South Carolina Speech Pathology State License Guide: 2026 Edition

In order to get a speech pathology license in South Carolina, you will need to meet state licensure requirements. This guide details the state licensure process for South Carolina, so you know where to start if you’re interested in working as a speech language pathologist (SLP) in the state.

Summary of South Carolina Speech Pathology State License Requirements 

Speech pathology license requirements vary by state. To obtain South Carolina speech pathology licensure, the following is required:

  1. A post-graduate degree (typically a master’s) in speech-language pathology from a regionally accredited program that the Board determines is equivalent to programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of ASHA.
  2. A passing score on a board-approved exam.
  3. Complete supervised professional employment, defined as a minimum of 30 hours per week for at least nine months under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.
    Applicants may satisfy licensure requirements through either supervised professional employment or by holding a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) or an equivalent credential approved by the Board.
  4. Meet ASHA’s Standards for Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) or an equivalent credential approved by the Board as an alternate pathway to licensure.

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for South Carolina 

Under the standard licensure pathway, applicants must complete a minimum of nine months of full-time supervised professional employment (at least 30 hours per week) under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist. Applicants must pass a Board-approved national examination, typically the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam, unless qualifying through a current ASHA CCC-SLP or Board-approved equivalent credential.

Applicants may qualify for licensure by completing supervised professional employment and passing a Board-approved examination, or by meeting ASHA’s Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) or holding a current CCC-SLP, as approved by the Board.

Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for South Carolina 

Under S.C. Code § 40-67-300, South Carolina does not require an SLP license in a few limited situations, including:

  • Students completing clinical activities that are part of an accredited academic program.
  • Certain government employees (grandfathered): SLPs/audiologists employed by a state/federal agency or political subdivision before Sept. 1, 2020, while performing official duties.
  • Other SC-licensed professionals working within their own licensed scope, so long as they don’t represent themselves as an SLP/audiologist.
  • Specific non-SLP roles carved out by law: licensed hearing aid specialists performing hearing-aid services, and industrial audiometric screeners (e.g., RN/LPN/technicians) performing workplace hearing screenings under appropriate supervision.
  • Certain certified educators in school settings, including “speech-language therapists” certified by the State Board of Education under the statute’s exemption language.

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in South Carolina 

South Carolina may issue an SLP license to applicants who hold a current out-of-state license if that state’s requirements are substantially equivalent to South Carolina’s and the applicant meets any additional requirements the Board prescribes. Eligibility is determined by the South Carolina Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, so applicants should follow the Board’s endorsement instructions and submit any required license verification and supporting documents.

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in South Carolina 

South Carolina issues a Speech-Language Pathology Intern license for graduates who have earned a post-graduate degree and are completing the required supervised professional employment under an approved supervisor. An intern license is valid for one year and may be renewed once for an additional 12-month period to complete the supervised employment requirement. Interns must pass the national exam within 12 months of issuance of the initial intern license. 

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in South Carolina 

To renew a speech-language pathology license in South Carolina, SLPs need to complete 16 hours of Board-approved continuing education each licensing period. Keep your CE documentation for audits, and do not submit CE paperwork with your renewal unless the Board requests it. 

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in South Carolina 

For questions about speech-language pathology (SLP) licensure, applications, renewals, exams, or continuing education in South Carolina, contact the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation). 

For professional association support (networking, advocacy, and continuing education), contact the South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SCSHA).

South Carolina Regulatory Agencies 

The primary regulatory agency for speech language pathology in the state is the Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. They may assist with questions on examination, continuing education, and licensure applications/renewals in South Carolina.

Board of Examiners in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology 

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
P.O. Box 11329
Columbia, SC 29211

South Carolina Hearing Screening Contacts

South Carolina’s Department of Public Health (DPH) operates programs designed to support early identification of children with hearing loss, including the state’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program, First Sound. Early interventions may prevent delays in communication skills, social isolation and other problems associated with hearing loss. Contact information for hearing screenings in South Carolina is below.

Newborn Hearing 

South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) – First Sound (Newborn Hearing)
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201

State School Nurse Consultant 

South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) – State School Nurse Consultant
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201

South Carolina ASHA Staff Liaison

ASHA’s state advocacy team can be a helpful resource for general state policy information, but licensure questions should be directed to the South Carolina Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology.

c/o MPA Strategies, LLC
P.O. Box 1782
Columbia, SC 29202
Contact: Ashley Hunter
Phone: 803-764-5041                    
Email: ahunter@mpastrategies.com

Information last updated: February 2026

1 ASHA, South Carolina Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists. Accessed on February 2026. https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/info/SC/licensure/arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference