Speech-Language Pathologist / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania Speech-Language Pathologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Diagnoses and treats communication disorders. Requires masters degree.

What the Pennsylvania data shows for Speech-Language Pathologists

Becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in Pennsylvania means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,568 training hours, a passing score on Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Pennsylvania regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology".

Budget $231 to get started, plus $174 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For speech-language pathologists, the reciprocity picture is: Audiology and SLP Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
35/100
Speech-Language Pathologist · Pennsylvania

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
3,568 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$231
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$87/yr
$174 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
3,568 hours
Exam Requirement
Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
Required
Initial License Fee
$231
Renewal Fee
$174
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Speech-Language Pathologist All Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Speech-Language Pathologist in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania requires 3568 education/training hours, passing an exam (Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology), and an initial fee of $231. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Pennsylvania? ▼
To become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Pennsylvania, you must meet the state's requirements including 3568 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Pennsylvania licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Speech-Language Pathologist license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
For speech-language pathologists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Audiology and SLP Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Pennsylvania licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Speech-Language Pathologist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the speech-language pathologist licensing process in Pennsylvania. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Speech-Language Pathologist in Pennsylvania? ▼
Licensed speech-language pathologists in Pennsylvania must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $174.

Related Guides

What to do with this speech-language pathologist license

Speech-Language Pathologist in Pennsylvania, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a speech-language pathologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Pennsylvania licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.