How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist in California: A Proven Step-by-Step Path

California offers excellent opportunities for aspiring speech language pathologists. You’re looking at a career with amazing growth ahead. California expects SLP positions to grow by 28% by 2030, which means 1,440 new jobs each year. California SLPs also lead the nation in earnings, making an average of $112,030 yearly as of 2023.

These great benefits come after you meet California’s speech pathology license requirements. Your first step is getting a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a board-approved school. You’ll also need 300 hours of supervised clinical practice that covers different age groups and communication disorders.

Getting licensed as a speech pathologist in California follows clear steps that you can achieve with proper guidance. This piece walks you through everything – from picking the right program to keeping your credentials current. You’ll discover options for temporary licenses if you’re coming from another state, plus details about the 24 hours of continuing education needed every two years to renew your license.

Ready to start a rewarding speech pathology career where you help others overcome communication challenges? Let’s look at the proven steps to become a licensed speech-language pathologist in the Golden State.

Step 1: Complete the Required Education

Your path to becoming a speech language pathologist in California starts well before you begin clinical practice. You’ll need careful planning to meet specific requirements and build a strong foundation in communication sciences.

Choose a relevant undergraduate major

You don’t need a specific major, but a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) or speech-language pathology gives you clear advantages. This focused preparation helps you transition smoothly into graduate studies without rushing to complete prerequisites later. You could also major in psychology, linguistics, education, or related fields, but you’ll need extra coursework.

Students who know they want this career can save time and money through accelerated 5-year programs that combine undergraduate and graduate studies. These programs let you finish both degrees faster.

Meet prerequisites for graduate school

Graduate programs need specific prerequisite courses, whatever your undergraduate major. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
• Introduction to Audiology
• Introduction to Speech and Hearing Science
• Phonetics
• Language Development

You’ll also need these basic courses:

• Biology
• Chemistry or physics (needed for applications after January 1, 2020)
• Statistics
• Behavioral or social sciences

Most graduate programs want a minimum GPA of 3.0-3.35. Students without related degrees can take “leveling” or post-baccalaureate courses at many universities to meet these requirements.

Enroll in an ASHA-accredited master’s program

Your master’s program must be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). This accreditation means your program meets professional certification and state licensure standards. California has many accredited programs at USC, San Diego State, CSU Northridge, and other California State University campuses.

These master’s programs take 2-3 years and provide detailed training in speech and language development, disorders, and treatment approaches. Your graduate studies will include the 300 clinical practicum hours California requires for licensure.

Understand California SLP license requirements

California’s Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board has specific educational requirements. You need a master’s degree (60 semester units) from an ASHA-accredited program. Your education must include 300 hours of clinical practicum in different clinical settings.

After completing your master’s degree, you must pass the Praxis examination with a score of 162 or higher. California also requires 36 weeks of full-time (or 72 weeks part-time) Required Professional Experience (RPE) with a temporary license after graduation.

Planning your educational path early helps you take the quickest way to California licensure without delays or extra coursework.

Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience Through Practicum and Fellowship

Clinical experience serves as the foundation of your journey to become a speech language pathologist in California. Your academic coursework comes first. Then you need hands-on training through supervised clinical practice and post-graduate fellowship. This practical experience connects your classroom knowledge to real-life applications and prepares you to work independently with patients.

Complete 300 hours of supervised practicum

California speech pathology license requirements state you need 300 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum in three different clinical settings. This rule applies to everyone who finished their graduate program after December 31, 1992. You’ll work with patients under supervision and keep track of your hours.

You can spend up to 25 hours of your required clinical experience in a field outside speech-language pathology. Your supervisor must be qualified in that specific area. This gives you the chance to learn about related disciplines that enhance your main focus.

The Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) needs 400 clinical hours. Many graduate programs design their practicum experiences to meet both state licensure and ASHA certification requirements at the same time.

Fulfill 36 weeks of post-graduate clinical fellowship

The Required Professional Experience (RPE), also known as the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), comes after graduation. You need 36 weeks of full-time professional experience or 72 weeks of part-time experience under a licensed speech-language pathologist’s supervision. This period requires at least 1,260 hours of clinical practice.

Your fellowship breaks down into three segments. Each segment needs:

• Minimum 6 hours of direct supervision per segment
• Minimum 6 hours of indirect supervision per segment
• Regular feedback and performance evaluation

Direct clinical contact should take up 80% of your fellowship time. This includes assessment, treatment, report writing, family consultation, and patient management. The other 20% can include activities like attending in-services or giving presentations.

Your mentor tracks your progress and evaluates your performance. You must score at least 2 in all areas during the final segment to complete your fellowship successfully.

Apply for a temporary license to begin your RPE

A temporary license comes before starting your Required Professional Experience in California. The RPE temporary license costs between $234 and $254, plus $150 for the permanent license fee.

Your temporary license application needs:

• Completed online application
• Application fee ($35)
• Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI criminal history clearance
• Clinical Practicum/University Recommendation form

Start collecting your RPE hours under supervision after getting your temporary license. Your supervisor must send the RPE Verification Form to the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board within 10 days of completing your 36-week full-time experience or part-time equivalent.

School-based providers need this verification form for each school year with their district’s academic calendar. These documents prove your clinical experience and bring you closer to your permanent California speech pathology license.

Step 3: Pass the Praxis Exam for SLP

The Praxis examination marks a significant milestone as you work toward becoming a licensed speech language pathologist in California. This standardized test evaluates your knowledge and readiness to practice independently in a variety of employment settings like schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Register and prepare for the Praxis exam

You can register for the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology test (code: 5331) through the Educational Testing Services (ETS) website after creating an account. Each attempt costs $146. The exam can be taken at a testing center or online from home, and you’ll find year-round scheduling options. You’ll get confirmation of your test date and location after registering.

Your success depends on good preparation. Most experts suggest starting your study plan about 12 weeks before the exam date. Here are some effective ways to prepare:

• Review core knowledge from your graduate coursework
• Take practice tests to get familiar with the format
• Make a well-laid-out study schedule for all topics
• Start with challenging topics
• Use official ETS study materials, including the Study Companion

Note that you must wait 28 days between attempts if you need to retake the exam.

Understand the exam structure and scoring

The Praxis SLP exam includes 132 questions and gives you 150 minutes to complete them – about a minute per question. The exam covers three main areas:

• Foundations and Professional Practice
• Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
• Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment

These areas are evenly split, each making up about one-third of the questions. While most questions are multiple-choice, you might see some matching, sequencing, or multiple-answer questions.

Your score will be on a scale of 100-200 points. You’ll typically see your official score report a few weeks after taking the test. Make sure to keep this report since ASHA and employers might ask for it.

Meet the California passing score of 162

You’ll need a minimum score of 162 on the Praxis SLP exam (5331) in California. This matches the national standard set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for certification.

A score of 162 or higher meets both state licensure and ASHA certification requirements. Your passing score stays valid for five years for certification. California licensure accepts passing scores for ten years from your exam date.

The best time to take the Praxis exam is after finishing your graduate coursework and clinical practicum, or during your first year of clinical practice after graduation. This timing helps ensure you have the knowledge and clinical decision-making skills needed to pass.

Step 4: Apply for Your California SLP License

Your journey to become a licensed speech-language pathologist in California starts after you complete your education, clinical experience, and pass the Praxis exam. This license gives you the legal authority to practice in the state.

Submit your application and required documents

California provides several paths to get your license based on your specific situation. New graduates usually take the Required Professional Experience (RPE) pathway. You must submit your permanent license application within 10 days after completing your RPE.

Your application package needs:

• Completed application form with your photo
• Fingerprinting documentation
• Application fee ($60 for original license)
• Official transcripts
• Praxis exam scores (minimum 162)

The state now uses a completely paperless application system called “Apply Simply!” that makes processing faster and reduces waiting time. Staff processes applications in order of arrival. Complete applications take 1-2 weeks, while incomplete ones need 2-3 weeks.

Applicants from other states must use FD-258 cards from police stations for fingerprinting instead of California’s LiveScan system. Military spouses who hold active licenses from other states might qualify for accelerated 12-month temporary licenses.

Explore job options: clinics, schools, private practice

Your license opens many career paths. California ranks first in the nation for SLP salaries. Here are your options:

• Healthcare settings (hospitals, rehabilitation centers)
• Educational institutions (public schools, universities)
• Private practice
• Early intervention programs
• Research facilities

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) runs a career portal with California-specific job listings and resources. School positions often need extra educational credentials beyond your SLP license.

Think over applying for the CCC-SLP credential

ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) adds value to your California license. Many employers want or need this credential. This certification proves your skills nationwide and makes it easier to get licensed if you move to another state.

The application needs:

• ASHA application
• Praxis exam scores
• Graduate transcripts
• Clinical Fellowship documentation

Original certification with ASHA membership costs $490. Applications submitted between September and December come with membership through the following year. The process usually takes about six weeks.

Step 5: Maintain and Advance Your SLP Career

Your California speech-language pathologist license needs regular attention to renewal requirements and continuing education. A licensed professional’s experience includes credential maintenance and professional development opportunities.

Renew your license every two years

Your California SLP license expires biennially on the last day of your birth month. The state board sends renewal notices about 90 days before expiration. Online renewals process within 48 hours and offer the quickest turnaround. Paper applications take 6-8 weeks to process.

The renewal fee costs $150, with extra fees for late submissions. Practicing with an expired license is illegal and can result in disciplinary action. You can reactivate an inactive license status by completing the required continuing education.

Complete 24 hours of continuing education

California requires 24 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) during each two-year renewal period. New licensees need only 12 hours for their first renewal. Live, interactive webinars must account for at least half of your required CE hours.

Other CE requirements include:

• Maximum 6 hours (25%) from indirect client care courses
• Supervisors of RPE and SLPAs must complete 6 hours related to supervision before becoming a supervisor and 3 hours every four years after that

The board conducts random audits, so keep your CPD completion records for at least two years.

Pursue school credentialing if working in education

School-based positions require educational credentials beyond your SLP license. California issues a two-year preliminary credential first, then a clear credential after meeting all requirements. Your ability to work in California public schools depends on meeting these requirements before the preliminary credential expires.

Explore advanced roles and specializations

Additional certifications can advance your career significantly. The Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) through ASHA opens doors to more positions. Certifications demonstrate expertise and often lead to better compensation and job satisfaction.

Specializing in pediatrics, swallowing disorders, or neurological rehabilitation can boost your career opportunities. Your professional experience grows stronger as you stay current with evolving speech-language pathology practices through continuing education.

Get Started as a SLP in California

The path to becoming a speech language pathologist in California follows a proven roadmap that many successful professionals have used before you. You’ll advance from education to clinical experience, examination, licensure, and career development. This well-laid-out five-step process gives you a clear direction toward this rewarding profession, though it requires dedication.

California proves to be an excellent place to practice speech-language pathology. The state leads with the highest average salary nationwide at $112,030 and projects strong growth with 1,440 new positions yearly through 2030. Your investment in education and training becomes even more valuable with these prospects.

Each step builds on the previous one – from choosing the right undergraduate program to keeping your credentials current through continuing education. This progression helps you develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for success.

The process might look daunting at first. Breaking it down into smaller steps makes it more manageable. Note that thousands of SLPs practice successfully in California today because they followed this same path.

Your commitment to helping others overcome communication disorders will find plenty of opportunities in the Golden State. Your skills will stay in high demand whether you work in schools, hospitals, private practice, or specialized settings.

This guide can help you navigate your path whenever you need direction. The time and effort you invest to become a licensed speech-language pathologist in California will lead to a career that makes meaningful differences in countless lives.