How to Become a School Speech Pathologist in California: A Complete Guide
Speech-language pathologist jobs will grow six times faster than other occupations between 2023 and 2033. This remarkable growth makes a school speech pathologist career path more appealing than ever.
The numbers tell an interesting story. Speech pathologists in elementary and secondary schools earn around $75,000 annually. Secondary school positions can pay up to $83,000. The field should expand by 21% in the next decade and create about 14,000 new job openings each year.
School speech language pathologists serve students ages 3-21. They help young people overcome communication challenges that could affect their success in education. The role has become influential in educational settings, where all but one of these professionals work.
This career path offers both purpose and potential. Our complete guide shows the steps you need to take to become a school speech language pathologist. You’ll learn about education requirements, certification processes, and ways to land your first school position.
Step 1: Earn a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology launches your career as a school speech pathologist. Every state requires this graduate-level education for licensure and practice in schools. There’s no way around it.
Choosing an accredited SLP program
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), under the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), must accredit your chosen program. Accredited programs meet national standards and make you eligible for certification.
Here’s what matters when picking a program:
- Curriculum comprehensiveness: Programs should cover pediatric speech disorders, language development, and educational interventions
- Clinical opportunities: School-based practicum experiences give you specialized training
- Faculty expertise: Teachers with school experience can share practical knowledge
- PRAXIS exam pass rates: High pass rates show good preparation
- Job placement statistics: Strong school placement records can kickstart your career
You’ll need two years of full-time study to complete most master’s programs. Some accelerated options take 18 months.
Online vs. in-person options
Speech-language pathology graduate programs now come in different formats:
Traditional in-person programs offer face-to-face classes and easy access to on-campus clinics. Students get direct mentorship and build peer relationships but must commit to a location.
Online programs have become accessible to more people. Many CAA-accredited options now exist. Students learn through virtual platforms and complete clinical work locally. This works well for working professionals or those who can’t move.
Hybrid programs mix both approaches. Students attend occasional on-campus sessions while completing most work online. This gives you flexibility and in-person learning chances.
The format doesn’t matter – all accredited programs follow the same high standards for curriculum and clinical experiences. Pick what fits your learning style, situation, and career goals.
Prerequisite coursework and timelines
Many students find their passion for speech pathology after finishing degrees in other fields. Most graduate programs need specific prerequisites before master’s work can begin.
You’ll need these courses:
- Introduction to Communication Disorders
- Phonetics
- Speech Science/Acoustics
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanisms
- Language Development
- Audiology/Hearing Science
- Statistics
Students with communication sciences and disorders degrees usually have these courses. Others might need a post-baccalaureate program or extra courses before applying.
The path from decision to school position takes 2-4 years:
- Prerequisites: 1-2 semesters (if needed)
- Master’s program: 2 years (full-time)
- Clinical fellowship: 36 weeks (9 months)
A solid educational foundation helps you develop specialized knowledge and clinical skills. The right accredited program creates a strong base for your professional growth as a school speech pathologist.
Step 2: Pass the Praxis Exam and Apply for Certification
Your next significant milestone after getting your master’s degree is passing the national exam and applying for professional certification to become a school speech pathologist. This step confirms your expertise and makes you eligible for educational positions nationwide.
What the Praxis exam covers
The Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331) is the national exam you need for ASHA certification and state licensure. This detailed assessment has 132 selected-response questions. You’ll have 150 minutes to complete it.
The exam splits evenly into three main categories:
- Foundations and Professional Practice (33%)
- Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis (33%)
- Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment (33%)
These categories cover all “Big 9” practice areas: speech sound production, fluency, voice, receptive and expressive language, social communication, cognitive aspects, augmentative communication, hearing, and feeding/swallowing. You’ll need to show both basic knowledge and how to apply it with different populations and settings.
You must score at least 162 on a 100-200 scale to pass. Most students take this exam during their clinical fellowship year. You can take it any time before, during, or after applying for certification.
Understanding the CCC-SLP credential
The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) is the highest standard credential for speech-language pathologists. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) issues this nationally recognized proof of your expertise.
A CCC-SLP credential gives school-based speech pathologists several benefits:
- Shows your steadfast dedication to professional excellence
- Might lead to higher pay in many school districts
- Makes moving between states easier
- Keeps your skills current through ongoing education
Most states don’t specifically require the CCC-SLP for school positions, but they accept it as meeting or going beyond their licensure standards. The credential also makes it easier to get state teaching credentials or educational licenses.
Getting your ASHA certification
The best time to start your certification application is right after finishing your graduate program. You can submit your online application to ASHA once you graduate from a CAA-accredited program.
Your certification application needs:
- Online application form and payment
- Passing Praxis exam scores (ETS sends these directly to ASHA)
- Official graduate transcripts
- Clinical fellowship reports (after you finish this experience)
You have two years from your application date to pass the Praxis exam and start your clinical fellowship. Make sure you complete all academic coursework and graduate clinical practicum requirements before starting your fellowship.
ASHA usually takes about six weeks to review applications. They suggest taking the Praxis exam during your first year of clinical practice after graduation, but state licensing rules might affect this timing.
Step 3: Complete a Clinical Fellowship
The clinical fellowship bridges the gap between academic study and working independently as a school speech pathologist. You’ll need this supervised experience after completing your master’s degree and passing the Praxis exam.
What is a clinical fellowship?
The clinical fellowship (CF) gives you mentored professional experience after completing your academic coursework and clinical practicum requirements. This transition phase helps you blend your theoretical knowledge with ground application. A certified speech-language pathologist will guide you through this journey. They’ll mentor you, assess your strengths, point out areas where you can improve, and help you polish your clinical skills.
The CF turns you from a supervised student into an independent practitioner ready to work in educational settings. You’ll learn how to assess, treat, and support students with communication disorders in school environments.
How to find school-based placements
Schools provide great opportunities to complete your clinical fellowship. School positions are more available to clinical fellows compared to medical settings. The school calendar also fits perfectly with CF length requirements, which creates a natural timeline.
Future school based SLPs can look forward to these benefits:
- Working with different age groups from preschool through high school
- Handling various communication disorders in educational settings
- Working with teachers, psychologists, and other specialists
- Getting natural rest periods during breaks and holidays
You can find school-based placements on job boards by searching for “CF” or “CFY” positions. Many school districts hire directly. Educational staffing agencies can help too. Your university program might connect you with local school districts during your search.
Meeting ASHA’s hour requirements
ASHA sets specific requirements for a valid clinical fellowship. You need minimum of 1,260 hours of clinical experience spread over at least 36 weeks. Full-time positions usually mean about 35 hours weekly for 36 weeks. Part-time work must be at least 5 hours weekly to count toward your CF, which will make the total time longer.
Your CF experience splits into three equal parts of about 420 hours each. Your CF mentor must supervise you by:
- Watching you provide care in real-time for at least 6 hours per segment
- Spending 6 hours on indirect supervision like reviewing reports and talking with colleagues per segment
- Checking your progress using the Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory
Direct clinical work should take up 80% of your time. This covers assessments, treatment, report writing, and IEP meetings. The other 20% can include attending in-services or giving training presentations.
You must score “2” or higher on all skills in your final evaluation to complete your CF. Your mentor will then confirm your experience through ASHA’s CF Mentor Portal, letting you finish your certification application.
Step 4: Get Licensed and Meet California Requirements
Getting the right license is a vital step in your experience to become a school speech pathologist. State licensing requirements vary by a lot across the country, unlike the standard ASHA certification process.
To work as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in California public schools, you need two separate credentials:
1. California SLP License (Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board)
This is your professional license to practice speech-language pathology in California. Requirements include:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution
- 300 hours of supervised clinical practicum in three different clinical settings
- 36 weeks full-time or 72 weeks part-time supervised Required Professional Experience (RPE)
- Passing the national Praxis exam with a score of at least 162
2. Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing)
This credential specifically authorizes you to work in public school settings. California has a two-tier structure:
- Preliminary Credential: Valid for two years
- Clear Credential: The permanent credential
Options for Out-of-State SLPs to Obtain the Clear Credential:
- Option 1: Submit passing Praxis scores (162+) and verification of your Clinical Fellowship Year
- Option 2: Submit a copy of your valid California SLP License
- Option 3: Submit ASHA Certification verification
The confusion noted in online discussions is valid – you need both credentials to work in California public schools. The SLP License allows you to practice speech-language pathology in California, while the Services Credential specifically authorizes you to provide these services in educational settings.
If you’re planning to work exclusively in schools, you’ll need to obtain both credentials. Some school districts may help facilitate the credentialing process for qualified candidates.
Detailed licensure vs. teaching credentials
School based SLPs should know the difference between professional licensure and educational credentials. 39 states require both a state license and an educational credential if you want to work as a speech language pathologist in schools.
State licensing boards issue the professional license that lets you practice speech-language pathology. These boards often work under health departments or professional regulation. Educational credentials come from state education departments and let you work specifically in schools.
California shows this two-part approach well. They have a preliminary credential good for two years, followed by a clear credential once you meet all requirements.
Step 5: Choose Your Entry Path to Schools
You can become a school speech language pathologist through several paths after meeting educational and licensing requirements. Your background will determine how you enter the educational setting.
Transitioning from healthcare to school-based SLP
Many healthcare SLPs transition to school settings for several compelling reasons. Schools often offer more predictable schedules with part-time options and summer breaks, creating better work-life balance. This schedule can be particularly appealing for SLPs with families or those seeking more flexibility. Additionally, working in schools allows SLPs to focus exclusively on serving children and contributing to their educational development.
California Licensing Requirements
As a healthcare SLP transitioning to schools in California, you already have completed most of the requirements. However, California does not have comprehensive licensure (which would allow practice in both healthcare and education with a single license). Instead, you’ll need to obtain a Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential.
Requirements for the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential
To work in California public schools, you’ll need:
- A valid California SLP License: You should already have this from your healthcare practice. If you have a current license from the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, you can use this to streamline the credential process.
- Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential: This can be obtained through one of these pathways:
- Option 1 – Examination and Clinical Experience: Submit verification of passing the Praxis II Speech-Language Pathology Test (score of 162 on test code 5331) and documentation of your clinical fellowship year.
- Option 2 – California SLP License: Submit a photocopy of your valid California SLP license with application form 41-4 and processing fee.
- Option 3 – ASHA Certification: If you hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA, submit a verification of certification letter from ASHA with your application.
Caseload and Service Delivery
In schools, you’ll typically:
- Work with children who have educationally relevant speech-language disorders
- Provide services that support academic achievement
- Collaborate with teachers, educational psychologists, and other school staff
- Use both pull-out therapy and classroom-based interventions
- Participate in IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings
Documentation and Billing
School-based practice involves different paperwork:
- IEP documentation instead of medical billing
- Educational goals rather than medical necessity documentation
- Progress reports aligned with academic terms
- Different eligibility criteria for services
Tips for a Successful Transition
- Understand Educational Regulations: Familiarize yourself with IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and California Department of Education guidelines.
- Join School-Based SLP Networks: Connect with other school-based SLPs through professional groups and online forums.
- Adapt Your Clinical Approach: Shift from a medical model to an educational model of service delivery.
- Learn School Vocabulary: Become familiar with educational terminology and abbreviations common in school settings.
- Prepare for Different Assessment Tools: School-based assessments may differ from those used in healthcare settings.
The transition from healthcare to school-based practice can be rewarding, offering a different pace and focus while still utilizing your clinical expertise. With your existing SLP license, the process in California primarily involves obtaining the appropriate educational credential.
Clinical SLPs who want to work in schools will find both challenges and benefits. School-based work provides more predictable schedules compared to medical settings. You also get holiday breaks and can watch students’ progress throughout their academic experience.
Healthcare SLPs have usually completed most requirements—master’s degree, clinical fellowship, and ASHA certification. They just need to get the right teaching credentials.
Becoming a school SLP as a teacher
Teachers who want to become school based SLPs must get proper speech-language pathology qualifications. The transition involves six key steps:
- Earn a graduate SLP degree
- Pass the national SLP exam
- Apply for ASHA certification
- Complete a clinical fellowship
- Get California state SLP licensure
- Secure additional teaching credentials as required
Your classroom experience has given you valuable skills that work well in speech therapy, especially when you have to understand educational curricula and work with school personnel.
Starting from scratch with no prior experience
People without healthcare or teaching backgrounds can become a speech language pathologist in schools by following the same six steps as teachers. They need to build their understanding of educational environments from scratch.
The complete process usually takes 2-4 years, including prerequisite coursework (if needed), master’s program, and clinical fellowship. California helps speed up the teaching credential process for SLPs with ASHA certification.
School-based positions have clear benefits, whatever your starting point. You get regular schedules that arrange with school calendars and can watch students grow over many years.
Become a School-Based SLP in California Today
Becoming a school speech pathologist needs dedication and specific educational achievements, but the rewards make this career path worth it. School-based positions give you great job security, and the growth projections are nowhere near average occupational rates. The average salary of $75,000 annually provides financial stability while you help make meaningful differences in students’ lives.
Each step needs commitment. You must earn your master’s degree and complete your clinical fellowship. These requirements help you develop expertise to help students overcome communication challenges. Note that timing plays a key role in planning your career path. The complete process usually takes 2-4 years based on your starting point and chosen educational pathway.
School settings provide unique advantages, whatever your background might be in healthcare, teaching, or if you’re starting fresh. You’ll enjoy predictable schedules and holiday breaks. Following students throughout their academic growth creates a satisfying work environment. Strategic collaborations with interdisciplinary teams boost your professional growth and maximize student outcomes.
Take time to research specific requirements for California as you think over this career. Understanding these differences early helps you plan better since licensure processes vary nationwide. Without doubt, school-based speech pathology offers both stability and purpose. This rare combination makes the profession deeply rewarding for those who want to help students communicate effectively.
meaningful differences in countless lives.