Applicants can seek a speech pathology state license after evidence of attaining the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) or equivalent certification from an accredited university.
The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on Alabama’s rules and regulations for state licensure. Please note that requirements/information may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.
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Summary of Alabama Speech Pathology State License Requirements
Alabama has eight accredited higher education institutions with programs (PDF, 262 KB) in communicative disorders. For speech pathology licensure, applicants must meet application requirements, earn a master’s in speech pathology graduate degree, and apply for temporary licensure before completing clinical observation hours. Finally, applicants need to pass the Praxis Exam and maintain licensure and certification.
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Alabama
Applicants for speech pathology licensure in Alabama must prove they have met the state’s requirements and pass the ASHA CCC exam or an equivalent certification exam from an accredited university or academy; or
- Earn a master’s degree in speech pathology or an equivalent degree approved by the Board of Examiners.
- Complete clinical practicum hours from an educational institution, or its cooperating programs, approved by the Board of Examiners.
- Complete a nine-month postgraduate professional experience in a supervised setting.
- Pass a national exam for speech pathology license verification approved by the Board of Examiners.
Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Alabama
The requirements for an Alabama license in speech pathology exempts physicians and their supervisees; licensed hearing aid fitters and dealers; licensed individuals working in the profession where they are licensed; credentialed speech and hearing specialists; federal employees; students; and clinical fellows.
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Alabama
The Board of Examiners may allow individuals with a speech therapy license in another state with equivalent standards or CCC holders to obtain an Alabama license without undergoing the full licensure requirements.
Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Alabama
A person holding a valid CCC or equivalent certification including an active speech language license in another state, may practice during the period between the application submission for an Alabama license and the Board of Examiners’ action.
Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Alabama
Maintaining an Alabama license requires participation in CEU activities of at least 12 hours for each period. A minimum of 10 hours must improve the professional competency of the licensee. One of the continuing education hours should be related to ethics. A maximum of the two required hours can be in any area related to the profession.
Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Alabama
For further information, potential applicants for speech licensure in Alabama can contact the Alabama Board of Examiners For Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. More information for speech pathology licensure can be found via the ABESPA website.
Alabama SLP Licensing Board Oversight
Alabama SLP licensing is monitored by the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. ABESPA oversees the rules and regulations as well as license verification for the state of Alabama. For more information visit the ABESPA website.
Alabama Board of Examiners For Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
400 South Union Street, Suite 435
PO Box 304760
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
Phone: 334-269-1434
Fax: 334-834-9618
Contact: Wanda Rawlinson, Executive Secretary
E-mail: abespa@abespa.alabama.gov
Alabama Hearing Screening Contacts
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
602 S. Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Contact: Amy Blakeney
Phone: 334-293-7021
E-mail: Amy.Blakeney@rehab.alabama.gov
Alabama ASHA Network Representatives
- State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs): Taryn Garcia Hopper tarynhopper@gmail.com
- State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS): Hillary Harris (SLP) hillaryharris@yahoo.com
- State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP) Network: Arpel Savage (SLP) ajslp08@gmail.com
Information last updated June 2020
Sponsored online speech pathology programs
Online MS: Pursue SLP Certification. Study FT/PT
Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.
- Prepares you to pursue certification as an SLP generalist
- In-person clinical placements at faculty-approved partner sites
- As few as 20 months to complete
SPONSORED
Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU
NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.
- Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure
- Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation
- As few as six terms to complete
- Full-time and part-time plans of study
SPONSORED