A speech pathology state license in North Carolina requires a master’s degree and other requirements before an applicant can apply. This guide details the license requirements as well as renewal processes, exemptions and contact information for the state.1
The information below has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on North Carolina’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.1
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
Summary of North Carolina Speech Pathology State License Requirements
North Carolina speech pathology licensure requires applicants to have a master’s degree in speech pathology as well as clinical observation hours completed during a direct clinical experience. Applicants must prove that supervised professional experience was completed. They must also pass a national exam.1
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for North Carolina
According to ASHA1, North Carolina speech pathology licensure requires specific criteria be met before submitting an application. Candidates must meet the following requirements before applying for licensure:
- Obtain a master’s degree or an equivalent degree.
- Complete at least 400 clock hours of supervised direct clinical experience (practicum) in speech-language pathology.
- Provide written evidence of a nine-month, full-time supervised professional experience (NC defines full-time as at least 30 hours per week for at least nine months within a calendar year).
- Pass a Board-approved national exam (currently satisfied by the Praxis examination for Speech-Language Pathology).
Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for North Carolina
Under North Carolina law (G.S. 90-294, Article 22, speech-language pathology licensure requirements do not apply to certain individuals and activities. These exemptions include individuals employed by a federal government agency acting solely within the scope of that employment; students or trainees completing supervised clinical activities as part of an accredited academic program or Board-approved training center (provided they are not registered with the Board as assistants); physicians and employees of physicians acting within the physician’s practice; individuals counseling or instructing laryngectomees in learning to speak again; licensed physical therapists or occupational therapists providing evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders, cognitive-communication deficits, and balance functions within the context of their licensed practice; and individuals originally employed by a state government agency between October 1, 1975, and July 1, 1977, who practice speech-language pathology solely within the scope of that employment. The statute also exempts certain hearing-aid–related activities, including individuals licensed under Chapter 93D who fit and sell hearing aids, the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids (without additional services), and specified audiometric screening procedures performed by trained health personnel under the law’s supervision requirements.
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in North Carolina
A speech pathology license in North Carolina can be granted to individuals who hold a current, full, unrestricted license in another state whose licensure standards are equal to or higher than North Carolina’s requirements. These individuals’ exams, as well as those of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) holders, are not required as a prerequisite for licensure.1
Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in North Carolina
A temporary speech-language pathology license in North Carolina is required when an applicant has not completed the required supervised experience and passed the required examination approved or established by the Board. An individual who holds a temporary license during the supervised experience year must take and pass the examination before the temporary license expires.
Continuing Education for Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina
Maintaining a speech pathology license in North Carolina requires the completion of continuing education hours during the renewal period. Speech-language pathologists must complete 30 CE hours every three years.1
Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in North Carolina
For further information, potential applicants for speech-language licensure in North Carolina can contact the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. More information for speech pathology licensure can be found via the Board’s website.
North Carolina SLP Licensing Board Oversight
Speech-language pathology licensure in North Carolina is regulated by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (NCBOESLPA). The Board administers and enforces North Carolina’s Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (Article 22), establishes rules within its authority, and maintains public license lookup/verification tools for North Carolina licensees.
North Carolina Speech Language Hearing Association
North Carolina Speech, Hearing and Language Association, Inc. (NCSHLA)
P.O. Box 38803
Greensboro, NC 27428
Phone: 919-213-0173
North Carolina Regulatory Agencies
North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (NCBOESLPA)
P.O. Box 16885
Greensboro, NC 27416-0885
Contact: Denise Brown, Administrator
Phone: 336-272-1828
North Carolina Hearing Screening Contacts
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
1928 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1928
Phone: 919-218-6672
Healthy Schools
NC Department of Public Instruction
6301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6349
North Carolina ASHA Network Representatives
North Carolina ASHA State-Based Advocacy Networks (SEALs, STARs, StAMP)
For the most current network contacts, visit ASHA’s State-Based Advocacy Networks or contact ASHA’s state team.
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