Delaware Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

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

Has met the requirements for Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA or American Board of Audiology (ABA) certification which include:

1. Doctoral degree in audiology from an accredited college or university
2. Successful completion of a national exam in the applicant's specialty area
3. Applicants with doctoral degrees are not required to satisfy the clinical practicum and clinical fellowship year requirements.
4. Audiologists licensed before July 10, 2009, are exempted from the doctoral requirement.

Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (before July 2009)

Has met the requirements for CCC issued by ASHA which include:

• Master's degree or equivalent from an accredited college/university in accordance with state licensure board's rules and regulations
• A supervised clinical practicum (400 clock hours)
• Nine months supervised clinical fellowship
• Completion of a national exam
• Applicant has no prior administrative penalties or convictions.

Exemptions

1. Any person performing industrial hearing screening under the supervision of a physician licensed in Delaware
2. Students from an accredited school receiving practical training under the personal supervision of a licensed SLP or audiologist
3. Non-residents who are not licensed in this state may provide speech-language pathology or audiology services if such services are performed for not more than 30 days in any calendar year and in cooperation with a licensed individual, if the person meets the requirements for licensure in this state, holds a valid license in another state with equivalent requirements, or holds a CCC
4. Licensed persons from another state, district, or foreign country consulting with a licensed SLP, audiologist, or hearing aid dispenser limited to examination, recommendation, and testimony in litigation

Reciprocity/Endorsement

1. An applicant who is licensed in another state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory whose standards for licensure are substantially similar to those of Delaware may be granted a license by the state licensure board.
2. Applicants whose licensure requirements are not substantially similar shall provide proof of practice for a minimum of five years after licensure and meet all other qualifications for reciprocity.
3. The state licensure board may grant a license to applicants with CCC.
4. Applicants who have received a master's degree or its equivalent or a doctoral degree or its equivalent from a foreign school shall submit a certified copy of the school's record for evaluation.
5. Applicants with unresolved complaints pending shall not be licensed in Delaware until all proceedings have been resolved.

Interim Practice/Temporary Licensure

1. Clinical fellows must obtain a temporary permit; it is valid for one year.
2. Audiology applicants with doctoral degrees are not required to satisfy the clinical practicum and clinical fellowship year requirements and may be issued a temporary license upon completed application and payment of fee. Such license will expire at the end of 90 days.
3. A temporary license to dispense hearing aids may be granted to applicants that pay a fee and provide a notarized statement from a licensed audiologist or dispenser who affirms that they shall provide direct supervision and training of the applicant.

Continuing Education for Licensure Renewal

Must complete 30 continuing education (CE) hours per biennial renewal cycle, dual license 15 CEs in each specialty area per two-year license; triple license must obtain 45 CEs with 15 in each specialty area biennially.

Board Oversight

Board of Examiners of Speech-language Pathologists, Audiologists, and Hearing Aid Dispensers within the Division of Professional Regulations, Department of State

Board Composition

The Board shall comprise nine state residents appointed by the governor: three speech-language pathologists, two audiologists, one hearing aid dispenser (HAD), and three public members; the public members shall not be nor ever have been (a) an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, or HAD; (b) employed by an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, or HAD; (c) the immediate family member of an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, or HAD; (d) had a financial interest in the providing of goods or services to those licensed in this chapter; nor, (e) have ever been engaged in an activity directly related to audiology, speech-language pathology, or HAD.

Telepractice

State Code of Ethics provision states that licensees shall not evaluate or treat a client with speech, language, or hearing disorders solely by correspondence. Correspondence includes telecommunication.

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:

Department of State: Division of Professional Regulation

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