Michigan Speech Pathology State License Guide

Most states require that speech language pathologists (SLPs) obtain state licensure in order to legally work as SLPs. If you’re interested in working as a speech language pathologist in Michigan, you’ll need to meet certain SLP licensure requirements. Use this guide to obtain a speech pathology license in Michigan, so you know what to expect.

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To gain Michigan speech pathology licensure, you’ll need to meet education, testing and/or certification requirements. These start with obtaining a master’s in speech pathology or a doctoral degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

If your master’s or doctoral program wasn’t CAA-accredited, you’ll have to get a course-by-course credential evaluation by an agency that’s a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) in order to work as an SLP in Michigan.

For initial SLP licensure in Michigan, you’ll also have to either:

You’ll also have to undergo a criminal background check, answer good moral character questions, complete training in identifying victims of human trafficking and submit a social security number.

Michigan does recognize limited exceptions to the licensure requirement under state law (for example, supervised students in an accredited SLP program and certain activities performed within another professional’s licensed scope). However, LARA notes there are no current exceptions that allow an applicant to obtain a non-educational limited SLP license (limited licenses were issued prior to December 7, 2013)

If you’re already licensed as a speech-language pathologist in another state, Michigan typically licenses you through licensure by endorsement (rather than a formal “reciprocity agreement”). Michigan’s licensing FAQ defines endorsement as: you hold an active full SLP license in another state and want to become licensed in Michigan.

In general, endorsement means you submit Michigan’s application/fee and provide verification of your out-of-state license and other required documentation. ASHA’s Michigan state page also directs applicants to the state licensing authority for current requirements and contacts.

Michigan offers a Speech-Language Pathologist Educational Limited Temporary license that allows aspiring SLPs to practice under supervision while completing the required 1,260 hours (9 months) of supervised postgraduate clinical experience for full licensure. Applicants apply through MiPLUS, pay the fee, submit final official transcripts, and include a Certificate of Appointment to Clinical Experience completed by the supervisor. The license is valid for two years from the date of issuance, and the state’s current guidance explains the rules for renewal/relicensure if more time is needed.

For SLP license renewal in Michigan, licensees must complete 20 hours of continuing professional development during the 2-year period immediately preceding the renewal application, including at least 1 hour in pain and/or symptom management. Renewal is an attestation (you are not required to submit proof of CE with the renewal), but you must retain documentation for 4 years in case of audit. Michigan SLP licenses renew on a 2-year cycle, and the CE requirements apply to the 2-year period immediately preceding your renewal application.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is the umbrella organization overseeing professional licensing, including SLP licensing, in the state. For Michigan SLP licensing requirements, applications, and forms, use LARA’s Speech-Language Pathology licensing page.

SLP licensure in Michigan is overseen by the Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology within LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing. More information about licensing requirements can be found on their website. 

Michigan Speech Language Hearing Association 

P.O. Box 45, Buchanan, Michigan 49107-9998

Email: info@mislha.org

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Ottawa Building

611 W. Ottawa
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-335-9700
Email: BPLHelp@michigan.gov 

Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology 

Ottawa Building
611 W. Ottawa
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-241-0199
Email: BPLHelp@michigan.gov 

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Hearing Screening Program

333 S. Grand Ave. 
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-241-3740  

Michigan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
333 S. Grand Ave. 
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-241-5380

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Hearing Screen Program / Michigan Local Department of Health
333 S. Grand Ave. 
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-241-3740  

Michigan ASHA Network Representatives: ASHA does not publicly list a single “Michigan ASHA representative” on its Michigan page. For Michigan-related advocacy/state-policy questions, ASHA directs users to contact the ASHA state team using the Contact the ASHA State Team form, and it provides Michigan-specific regulatory contacts on its Michigan State Information page. 

Information last updated: March 2026