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How to become a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) in Illinois. Praxis exam required. Clinical fellowship required. Total initial fees: ~$480+. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Governing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) - Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Official website →Required
Praxis Required
Not Required
CCC-SLP Required
Required
Clinical Fellowship
Permitted
Telepractice
20 hrs
CE Hours
~$480+
Total Initial Fees
Education & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Master's or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology from an IDFPR-approved and/or ASHA-accredited program
CAA Accreditation
Required
CAA Details
IDFPR-approved and/or ASHA CAA-accredited program required
Program Length
60-credit master's degree with 375-hour practicum
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.
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
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
9-month supervised clinical fellowship
Supervisor Qualifications
Licensed SLP with CCC-SLP; IDFPR license required to supervise
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 as evidence of meeting education and exam requirements
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 Submitted via CORE online system | $90 |
Praxis Fee Paid directly to ETS | $146 |
License Fee | $90 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal; expires October 31 of odd-numbered years | $90 |
Background Check Fee | Required; fee varies |
Total Initial Fees Includes temporary license ($165), full license ($90), Praxis ($135), background check (varies), convenience fee | ~$480+ |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (2 years)
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
Accepted
ASHA CEUs Accepted
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
See IDFPR CORE system
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
Illinois 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.
Illinois requires an IDFPR license in all practice settings and mandates it for billing Medicaid or private insurance, and for supervising SLPAs, Clinical Fellows, or students. The new CORE online system launched in October 2024 replaced previous paper applications.
IDFPR launched CORE online licensing system in October 2024.
IDFPR license required in all settings including schools; required for Medicaid/insurance billing.
Temporary license for CF costs $165, lasts 12 months, renewable once.
20 CE hours required per biennial renewal.
Illinois is NOT a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).
Must hold IDFPR license to supervise SLPAs, CFs, or SLP practicum students.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Illinois.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#34 of 51
Cost
#46 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
$69,220
25th percentile
Median
$82,480
-14% vs. national avg ($95,410)Experienced
$105,480
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
9,100 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.
Illinois requires passing the Praxis SLP exam for SLP licensure. A clinical fellowship is required. All licensing is managed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) - Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.