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

Virginia 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 Virginia data shows for Speech-Language Pathologists

To practice as a speech-language pathologist in Virginia, the state licensing board requires 3,405 documented education or training hours, a passing score on Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Virginia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology".

Upfront cost is $186, with renewal running $146 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
38/100
Speech-Language Pathologist · Virginia

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
3,405 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$186
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$73/yr
$146 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 Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
3,405 hours
Exam Requirement
Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
Required
Initial License Fee
$186
Renewal Fee
$146
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 Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia? ▼
In Virginia, the license path calls for 3405 education/training hours, a passing score on Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology, and a $186 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia? ▼
To become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Virginia, you must meet the state's requirements including 3405 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Virginia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Speech-Language Pathologist license to Virginia 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 Virginia licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Virginia require a background check for Speech-Language Pathologist licensing? ▼
Virginia does require a background check before issuing a speech-language pathologist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia? ▼
Virginia ties continued speech-language pathologist licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $146 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this speech-language pathologist license

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

  • See how Virginia'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 Virginia's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Virginia overview

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