Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Alabama Guide - 2025

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Alabama

Becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) in Alabama means becoming an advocate for communication—and a skilled professional equipped to evaluate, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders across all ages and settings. From helping toddlers form their first words to supporting stroke survivors on their recovery journey, SLPs in Alabama are vital to education, healthcare, and beyond.

In Alabama, SLPs are licensed by the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA). To practice legally, aspiring professionals must complete a graduate degree, pass the national Praxis exam, undergo a supervised clinical fellowship, and apply for licensure—either by examination, endorsement, or reciprocity.

Whether you’re a student planning your first steps or a career-changer navigating licensure requirements, this guide will walk you through the complete process of becoming an SLP in Alabama. Along the way, you’ll find expert tips, legal references, and practical advice to help you move forward with confidence.

Quick snapshot:

• SLPs in Alabama must hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders.
• All applicants must pass the Praxis® 5331 exam and complete a clinical fellowship.
• Licensure is handled by ABESPA and is renewed annually in December.

Let’s get started with the first requirement: earning the right educational foundation.

Educational Requirements

To qualify for speech-language pathology licensure in Alabama, you must earn a master’s or higher degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders. This degree must be granted by an institution accredited by a recognized regional accrediting agency, as outlined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 870‑X‑2‑.01.

Although the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) does not mandate specific courses, graduate programs typically follow national accreditation standards set by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)—a division of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Prerequisite Considerations

To gain admission into an accredited graduate program, most applicants need a strong foundation in communication sciences. If your undergraduate degree is not in this field, you may need to complete leveling courses before or alongside your graduate work. Typical prerequisites include:

• Phonetics and phonological development
• Speech and hearing science
• Anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms
• Language development across the lifespan
• Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology related to communication

Pro Tip: Before applying, confirm with your target programs whether you need to complete prerequisite coursework. Many universities offer online leveling programs for out-of-field applicants.

Graduate Coursework

SLP master’s programs in Alabama are typically 5 to 7 semesters long, depending on your academic background. Programs cover both theoretical and applied aspects of communication science. Key course topics often include:

• Language disorders and language acquisition
• Fluency and stuttering interventions
• Voice and resonance disorders
• Swallowing and feeding disorders
• Neurological bases of speech and language
• AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems
• Research methods and evidence-based practice

Capstone Requirements

Most programs require the completion of a clinical practicum, a comprehensive exam, and in some cases, a thesis or research project. These components ensure candidates are clinically and academically prepared for licensure and certification.

Upon completion of your master’s degree, you’ll be ready to pursue your provisional license and begin the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), which will count toward full licensure.

Reminder: Only degrees from accredited institutions are acceptable. Be sure to verify program approval with both CAA and ABESPA before enrolling.

Clinical Practicum and Experience Requirements

In Alabama, your supervised clinical experience begins during graduate school and continues through a post-graduate Clinical Fellowship. These experiences are essential to meeting both state licensure and national certification requirements.

Graduate Clinical Practicum

Although the Alabama Administrative Code does not specify a numeric minimum for graduate-level clinical hours, licensure applicants are expected to meet the national standards established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). That means you’ll need a minimum of:

• 400 supervised clinical practicum hours in speech-language pathology
• Of those, 375 hours must be direct client contact
• The remaining 25 hours may be guided observation under qualified supervision

These hours must be completed through a graduate program that follows ASHA’s standards and includes supervision by professionals who hold current CCC‑SLP credentials.

Clinical Fellowship Requirement

After earning your graduate degree, Alabama requires you to complete a Clinical Fellowship (CF) to transition from provisional to full licensure. This requirement is outlined under Ala. Admin. Code r. 870‑X‑2‑.01 and ABESPA policy documents.

The fellowship must meet the following minimum standards:

• 1,260 hours of post-graduate, mentored clinical experience
• Completed in no fewer than 36 weeks if full-time
• At least 15 hours per week for part-time fellows
• 80% of hours must be direct client care activities such as treatment, evaluation, and counseling
• Supervision must be provided by an ASHA-certified SLP who is licensed in Alabama

Important: You have up to three years to complete your CF in Alabama. This allows flexibility for part-time positions or career transitions.

Tips for a Successful CF Experience

• Align your CF placement with your long-term goals: Schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics all offer unique opportunities.
• Track your hours weekly using digital logs or spreadsheets approved by your supervisor.
• Review ASHA’s CF mentorship requirements to ensure your supervisor meets national and state standards.
• Check ABESPA’s policies on submitting documentation for fellowship registration and completion.

Completing your CF is a major milestone in your licensure journey. Once finished, you’ll be ready to apply for full licensure as a speech-language pathologist in Alabama.

Praxis Examination Requirement

To qualify for speech-language pathology licensure in Alabama, you must pass the Praxis® Speech-Language Pathology exam (Test Code 5331). This nationally standardized test is developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and required for both ASHA certification and Alabama licensure.

Exam Overview

The Praxis 5331 evaluates your knowledge and clinical decision-making across the scope of speech-language pathology. It contains 132 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 150 minutes (2.5 hours).

The test content is divided into three core domains:

• 1. Foundations and Professional Practice
• 2. Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
• 3. Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment

Minimum Passing Score

Alabama requires a minimum passing score of 162, which matches the standard for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP).

Registration & Cost

• Register directly via ETS: Praxis Registration Portal
• Test Fee: $146 (subject to change; verify at time of registration)
• Test Delivery: Choose from in-person testing centers or ETS-approved online proctoring
• Retake Policy: You may retake the exam after a 28-day waiting period if needed

Tips for Praxis Success

• Time your test strategically: Most candidates sit for the Praxis near the end of their graduate program or immediately after graduation.
• Use official prep materials: ETS offers a free Study Companion and full-length practice tests.
• Simulate real conditions: Complete at least one full timed practice exam in a quiet, distraction-free setting.
• Verify score reporting: Make sure ETS sends your scores to both ABESPA and ASHA. This is essential for licensure and national certification.

Passing the Praxis exam is a major step in your path to full SLP licensure and national certification. Once completed, you’ll be eligible to move forward with finalizing your clinical fellowship and license application in Alabama.

Background Check Requirements

Alabama requires all applicants for Speech‑Language Pathology licensure to demonstrate good moral character, including a criminal background review as part of the licensure process. This standard is enforced by the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech‑Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) to protect public safety—as outlined in ABESPA’s licensure regulations.

Key Requirements

• Good Moral Character: Applicants must attest to being of good moral character. Any criminal convictions are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis by the Board.
• No separate fingerprinting fee: Background check fees are included in the standard license application cost—there is no additional charge.
• Convictions aren’t automatic disqualifiers: Rehabilitation and context may be considered. In complex cases, individuals may be advised to consult legal counsel or contact ABESPA directly.
• Board review process: ABESPA credentialing staff assess character and make recommendations to the Board, which meets monthly to evaluate licensure applications. You can view the current board meeting schedule here.

Pro Tips

• If you have a criminal history, disclose the circumstances honestly on your application and provide supporting documentation where possible.
• Contact ABESPA in advance if you’ve had a conviction and are unsure how it might affect eligibility—early consultation can clarify your path forward.
• Save a copy of all signed statements and submissions regarding character disclosures for your records.

Application Process for Full SLP Licensure

Once you’ve completed your master’s degree, passed the Praxis exam, and fulfilled your clinical fellowship hours, you’re ready to apply for full Speech‑Language Pathology licensure in Alabama. The Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech‑Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) administers all applications. Your application must be submitted in hard copy with notarized signatures and required documentation.

Required Application Materials

• Completed and notarized application form: Download the Application for Licensure and have it notarized.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence: Submit one of the accepted forms of identification listed on the application form.
• Official graduate transcripts: Must be sent directly from your university to ABESPA.
• Praxis scores: Have your official ETS scores sent to ABESPA using the correct recipient code.
• Clinical Fellowship (CF) verification: Include a notarized statement verifying successful completion of your CF, signed by your supervisor.
• Payment: Enclose the appropriate licensure fee as listed on the ABESPA Fee Schedule. As of the latest guidance, this is typically $200 for new graduates.

Mailing Address

Because applications must be submitted by mail, send your complete packet to:

Application Review Timeline

• The Board reviews applications during scheduled meetings, which typically occur monthly. You can view upcoming dates on the ABESPA Meetings page.
• All materials must be received at least one week prior to the next scheduled meeting for timely consideration.
• Once approved, your license will be issued, and you may begin practice as a fully licensed SLP in Alabama.

Pro Tips for Your Application

• Submit early: Because the Board only meets periodically, delays in submission can extend your timeline to licensure.
• Double-check all notarizations: Missing signatures or expired notary seals are common reasons for processing delays.
• Track your packet: Send your application via certified mail or another trackable method to confirm delivery.