Arkansas Speech-Language Pathologist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
2-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$5
Renewal: $5 · Temp license available
Compact (ASLP Interstate Compact)
No
Not a ASLP Interstate Compact member state
Renewal
10 hours
Overview
Arkansas has joined the ASLP-IC, but the state is not yet issuing or honoring compact privileges. Until Arkansas begins processing privileges, travelers must obtain an Arkansas-specific license through the endorsement process before practicing here.
Arkansas has enacted ASLP-IC legislation (SB91, 2023) and is a member state, but the compact is NOT yet operational in Arkansas. The ASLP-IC privilege-issuing data system is still being built, so compact privileges cannot currently be applied for or issued in/for Arkansas. SLPs must obtain an Arkansas license by endorsement to practice; compact privilege is not a present-day pathway.
Endorsement Process
Arkansas uses an online portal endorsement process for speech-language pathologists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $5 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Arkansas board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via ASHA or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (jurisprudence exam, background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through ASHA or direct board verification. Arkansas requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a speech-language pathologist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
Jurisprudence Exam Required: Arkansas requires a mandatory Speech-Language Pathology Jurisprudence Examination covering Arkansas-specific law. This cannot be waived regardless of your experience level or compact status. Schedule this early — no license (temporary or permanent) will issue until you've passed it.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $5 |
| Renewal | $5 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Arkansas issues temporary speech-language pathology licenses, allowing speech-language pathologists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
- Applicant must submit a completed application to Arkansas board
- Applicant must provide current ASHA card or equivalent license verification from another state
- Applicant must pay the $5 application fee at time of submission
Issuance timeline:
- Temporary license is automatically issued upon receipt of complete application, fee, and valid ASHA card verification
- Grace period begins immediately upon board confirmation of completed submission and extends until next scheduled board meeting
Denial risks:
- Failure to include ASHA card or equivalent verification document with application
- Application submitted without payment of $5 fee
- Applicant does not hold active ASHA certification or valid out-of-state SLP license
Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically expires at next board meeting; permanent license issuance or denial occurs at that meeting. If permanent application is denied at board meeting, temporary license revokes immediately and applicant must cease practice. If applicant cannot demonstrate ongoing eligibility (e.g., ASHA certification lapses during grace period), temporary privilege may be revoked before board meeting.
Processing Time
Arkansas speech-language pathologist endorsement applications typically take 2-8 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 2 weeks (if application submitted before board meeting cutoff and all documentation complete).
Common sources of delay:
- Board meets on the 2nd Friday of every other month; applications submitted after cutoff wait 4-8 weeks for next meeting
- ASHA verification or direct board verification can add 1-2 weeks if current state board is slow to respond
- Incomplete applications (missing ASHA card, fee, or required documentation) are rejected and must be resubmitted, adding 2-4 weeks per cycle
Arkansas does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Continuing Education
Arkansas requires 10 contact hours of continuing education for speech-language pathologist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Arkansas may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Confirm with the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology — $5 via Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology portal
- Renewal timing: Annually every year prior to July 30th.
- Traveler tip: Track your Arkansas license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (501) 682-9180
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology's official website.
Resources
Words are hard for lots of people for various reasons around the world and across different languages . In fact, in the U.S. alone, 5 to 10 percent of
Before traveling healthcare professionals can hit the road and start making a positive impact, there are a few important compliance boxes to check. Fo
