Verified October 9, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What SLPs and audiologists miss in California
- California is not an ASLP Compact member, so working there needs a California license.
- Praxis scores older than five years are not accepted.
- Audiologists who dispense need a second license, the dispensing audiologist license, with its own written and practical exams.
Can I practice in California on an ASLP Compact privilege?
California is not an ASLP Compact member, so practicing here takes a California license.
- Not a compact member
Can an SLP or audiologist licensed elsewhere get a California license by endorsement?
An SLP or audiologist with an active license in another state can apply on the licensed-in-another-state pathway, for a temporary or a full license. An SLP who also holds the CCC must use the equivalent-qualifications pathway instead. Every applicant is fingerprinted.
- Endorsement route available
Which exams does California require for a license?
SLPs need a Praxis score of at least 162; audiologists need 162 on Praxis 5343 or 170 on 5342. The score must be under five years old and sent to the board with ETS report code R8544. The board lists no state law exam.
- Praxis exam
- No state jurisprudence exam
Does California require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does California offer a temporary SLP or audiology license?
An SLP or audiologist currently licensed in another state who has applied for a California license can get a six-month temporary license.
- Temporary or limited license available
How do clinical fellows get licensed in California?
SLP graduates complete 36 weeks full time (or 72 part time) of Required Professional Experience while holding an RPE temporary license. Experience completed in California counts only if the license was held during it. AuD students can also hold an RPE license for 12 months of experience.
- RPE temporary license
Does California license SLP assistants?
SLPAs need a board-approved program, a bachelor's in speech-language pathology or an out-of-state SLPA associate degree, plus 100 fieldwork hours or 36 weeks of SLPA work in another state. New SLPAs need on-site supervision 20 percent of each week for their first 90 days. SLPAs renew with 12 CE hours every two years.
- SLPA registration (license)
What audiologists need to know in California
Audiologists who dispense hearing aids need a separate dispensing audiologist license from the same board, issued after passing the written and practical hearing aid dispensing exams.
- Separate hearing aid dispensing license
Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential in California
School SLPs hold a Commission on Teacher Credentialing credential: a two-year preliminary credential, then a clear credential through the CCC, an SLP license or the clinical fellowship plus the national exam. School audiologists hold a separate clinical or rehabilitative services credential.
Citation: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, as summarized by ASHA
How often does a California SLP or audiology license renew?
ASHA reports 24 CE hours every two years for SLPs and audiologists. The board advises renewing online, no more than 90 days before expiration, because a mailed renewal can take six weeks.
- 24 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in California?
For a license, we send your Praxis scores and verifications, file the application and carry the board correspondence. License by endorsement is $599 for an SLP or audiologist.