All states require a master’s degree or equivalent to become an SLP, while only 47 states require state licensure to practice in a health care setting. For SLP practice in public schools, only 11 states require state licensure. The rest of the states require a teaching certificate or license. Most states still require a master’s degree to practice in public schools, however a few will allow a teaching certificate or license to applicants with bachelor’s degrees. According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association, there are over 239 accredited speech language pathology master programs in the United States.

SLP Jobs are one of the fastest growing careers in the US and are expected to double the rate over the next 10 years when comparing to other job fields.

SLPs can also obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) presented by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). To attain a CCC, a passing score on the Praxis Series examination in speech-language pathology administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) is required. Additional requirements include 400 hours of administered clinical experience and 9 months of professional postgraduate clinical fellowship experience.