 2025.
Military spouse/domestic partner 12-month temporary license available.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#1 of 51
Cost
#45 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
$95,830
25th percentile
Median
$116,000
+22% vs. national avg ($95,410)Experienced
$132,390
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
14,680 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)
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
Study guides for the Praxis SLP licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
California requires passing the Praxis SLP exam for SLP licensure. A clinical fellowship is required. All licensing is managed through the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPAHADB).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.