Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Colorado Guide - 2025

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Colorado

Whether you’re a student exploring the profession or a career-changer ready to make an impact, this guide will walk you step by step through the Colorado licensure process. You’ll learn how to navigate the education, clinical training, testing, and application requirements—with expert tips at every stage to help you succeed confidently.

Educational Requirements

The foundation of a speech-language pathologist’s career is built on advanced education—and in Colorado, the state requires a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders to qualify for licensure. This graduate-level training equips you with the scientific, clinical, and interpersonal skills needed to assess and treat complex communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.

If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field—such as linguistics, psychology, or education—you may already meet several of the prerequisite requirements. However, if your undergraduate background is unrelated, you’ll likely need to complete foundational coursework before starting your master’s program. Common prerequisite courses include:

• Phonetics and Phonological Development
• Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
• Language Development Across the Lifespan
• Speech and Hearing Science
• Neuroanatomy for Communication

Colorado is home to several outstanding graduate programs—both on-campus and online—that are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), a division of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). CAA accreditation is essential: without it, your degree may not be recognized for state licensure or national certification.

In addition to core academic coursework, your program will likely include electives that allow you to focus on specific populations or specialties. Topics might include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
• Bilingual Language Development and Disorders
• Medical Speech Pathology
• Voice and Resonance Disorders
• Fluency and Stuttering Treatment

Most CAA-accredited programs in Colorado require the following for admission:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Official undergraduate transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (typically two or three)
• A personal statement or statement of purpose
• Resume or CV
• GRE scores (requirements vary by program—some are test-optional)

Whether you’re attending in person or enrolling in a distance-based program, what matters most is that your education meets the high standards set by ASHA and the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Once you’ve earned your degree, you’ll be ready to take on supervised clinical experiences and move closer to licensure.

Pro Tip: Before committing to any program, verify its CAA accreditation and speak with an admissions advisor to confirm prerequisite fulfillment, curriculum structure, and practicum availability. This will keep you on track for both Colorado licensure and ASHA certification.

Clinical Practicum Hours

Clinical practicum is a cornerstone of your speech-language pathology training. In Colorado, your graduate program must include at least 400 supervised clinical practicum hours, which aligns with ASHA’s standards and prepares you for state licensure and national certification.

Colorado’s licensing regulations specify that applicants must have completed:

• A master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from a U.S.-recognized institution, preferably CAA‑accredited 4 CCR 748‑1 Rule 2.A
• 400 hours including 375 hours of direct client contact and 25 hours of guided observation (to meet ASHA CCC‑SLP expectations)

Here’s how to navigate your practicum successfully:

• Track your hours meticulously—both direct and indirect. Consider using an Excel sheet or hour‑tracking app.
• Experience a variety of placements: pediatrics, medical settings, schools, and telepractice if available.
• Request regular feedback from your clinical supervisor to improve your clinical skills continuously.
• Confirm the practicum requirements with your program director early in the first semester to avoid surprises.

Colorado pro tip: While 400 hours is the ASHA baseline, verify that your university aligns with ASHA’s guidelines. If your goal is to earn the CCC‑SLP credential, confirm your program’s practicum structure covers both direct and observational hours appropriately.

Praxis Exam Requirement

To become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Colorado, you must pass the Praxis® Speech-Language Pathology exam (Test Code 5331) with a minimum score of 162 on the 100–200 scale. This score meets the requirements for both Colorado state licensure and the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC‑SLP). For detailed state licensing rules, refer to the Colorado Office of Speech-Language Pathology Certification.

The exam includes 132 multiple-choice questions and lasts approximately 2.5 hours. It tests your knowledge in three major content areas:

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

Colorado accepts Praxis® scores earned at an official ETS testing center or through remote proctoring. The standard registration fee is $146. If you register by phone, you’ll incur an additional $35 surcharge. If you don’t pass the first time, you may retake the exam after a 28-day waiting period. Scores remain valid for up to two years. For complete information, visit the ETS Praxis Bulletin.

• Schedule strategically: Plan to take the Praxis exam after completing most of your graduate-level coursework and clinical practicum hours to ensure you’re fully prepared.
• Study smart: Use official ETS practice tests and the ASHA Praxis Study Companion to build confidence and identify weak areas.
• Prepare your test environment: For remote testing, make sure your space is quiet and your equipment meets ETS requirements—functioning webcam, microphone, secure browser, and stable internet connection.
• Think ahead: If you may need a second attempt, build in enough time before your provisional license application to retake the exam if needed.

Passing the Praxis® 5331 not only allows you to proceed with licensure in Colorado, but also qualifies you for ASHA’s prestigious CCC‑SLP credential—opening doors for broader job opportunities across clinical, school, and private settings. For national certification details, see ASHA’s Praxis Exam Overview.

Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY)

Once you’ve earned a master’s degree from a CAA‑accredited program and passed the Praxis 5331 exam, Colorado law requires completion of a supervised Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) to qualify for SLP licensure. Per the Colorado Code of Regulations 4 CCR 748‑1 Rule 2, applicants must complete a speech-language pathology clinical fellowship either approved by the Director or by a Director-approved certifying body, such as ASHA. Holding current ASHA CCC‑SLP certification already fulfills both education and CFY requirements.

CFY Essential Requirements:

• 1,260 supervised hours over at least 36 weeks (full-time) or a longer period if part-time.
• 80% of hours must be direct client contact, including assessment, treatment, family consultation, documentation, and billing.
• Supervised by a Colorado-licensed SLP holding ASHA’s CCC‑SLP credential, as required by state regulation.

Pro Tips for Success During Your CFY:

• Choose your setting with intention: Select placements—such as schools, hospitals, pediatric clinics, or telepractice—that align with your clinical interests and career goals.
• Track your hours precisely: Use spreadsheets or digital tools to log both direct and indirect hours, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Solicit supervision feedback regularly: Schedule consistent meetings with your clinical supervisor to receive structured feedback and document your progress.
• Confirm compliance before you start: Verify that your fellowship site and supervisor meet DORA’s standards. Refer to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Speech-Language Pathology page for details.

Upon successful completion of the CFY, you’ll meet the state’s clinical fellowship requirement outlined in 4 CCR 748‑1 Rule 2.B. Graduates who already hold the ASHA CCC‑SLP credential are considered to have fulfilled this requirement automatically.

Apply for a Provisional License

Before beginning your Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), Colorado requires that you obtain a provisional certificate as a speech-language pathologist. This temporary credential allows you to practice under supervision while completing your required clinical fellowship.

Per Colorado Revised Statutes § 12‑305‑108 (Justia overview), to qualify for provisional certification you must:

• Hold a master’s or higher degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution.
• Have passed the Praxis® 5331 exam (or an equivalent examination approved by the Director).
• Submit a plan for completing your clinical fellowship.
• Maintain professional liability insurance meeting Colorado’s minimum standards.
• Pay the required application fee as set by DORA’s Division of Professions and Occupations.

The provisional certificate, once issued, is valid for 24 months and cannot be renewed (§ 12‑305‑108(4)). You are eligible to practice only under the direct supervision of a Colorado‑licensed SLP who holds ASHA CCC‑SLP credentials and has passed the qualifying exam themselves (§ 108(5)).

Key steps to apply:

• Submit your application online through the DORA Speech-Language Pathology Certification portal.
• Include your written fellowship plan; this outlines your anticipated CFY placement and supervisor.
• Provide proof of malpractice insurance (minimum $1 million per claim, $3 million aggregate, per 4 CCR 748‑1 Rule 1.6).
• Confirm your application fee (e.g., around $15 historically, though amounts may change—check current fee schedule).
• Verify your email address on the application; DORA uses email as primary communication.

Colorado Community Feedback: Reddit discussions among CFY applicants indicate that DORA typically processes provisional license applications quickly—some within one business day—once all materials are submitted.

Once your provisional certificate is issued, you can begin your Clinical Fellowship Year. Make sure to keep documentation of supervision hours and ongoing insurance coverage—you’ll need these when you apply for full licensure.

Submit Application for Full Licensure

After completing your Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) and meeting all educational and examination requirements, you’re ready to apply for a **full permanent Speech-Language Pathologist license** in Colorado.

Under Colorado Code of Regulations 4 CCR 748‑1, you must submit several key items through the DORA Division of Professions & Occupations to become fully certified:

• Official transcripts verifying your master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from a U.S.-accredited or CAA-accredited institution.
• Verification of CFY completion—the form must confirm you’ve fulfilled the 1,260 supervised hours under appropriate supervision.
• Proof of Praxis 5331 exam passage or a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC‑SLP).
• Professional liability insurance attestation (minimum $1 million per claim, $3 million aggregate as required under Rule 1.6).
• The current application fee (typically around $145—verify via the DORA fee schedule).

Recommended steps:

• Submit online: Use the official DORA Speech-Language Pathology Certification portal to upload your documents and complete the application.
• Track application status: DORA will review your submission and contact you via email if additional information is needed.
• Follow up promptly: If requested, upload supplementary documents as soon as possible—applications can expire after one year if incomplete.
• Verify issuance: Once approved, your permanent license can be confirmed through DORA’s online license verification system.

Once granted, your full SLP license allows you to practice independently in Colorado, free from supervision. Congratulations—you’re officially a speech-language pathologist in the Centennial State!