No Interstate Compact
Decision point for travel-ready licensing
How to Transfer Your Speech-Language Pathologist License to Illinois
There is no active interstate compact covering speech-language pathologist practice in Illinois. To work here, plan on a full endorsement or transfer application through Division of Professional Regulation — Speech-Language Pathology.
Good news: the exact cost, documentation, and board path are laid out below so there is no guesswork.
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 Illinois.
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Earn a Master's Degree in SLP
Complete a master's or doctoral degree in speech pathology from an IDFPR-approved and/or ASHA-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 the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY)
Complete a supervised Clinical Fellowship Year under a licensed SLP. A Temporary SLP License ($75) must be obtained first to practice during the CFY in Illinois.
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Apply through IDFPR CORE Portal
Submit the application through the IDFPR CORE online licensing system. Pay the $90 application fee. Include official transcripts, Praxis scores, CFY verification, and background check.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $90
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 weeks
- Renewal fee
- $100
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years (October 31, odd years)
Required Documents
- Official graduate transcripts: From an IDFPR-approved or ASHA-accredited speech-language pathology program.
- Praxis exam score report: Score of 162 or higher on test 5331.
- Clinical Fellowship verification: Documentation of completed CFY signed by supervising licensed SLP.
- Background check: Criminal background check as required by IDFPR.
Board Contact
- Board
- Division of Professional Regulation — Speech-Language Pathology
- Department
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
- Phone
- (217) 785-0800
- FPR.COREHelp@illinois.gov
Renewal
Renewal fee is $100. Renewal cycle: Every 2 years (October 31, odd years).
Illinois Speech-Language Pathologist Reciprocity FAQ
How much does an Illinois SLP license cost?
The initial application fee is $90 (by examination) or $100 (by endorsement). A Temporary SLP License costs $75. Biennial renewal is $100, due by October 31 of odd-numbered years.
Do I need a PEL to work as an SLP in Illinois schools?
Yes. SLPs working in Illinois public schools must hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) from the Illinois State Board of Education in addition to the IDFPR professional SLP license.
What continuing education is required for Illinois SLP renewal?
Illinois requires 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour of ethics, 1 hour of sexual harassment training, 1 hour of implicit bias awareness, 1 hour of dementia recognition training (every 6 years), and 1 hour of cultural competency training (effective January 1, 2025).
Does Illinois have reciprocity for speech-language pathologists?
No interstate compact currently covers speech-language pathologist practice in Illinois. To work in Illinois, apply for licensure by endorsement through the state board.
How long does it take to transfer my speech-language pathologist license to Illinois?
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 Illinois while my endorsement application is processing?
A temporary or provisional credential is available while the full endorsement application is pending.