Massachusetts SLP Licensing

Massachusetts licenses speech-language pathologists, audiologists and their assistants through the Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The law is Massachusetts General Laws chapter 112, sections 138 through 147, and the board's rules are in 260 CMR.

Massachusetts is not a member of the ASLP Compact, and the Commission's map shows no active legislation there. A Massachusetts license is the only way to practice in the state.

When do you need the license?

Before you start. 260 CMR 2.01 says that before commencing employment in Massachusetts as an SLP, audiologist, SLP assistant or audiology assistant, you must first secure a license from the board. The board's application and licensing rule, 260 CMR 2.00, has no temporary license for clinicians licensed elsewhere, so plan for the license to issue before the first day of work.

The same rule says applications are signed under the penalties of perjury, and that applicants are expected to have "a full understanding" of the statute and the board's regulations. Fees are not prorated for anyone applying between renewal dates.

What standards does Massachusetts use?

Massachusetts ties its requirements to ASHA's certification standards while saying it does not require membership in the organization. Under 260 CMR 2.03:

• SLPs applying on or after October 1, 2016 must show they meet the 2014 standards for ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, as revised March 1, 2016.
• Audiologists must show they meet ASHA's January 1, 2012 CCC-A standards or the April 1, 2012 requirements for American Board of Audiology certification.
• Supervision is accepted from someone licensed in Massachusetts, licensed in a state with equivalent standards, or holding the appropriate professional certificate.

In practice, a current CCC is the cleanest way to show you meet those standards. For why that is still not the same as a license, see ASHA's CCC is not a state license.

Can you be licensed by reciprocity?

260 CMR 2.04 lets the board, at its discretion and without examination, license an SLP, audiologist or assistant who is "duly licensed or registered" in another state, territory, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a foreign jurisdiction that requires an exam the board approves. You must hold a current, valid license, meet the Massachusetts requirements in effect when you apply, and report any reprimand, suspension, revocation or other discipline. The board may ask for any documents it needs. Compare other states in SLP license by endorsement.

What does the board look at for good moral character?

260 CMR 2.02 lists what raises a question: any criminal conviction other than a routine traffic violation, discipline on any professional license in the U.S. or Canada, and conduct involving fraud or disregard for others' safety. The board weighs the nature and date of the offense, your age and experience at the time, the number of incidents, the sentence, and whether the conduct relates to the work you would do. It may ask you to appear in person. The burden is on the applicant. See disclosing discipline on an SLP license application.

Does Massachusetts license assistants?

Yes. An SLP or audiology assistant needs one of four educational backgrounds under 260 CMR 2.03(3): an associate degree in the field from a program approved by a national certifying body, a bachelor's degree in the field, a bachelor's degree plus a board-approved assistant program certificate, or any degree plus 18 semester credits in speech-language pathology or audiology, six in disorders. Assistants also complete 20 hours of observation. Supervision rules are in 260 CMR 10.00. See licensing as an SLPA in another state.

How does renewal work?

Under 260 CMR 5.00, licenses renew every two years, with expiration set by your birth date, and late renewals pay a late filing fee. A lapsed license is "not in good standing," and you may not practice on it. Reinstatement after practicing on a lapsed license involves up to two past-due renewal fees, a late fee, proof of continuing education and a signed affidavit.

The continuing education rule, 260 CMR 7.00, requires 20 hours per two-year period, at least 10 in your area of licensure. Dual licensees need 30, with at least 10 in the major area and 5 in the minor. If you were first licensed six months to a year before the end of the period, you need 10 hours; under six months, none.

Where can we help?

We confirm how to document the ASHA-based standards, prepare the reciprocity application, gather verifications and any good moral character documentation, and track the board until the license issues, so your start date is not the first thing to slip. That is our License by Endorsement service at $599, or $749 for a full application. An assistant license is $399. Board fees are separate, and you sign the application yourself. See Massachusetts details on the Massachusetts state page.