Compact State
Decision point for travel-ready licensing
Your Speech-Language Pathologist License May Already Cover Alabama
Alabama participates in the ASLP-IC. If your home state and credential qualify for compact privilege, you may be able to work in Alabama without filing a separate endorsement application.
Fallback path: if your home state is outside the compact or your privilege is not active, use the endorsement flow below.
Endorsement Application Steps
Work through these in order. This sequence is the fastest way to move from out-of-state license to a board-cleared application in Alabama.
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Earn a Master's Degree in SLP
Complete a master's or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited program.
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Pass the Praxis Examination
Achieve a passing score on the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331). The current passing score is 162.
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Complete Clinical Fellowship
Complete a minimum of 36 weeks of full-time supervised clinical practice (1,260 hours) under an ASHA-certified SLP.
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Submit Application to ABESPA
Submit the application with the $100 fee plus $50 license fee. Include official transcripts, Praxis scores, CF verification, and background check.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $150
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 weeks
- Renewal fee
- $100
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
Required Documents
- Official graduate transcripts: From a CAA-accredited speech-language pathology program.
- Praxis exam score report: Score of 162 or higher on test 5331.
- Clinical Fellowship verification: CF supervisor attestation or ASHA CCC-SLP certificate.
- Background check: Criminal background check as required by ABESPA.
Board Contact
- Board
- Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- Department
- ABESPA
- Phone
- (334) 269-1434
- abespa@abespa.org
Renewal
Renewal fee is $100. Renewal cycle: Every 2 years.
Alabama Speech-Language Pathologist Reciprocity FAQ
How much does an Alabama SLP license cost?
The total initial cost is approximately $150, including a $100 application fee and $50 license fee. Biennial renewal is $100.
Is Alabama part of the ASLP Interstate Compact?
Yes. Alabama has enacted ASLP-IC legislation. SLPs from other compact member states can practice in Alabama through a compact privilege once the system is fully operational.
Does Alabama allow telepractice for SLPs?
Yes. Alabama permits telepractice for licensed SLPs. The practitioner must hold a valid Alabama license or ASLP compact privilege.
Does Alabama have reciprocity for speech-language pathologists?
Yes. Alabama participates in the ASLP-IC. If your home state and license qualify for compact privilege, you can typically practice in Alabama without a separate endorsement application.
How long does it take to transfer my speech-language pathologist license to Alabama?
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 6 weeks. If you qualify for an active compact privilege, there may be no separate wait to start practicing.
Can I start working in Alabama while my endorsement application is processing?
A temporary or provisional credential is available while the full endorsement application is pending.