Career roadmap
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a speech-language pathologist, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a speech-language pathologist: (1) earn a bachelor’s degree, (2) complete a master’s in SLP, (3) pass the Praxis exam, (4) complete a clinical fellowship, (5) get licensed. Most people need about 6–7 years. BLS lists “master's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a speech-language pathologist
Earn a bachelor’s degree
Communication sciences or related.
Complete a master’s in SLP
About two years.
Pass the Praxis exam
National exam.
Complete a clinical fellowship
About 36 weeks.
Get licensed
Earn CCC-SLP.
Education and training requirements
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology, a clinical fellowship and a state license are required.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Master's degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Internship/residency |
| Typical training time | 6–7 years |
Certifications and licenses
- CCC-SLP (ASHA): Certificate of Clinical Competence.
- State SLP license: Required.
- School certification: Required for school jobs in many states.
- Board certification in swallowing: Specialty credential.
Skills to build now
Start with language assessment, articulation therapy, and swallowing evaluation, and practice patience and creativity. Learning the speech-language pathologist vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Clinical Fellow: Supervised year.
- Speech-Language Pathologist: Treat clients.
- Lead or Specialist SLP: Specialize.
- Rehab or Program Director: Lead teams.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Speech-Language Pathologist training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist?
Most people need about 6–7 years of training. A master’s degree in speech-language pathology, a clinical fellowship and a state license are required.
Do you need a degree to be a speech-language pathologist?
Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
What certifications are available for speech-language pathologists?
Common credentials include CCC-SLP (ASHA), State SLP license, School certification, and Board certification in swallowing. All states license SLPs; schools may require a separate education credential.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1127 (Speech-language pathologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Speech-language pathologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.