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How to become a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) in Tennessee. Praxis exam required. Clinical fellowship required. Total initial fees: $351. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Licensed Speech Pathologist
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
Not Required
CCC-SLP Required
Required
Clinical Fellowship
Permitted
Telepractice
20 hrs
CE Hours
$351
Total Initial Fees
Education & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Master's or doctorate 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
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.
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
Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam required; covers state laws and rules governing SLP practice
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.
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
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
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 | $160 |
Praxis Fee Paid directly to ETS | $146 |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Renewal Fee | $80 |
Background Check Fee | $45 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($160), Praxis exam ($135), background check (~$45) | $351 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
Accepted
ASHA CEUs Accepted
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$80
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
Tennessee 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.
Tennessee requires a state-specific Jurisprudence Exam in addition to the Praxis exam. CE hours are split: 10 must be in the SLP practice area and 10 may be in either SLP or Audiology topics. CE Broker is the official tracking system used by the Tennessee Board.
Tennessee requires a master's or doctorate from a CAA-accredited program.
The Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (score of 162) is required.
A state-specific Jurisprudence Exam is also required.
A Clinical Fellowship of 9 months (1,260 hours) must be completed.
20 CE hours per biennium: 10 in SLP practice area, 10 in SLP or Audiology.
CE Broker is the official CE tracking system for Tennessee.
Tennessee is a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).
Applications processed within 4-6 weeks.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Tennessee.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#32 of 51
Cost
#31 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
$65,070
25th percentile
Median
$82,990
-13% vs. national avg ($95,410)Experienced
$100,050
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,510 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.
Source: Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the Praxis SLP licensing exam.
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Tennessee requires passing the Praxis SLP exam for SLP licensure. A clinical fellowship is required. All licensing is managed through the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.