Applying for:

Upgrading a Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential to a Clear Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential

Allows you to:

Provide speech services, working directly with students who need assistance with language and speech skills.

A red octagon shape surrounded by a gray border Before You Apply

You will need to obtain your fingerprint clearance specifically for the Commission. If you already have valid fingerprints on file with the Commission, it is not necessary to fingerprint each time you apply for a credential or permit. However, if your fingerprints are expired then you must re-establish fingerprints. Details on how to check your fingerprint status can be found at Check Application Status.

The online application will require you to answer questions related to your professional fitness. Please review How to Complete the CTC Online Professional Fitness Questions before completing the application. If you must answer "yes" to any of the professional fitness questions, please gather all documentation, including any required police reports, certified court records, and miscellaneous documents related to the incident and have them ready to upload as attachments along with the materials for verifying academic requirements listed below. If any of the records have been purged or are otherwise not available, provide an original statement from the agency on its official letterhead verifying that fact.

A green circle surrounded by a gray ring Ready to Apply?

The items below are required for this application. The Commission reserves the right to request the original(s) of any supporting documentation by mail to ensure authenticity.


ItemImportant Details and Tips

Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential

  • You must have a Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing that is valid (not expired) earned either through California-preparation or out-of-state preparation.
  • It is not necessary to attach anything as proof, since the Commission will already have this information if you were issued a document satisfying this requirement.

Verification of one of the following three options:

  1. Exam scores and clinical experience/supervised practicum
  2. California Speech-Language Pathology license
  3. ASHA certification letter

Only ONE of the three options below is needed. If more than one item is listed under an option, all of them must be submitted in order to satisfy this requirement through that option.

Option 1: Examination scores and clinical experience/supervised practicum

  • Passing score of 162 on the Educational Testing Services (ETS) Praxis II Speech-Language Pathology Test (Test code 5331)[4]. For more information, visit the ETS website. 
    • In order to be valid, the exam must have been passed within the past 10 years.
    • Previously, the Praxis II SLP test code was 0330 and the minimum passing score was 600. The previous examination is still acceptable for certification within five years of the passing score date.
  • A 36-week, full-time, mentored clinical experience or equivalent supervised practicum (commonly known as the Clinical Fellowship Year [CFY]). Verification of completion may be provided on ONE of the following forms:

 Option 2: California Speech-Language Pathology license

  • Scanned copy or image of the valid license (pocket size license that includes the expiration date and license number) issued by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board or a scanned copy or screenshot of the license information from the Board's website.

 Option 3: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) verification of certification letter

  • Verification of Certification letter from ASHA that you hold a valid ASHA Certificate of Competence (CCC) including issuance and expiration dates and account number. The letter must be a scanned copy or electronic PDF.

Important Notes:

  • This checklist is ONLY for submission of an online application.
  • This web-based checklist is a guide and does not need to be uploaded with the online application.
  • The Clear level credential is issued for five years and is renewable.
  • Full details on qualifying for the Clear Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential can be found on CL-879 under the sections Requirements for the Clear Preliminary Credential - For Individuals Prepared in California and  Requirements for the Clear Preliminary Credential - For Individuals Prepared Out-of-State.
    Updated October 24, 2025