Colorado Characteristics of State Teacher Requirements

Last updated April 2008

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

School Audiologist

1. Master's degree or higher in audiology from an accepted institution of higher education. A clinical doctorate is required for candidates who graduate after 2007.
2. Completion of an approved program in school audiology.
3. Completion of a practicum or internship in a school setting equivalent to eight weeks full-time under the supervision of a professionally licensed or master's level licensed audiologist.
4. Passage of a national exam in audiology.

Continuing Education Requirement

Six semester hours of approved continuing education are required every five years.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Provisional Special Services License for Speech-Language Pathologist

1. Master's degree, or higher, communications disorders or speech-language pathology from an accredited institution of higher education
2. Successfully pass the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology administered by the Educational Testing Service (Praxis Series) with a minimum score of 600. The exam taken to qualify for licensure must not be more than five years old.
3. Complete the Clinical Fellowship Year experience within nine to thirty-six months.

Professional Special Services License

Option 1

1. Master's degree (or higher) in communication disorders or speech-language pathology from an accredited institution of higher education
2. Successful completion of a Clinical Fellowship Year

Option 2

1. Master's degree (or higher) in communication disorders or speech-language pathology from an accredited institution of higher education
2. Submit from ASHA verification of the Certificate of Clinical Competence

Option 3

1. Receipt of Professional Special Services License on or before January 1, 2004 will be grandfathered in
2. Must maintain Professional Special Services Licensure as long as that person continues to provide proof of 3 semester hours from a college or university that holds regional accreditation or accreditation from an equivalent nationally recognized or governmental accreditation authority: and/or 90 contact hours through employer-sponsored in-service or other continuing education activities that contribute to professional development: and/or 9 CEUs from an ASHA-approved CE provider

Master Special Services License

1. Master's degree (or higher) in communication disorders or speech-language pathology from an accredited institution of higher education
2. Successful completion of a Clinical Fellowship Year Submit from ASHA verification of the Certificate of Clinical Competence (including name, effective certification date, current expiration date and ASHA account number) - has maintained their ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence throughout the span of the license
3. Has produced profession publications and/or presentations at the district, state or national levels in the last five years - regarding issues relevant to the speech language pathology field (e.g. communication, communication disorders, swallowing disorders, cognitive aspects of communication, and/or special education issues)

Continuing Education Requirement

Six semester hours of approved continuing education are required every five years

Support Personnel

Requirements for School Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant Authorization:

1. Bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology, speech communication, or communication disorders from an accepted institution of higher education
2. Successful completion of a speech-language pathology assistant program or equivalent, which meets or exceeds recommended guidelines established by a national association or speech-language-hearing professionals
3. Successful completion of a minimum of 100 hours school-based practicum, under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP

Continuing Education Requirement

SLPAs must complete six hours of continuing education every three years to renew their authorization.