Applicants for an Arizona speech pathology license must meet certain criteria before verification can occur. These criteria include not only a master’s degree but also a supervised practicum and passage of an exam.
The information below has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)1 based on Arizona’s state licensure rules and regulations. 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 Arizona Speech Pathology State License Requirements
To earn an Arizona SLP license, applicants must complete at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, finish a supervised clinical practicum, and complete postgraduate supervised professional experience (often completed while working under the state’s supervision/temporary pathway), along with required state application steps, according to Arizona legislature.
As of 2024, national employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, with about 13,300 openings per year (average) over the decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Arizona students can complete the required graduate education at CAA-accredited speech-language pathology programs in the state.
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Arizona
According to ASHA2, applicants for Arizona speech pathology licensure must meet the following criteria before license verification:
- Speech pathology applicants must have a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or equivalent from an accredited institution that is consistent with the state’s universities.
- Speech pathology applicants must complete a supervised clinical practicum for an Arizona speech pathology license.
- Speech pathology applicants must complete a postgraduate professional experience that is approved by the director.
- Speech pathology applicants must pass an exam at the conclusion of their studies.
If an individual already possesses a license, then they must notify the Speech and Hearing Professionals Advisory committee in writing where they practice speech-language pathology.
Speech-Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Arizona
Individuals who are exempt from Arizona speech-language pathology licensure include any Title 32 Arizona-licensed or health care professional and employees of a local education agency/state-supported institution who hold a temporary speech-language pathology certification granted by the Board of Education.1
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Arizona
Individuals seeking Arizona speech therapy licensure may obtain a temporary license while awaiting licensure application approval. The applicant can practice if they hold an active and unrestricted license in another state, they have never had a license revoked or suspended, or they are not the subject of an unresolved complaint against their current license. This temporary license expires 30 days after it is granted or upon approval or denial of the license application.
Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Arizona
The Department of Health Services may grant a speech pathology license in Arizona if the individual meets the professional experience requirement and all other requirements. For speech therapy license verification, the application must include a plan for meeting the postgraduate professional experience.1
Continuing Education for Speech-Language Pathologists in Arizona
To maintain their Arizona license, a speech pathologist must complete 20 hours of continuing education. These CE hours are required every two years.
Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Arizona
For further information, individuals seeking speech pathology licensure in Arizona can refer to the Arizona Department of Health Services. They can assist with matters related to Arizona speech pathology licensure and public health licensing services.
Arizona SLP Licensing Board Oversight
Arizona SLP licensing is regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services. The Department offers assistance on service providers and licensing standards as well as information on exams and continuing education.
Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association
700 McKnight Park Drive, Suite 708
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Arizona Regulatory Agencies
Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) — Bureau of Licensing for Professions and Occupations (BLPO)
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 460
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Educator Certification
Arizona Department of Education
P.O. Box 6490
Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490
Arizona Hearing Screening Contacts
Office of Newborn Screening
Arizona Department of Health Services
250 N. 18th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85007
School-Age Hearing Screening Program
Arizona Department of Health Services
150 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 320
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Arizona ASHA Network Representatives
ASHA’s State-Based Advocacy Networks connect Arizona speech-language pathologists and audiologists with volunteer leaders who support advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels. These networks include the State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs), who focus on school-based and education policy issues; the State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARs), who address insurance and Medicaid reimbursement matters; and the State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP), who monitor and advocate on Medicare-related concerns. Because representative names and contact information may change over time, individuals should refer to ASHA’s official State-Based Advocacy Networks page for the most current Arizona contacts, as well as the SEALs directory.
1 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Arizona Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” last accessed February 2026. ⬆
2 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Arizona State Flyer (PDF, 269 KB),” last accessed February 2026. ⬆
Information last updated: February 2026
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
AD
Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University’s online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program combines a robust, innovative curriculum rooted in Christian values with a full-time or part-time option that features online learning, on-campus intensive experiences, and comprehensive clinical field practicums to prepare skilled, compassionate students for careers as speech-language pathologists.
- Full-time (five trimesters) or part-time (eight trimesters) options available.
- No GRE scores required.
- 400+ supervised, clinical learning hours are done at schools/clinics local to students
- Three onsite experiences build a sense of camaraderie and community throughout the program
AD
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
AD