California Characteristics of State Teacher Requirements

The following information summarizes the requirements currently necessary to begin work in the public school system as an:

Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist.

The information below has been collected by researching individual state department of education regulations and policy documents, state administrative code provisions and by contacting each state department of education. Please be advised that regulations and policy may change at any time, so always check with your state department of education for the most up-to-date information.

Audiologist

Audiology Clear Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential

1. Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
2. Passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test; and
3. Either a Commission-approved specialized professional preparation program resulting in a formal recommendation for the credential by the college or university through which the program was completed, or an Audiology License issued by the California Speech–Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. 

Continuing Education Requirement

One hundred fifty (150) clock hours of planned and approved professional growth activities every five years and the equivalent of full-time service for one-half of one school year are required.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Preliminary Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential (valid 2 years)

1. Master's degree in speech-language pathology;
2. Passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test; and
3. Completion of Commission-accredited preparation program resulting in a formal recommendation for the credential by the college or university through which the program was completed.

Clear Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential

Option 1:    
1. Passing score of 600 on the Praxis II Speech-Language Pathology Test; and 
2. Completion of a 36-week, full-time mentored clinical experience or equivalent supervised practicum (ASHA Clinical Fellowship Year).

Option 2:
A Speech-Language Pathology License issued by the California Speech–Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board.

Option 3:
Verification of Certification letter from ASHA that the individual holds a valid ASHA Certificate of Competence (CCC) including issuance and expiration dates and account number.

Special Class Authorization authorizes the holder to provide instruction and related services to individuals with a primary disability of speech and language impairment or autism, from birth through grade 12, and in classes organized primarily for adults, across the continuum of program options available. The candidate must complete course work in aphasia and in the methods of teaching school subjects, in addition to the course work for the Language, Speech and Hearing authorization.

Note: An institution of higher education may recommend candidates for a clear credential instead of a preliminary if the candidate meets all requirements for both the preliminary and clear credential.

Continuing Education Requirement

One hundred fifty (150) clock hours of planned and approved professional growth activities every five years and the equivalent of full-time service for one-half of one school year.

Resources 

The information contained herein was collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on teacher certification requirements, contact the state department of education and visit this website:

California Commission on Teaching Credentials

Questions regarding this document? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.