Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Licensure

Speech/Language Pathology, Audiology or Teacher of Hearing Impaired

The Commonwealth of PA’s State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing of the Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs (a division of the Department of State) is the entity which grants licensure for qualified individuals to
practice as speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and teachers of the hearing impaired. Licensed individuals are bound by a professional Code of Ethics.*

Pennsylvania Speech Language and Hearing Licensure Act

Chapter 45 State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing

The requirements for licensure stipulate that applicants hold an M.A./M.S. degree or its equivalent from an accredited academic institution, have completed a practicum in the appropriate specialty consisting of a minimum of 375 hours (of which 250 supervised clock hours of the practicum shall be obtained at the graduate level in the area in which licensing is sought; practicum experience shall include a minimum of 50 clock hours in at least two distinctly different environments), have completed a year of supervised professional experience, and have passed an examination approved by the Licensure Board.

*”A licensee shall inform the Board when he has reason to believe that a licensee under the act may have violated this Code of Ethics.”
(Commonwealth of Pa., Department of State, Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs, State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing. (1988).
Pennsylvania Code. (Title 49, Professional & Vocational Standards. Chapter 45, State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing Pennsylvania Code).

For additional information regarding Licensure in the Commonwealth of PA, visit the State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Voluntary Inactive Certificate

Educators who are not employed as a professional or temporary professional may request voluntary inactive certification status from PDE to suspend requirements. If this option is used, the educator must earn 30 hours before the certificate can be reactivated

The Act does permit educators with an inactive certification to serve as a substitute teacher for up to 90 days during a school year.

Continuing Education – Act 71

The law requires the demonstration of satisfactory completion of 20 clock hours of continuing education related to the practice of speech language pathology, audiology, or teaching hearing impaired “in accordance with board regulations” for renewal.