Healthcare License
How to Verify a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant's License
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) are licensed in about 30 states. Verification goes through state boards, and every SLPA must work under the supervision of a licensed SLP. Here is how to confirm credentials and required oversight.
Quick answer
Verify through the state SLP/SLPA licensing board in the state of practice — about 30 states license SLPAs. For states without SLPA licensure, confirm that the supervising SLP is licensed and that the SLPA is operating within ASHA's scope of practice guidelines. Also verify the supervising SLP's license is current and active in the same state.
SLPA licensing coverage by state
About 30 U.S. states have established formal SLPA licensure or registration. Some key states that license SLPAs include:
- California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
In states without SLPA licensure, ASHA provides scope of practice guidelines that should govern SLPA activities — but there is no state license to verify. For unlicensed states, verify the supervising SLP's credentials and confirm the employer has a written supervision plan in place.
Step 1: State SLPA licensing board
In licensed states, SLPA licenses are typically issued by the same board that licenses SLPs — usually a board of speech-language pathology and audiology or a broader health professions board. Search by name or license number.
Key state SLPA licensing portals
- California: CA Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board — speechandhearing.ca.gov
- Texas: TX DADS or TDLR (depending on work setting) — tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch
- Florida: FL DBPR — myfloridalicense.com
- All states: ASHA state licensure directory — asha.org/practice/licensure
Step 2: ASHA SLPA Registered recognition
ASHA offers an optional "SLPA Registered" recognition for SLPAs who meet specific training and competency standards (asha.org/associates). This is not a license — it is a voluntary recognition program. Verify through ASHA's registry if this credential is claimed.
ASHA SLPA Registered recognition requires completion of an approved associate's degree program in SLPA and documentation of required competencies. It does not replace state licensure in states that require it.
Step 3: Verify the supervising SLP
ASHA and most state boards require SLPAs to work under the supervision of a licensed, CCC-SLP–holding SLP. When hiring an SLPA, verify:
- The designated supervising SLP holds an active state license and CCC-SLP in the same state
- The supervision ratio does not exceed state limits (commonly 2–5 SLPAs per SLP)
- A written supervision plan is in place documenting frequency and type of supervision
- The supervising SLP provides the required direct supervision hours (typically 30% of the SLPA's schedule during the first 90 days, then at least 20% ongoing)
School-based SLPA roles
School districts hiring SLPAs for IDEA services must ensure compliance with state education department requirements, which may differ from the health professions licensing requirements. Some states have specific education department credentials for school SLPAs in addition to or instead of the health professions license.
Confirm what credential the state education department requires for school-based SLPA roles — this is frequently different from the clinical SLPA license.
Verify SLPA program accreditation
State licensing boards and ASHA require completion of an approved SLPA associate's degree program. Use VerifyED to confirm that a claimed SLPA program comes from a legitimate, appropriately accredited institution.
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