Applying for:

Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential based on completing an out-of-state program

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

 

Transcript

 

  • Transcript must show a master's degree in speech-language pathology/communication disorders completed through an out-of-state program.
  • The college or university must be regionally accredited.
  • Submitting paper transcripts:
    • Upload a scan of the original, official paper transcripts. Clear photographs will also be accepted. All pages, front and back, must be included in the upload. 
  • Submitting electronic transcripts:
    • Upload the original file sent to you by the college or transcript service provider.
  • NOTE: Bachelor's degree transcripts may be submitted as well but are not required.

Out-of-state speech-language pathology certificate or eligibility letter

Option 1: Copy of out-of-state certificate earned from a state with equivalent standards to California as of 1/1/1997, or an eligibility letter from the institution where the program was completed or the state agency responsible for issuing the certificate.

  • Scanned copy, image, or screenshot of your full, professional-level speech-language pathology certificate from another state. The list of states issuing equivalent certificates as of 1/1/1997 can be found in Table 1 at the end of CL-879.
  • If submitting an eligibility letter, it must be on official letterhead of the institution where the program was completed or the state agency responsible for issuing the certificate, and signed by the Dean or department chair responsible for administering the program.
    • Letter must be a scanned copy of an original letter or an electronic PDF. If the letter is a scanned copy, the original letter that was scanned must be signed with a wet ink signature. If the letter is an electronic PDF, it must be signed with an acceptable electronic signature. Screenshots are not acceptable.
  • The out-of-state program must match the area of certification requested.

 Option 2: Copy of out-of-state certificate authorizing service in the K-12 public schools, OR an eligibility letter from the institution where the program was completed or the state agency responsible for issuing the certificate, AND transcripts or a letter verifying that the program included a practicum with school-age children.

  • Submit one of the following:
    • Scanned copy, image, or screenshot of your full, professional-level speech-language pathology certificate from another state. The state need not be on the list of states issuing equivalent certificates. However, verification that the program included a practicum with school-age children MUST be included.
    • Eligibility letter from the institution where the program was completed.
  • If applying under this option, you MUST submit official transcripts and/or a letter from the institution where the program was completed showing that the program included a practicum with school-age children, completed with a grade of C or better. 
    • Applicants who received a Pass, Credit, or Satisfactory grade are assumed to have completed the practicum at a level at least equivalent to a grade of C.
  • Letters must be on official letterhead of the institution where the program was completed or the state agency responsible for issuing the certificate, and signed by the Dean or department chair responsible for administering the program.
  • Letters must be scanned copies of an original letter or an electronic PDF. If a letter is a scanned copy, the original letter that was scanned must be signed with a wet ink signature. If a letter is an electronic PDF, it must be signed with an acceptable electronic signature. Screenshots are not acceptable.
  • NOTE: The eligibility letter may be combined with the letter verifying that the program included a practicum with school-age children, if your transcript does not show it.

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 Preliminary level credential is issued for two years and during that time, you must complete requirements to upgrade to the Clear level credential. If you have met all the requirements for the Preliminary and Clear credential in your initial application, you will be issued the Clear credential and not the Preliminary.
  • If you completed a program outside of the United States or U.S. Territories, you must complete the requirements listed above for the Preliminary credential and obtain the formal recommendation of a California college or university with a Commission-approved Speech-Language Pathology Services Program. You CANNOT apply to the Commission directly.
  • Full details on qualifying for the Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential based on completing an out-of-state program can be found on CL-879 under the section Requirements for the Two-Year Preliminary Credential - For Individuals Prepared Out-of-State.
Updated October 08, 2025