Colorado Licensing Requirements for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

The information below is collected from state licensure boards or regulatory agencies responsible for regulating the professions of speech-language pathology and/or audiology. It is intended for informational use only, and should not be construed as legal advice.

Contact the state's licensure board or regulatory agency for exact licensure, certification, or registration requirements in your jurisdiction.

Initial Licensure Requirements

Audiology

1. Doctorate from an audiology program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its successor or the U.S. Department of Education
2. Master's degree from a program accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education or its successor or the U.S. Department of Education that was conferred before July 1, 2007, and has obtained a certificate of competency in audiology from a nationally recognized certification agency
   or
3. Has been licensed as a school audiologist by the Colorado Department of Education
4. A statement regarding having any license suspended, revoked or disciplinary actions taken 
5. Proof of having obtained malpractice coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 per incident and $3,000,000 aggregate per year valid through the expiration date of the registration

Speech-Language Pathology (Certification Effective July 1, 2013)

1. Master’s or higher degree in communication sciences and disorders granted by an accredited institution of higher education recognized by the US Department of Education.
2. Clinical Fellowship
3. Passage of a national exam
4. If providing services to patients, must submit proof of professional liability insurance

Exemptions

1. Audiology: employees or contractors of public schools; School speech-language pathologists whose compensation is paid solely by an administrative unit or state-operated program
2. Students enrolled in a course of study at an accredited institution and practicing under the supervision of a licensed audiologist or pursuing a degree in speech-language pathology in an accredited program
3. Licensed individuals engaging in activities within their scope of practice
4. Clinical Fellows
5. Qualified speech-language pathologists from another state or country on a temporary basis of once in any 12 month period.

Reciprocity/Endorsement

Speech-language pathology applicants may apply for certification by endorsement by holding a current, valid license in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent qualifications including maintenance of continuing professional competency and professional liability insurance.

Interim Practice/Temporary Licensure

The director shall grant a temporary license to any applicant who has obtained a master's or doctorate degree in audiology and is practicing audiology in a year of clinical fellowship; this temporary registration is not valid for more than 12 months.

Continuing Education Requirement for Licensure Renewal

For speech-language pathologists, shall be established by rules.

Board Oversight

The Director of Registration oversees the Audiology and Hearing Aid Providers Licensure and the Certification of Speech-Language Pathologists.

Board Composition

Department of Regulatory Agencies

Resources

The information contained herein was collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on state licensure requirements, contact the state board and visit this website:

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.