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

Tennessee Speech-Language Pathologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Diagnoses and treats communication disorders. Requires masters degree.

What the Tennessee data shows for Speech-Language Pathologists

Becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in Tennessee means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,378 training hours, a passing score on Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Tennessee regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology".

Upfront cost is $179, with renewal running $141 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, speech-language pathologists should know: Audiology and SLP Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
39/100
Speech-Language Pathologist · Tennessee

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
3,378 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$179
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$71/yr
$141 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 Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
3,378 hours
Exam Requirement
Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
Required
Initial License Fee
$179
Renewal Fee
$141
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 Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Speech-Language Pathologist in Tennessee? ▼
In Tennessee, the license path calls for 3378 education/training hours, a passing score on Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology, and a $179 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Tennessee? ▼
To become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Tennessee, you must meet the state's requirements including 3378 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Speech-Language Pathologist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Speech-Language Pathologist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the speech-language pathologist licensing process in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee? ▼
To stay licensed as a speech-language pathologist in Tennessee, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $141.

Related Guides

What to do with this speech-language pathologist license

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

  • See how Tennessee's speech-language pathologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Speech-Language Pathologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state speech-language pathologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Tennessee's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Tennessee overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Tennessee 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.