Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
To practice in the state of California, an individual must hold a current, valid, speech-language pathology license from the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board (SLPAB). For further information regarding qualifications and procedures for obtaining a license, go to www.slpab.ca.gov.

Certain settings are exempt from licensure (working in public preschools, elementary or secondary schools, and federal agencies), but do require a valid, current and professional clear clinical or rehabilitative services credential in language, speech and hearing issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Additional information for obtaining a California Teaching Credential may be found www.ctc.ca.gov.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
SLPAs are support-level personnel registered (licensed) by the State of California's Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board (SLPAB) to provide speech and language services under the supervision of a licensed or credentialed speech-language pathologist.

To become a registered SLPA, an individual must have completed formal academic and clinical training. Specific requirements for obtaining a SLPA license are listed at www.slpab.ca.gov.

Professional Associations:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 130,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Read more about ASHA at www.asha.org.

California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA)
CSHA is the professional organization of speech-language pathologists and audiologists advancing services to children and adults with communication and related disorders. It is chartered under California law as a non-profit corporation and is the officially recognized professional association for California speech-language pathologists and audiologists by the national American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Read more about CSHA at www.csha.org.