Pennsylvania Speech-Language Pathologist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$50
Renewal: $65 · Temp license available
Compact (ASLP Interstate Compact)
No
Not a ASLP Interstate Compact member state
Renewal
20 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Pennsylvania is not an ASLP Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) member. SLPs must obtain a Pennsylvania-specific license via endorsement of an out-of-state credential. Endorsement is the only pathway available; compact privileges do not apply. Plan 4-6 weeks for processing.
Endorsement Process
Pennsylvania 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 $50 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Speech-Language Pathology Board. 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: Pennsylvania requires a mandatory Speech-Language Pathology Jurisprudence Examination covering Pennsylvania-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 Pennsylvania Speech-Language Pathology Board website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $50 |
| Renewal | $65 (every 2 years) |
| Temporary License | $50 |
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
Pennsylvania 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:
- Complete endorsement application submitted to Pennsylvania board
- Valid, unencumbered license in another US state or equivalent credential
- Proof of current ASHA certification or equivalent national credential
- No disciplinary history or pending complaints in any state
Issuance timeline:
- Completed application received and filed by board
- Prior-state verification letter received (or ASHA registry confirmation obtained)
- Background check initiated or cleared (if applicable)
- Board staff confirmation that application is administratively complete
Denial risks:
- Disciplinary action or complaint history in any state
- Criminal background findings that conflict with state regulations
- Inability to obtain prior-state verification within 10-14 days of application submission
- Application deemed administratively incomplete after 1 review cycle
Important for travelers: Temporary license becomes void if permanent endorsement application is denied; applicant must cease practice immediately. Temporary license expires automatically upon issuance of permanent license (valid 6 months maximum). Any disciplinary finding during temporary license period triggers immediate revocation; applicant must report changes in licensure status within 10 days.
Processing Time
Pennsylvania speech-language pathologist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 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 3 weeks.
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications in batches; applications submitted after monthly review cutoff delay to next cycle (typically 2-4 weeks additional wait)
- Verification from ASHA or prior-state board can take 1-2 weeks; delays in obtaining official verification letter are common
- Background check completion is state-specific and not standardized; fingerprinting delays or name-match issues can add 1-3 weeks
Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for speech-language pathologist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Pennsylvania may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring by July 31st of every even-numbered year — $65
- Traveler tip: Track your Pennsylvania license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Pennsylvania Speech-Language Pathology Board
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 Pennsylvania Speech-Language Pathology Board's official website.
Resources
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