Rhode Island 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. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

Initial Licensure

Audiologist

Doctorate degree in audiology from a regionally accredited educational institution or national accrediting organization as approved by the Board of Examiners.
Passage of a national exam
Present evidence of a 12-month, full-time, supervised practicum experience
Verification of ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) or other national accrediting association approved by the Board of Examiners
If applicable, verification of licensure status in other states
Be of good moral character

Note: Audiologists may dispense hearing aids under an audiology license.

Speech Language Pathologist

Master's or doctorate degree or equivalent from an accredited educational institution accredited by Council on Academic Accreditation or other national accrediting association approved by the Board of Examiners.
Supervised clinical practicum in accordance with current minimum requirements for the certificate of clinical competence
Cumulative or equivalent total of 9 months of full-time professional postgraduate employment as a trainee or fellow
Passage of a national exam
Verification of ASHA certificate of clinical competence or other national accrediting association as approved by the Board of Examiners
If applicable, verification of licensure status in other states
Be of good moral character

Exemptions

Hearing aid dealers/fitters
Licensed professionals practicing within their authorized scope of practice
Government employees unless performing any private practice for which a fee is paid

Reciprocity

Persons licensed as an audiologist in alternate jurisdictions on or before January 1, 2008, shall meet the requirements of this state that were in effect at the time of the initial licensure in the alternate jurisdiction.

Interim Practice

Clinical fellows must obtain a provisional license. A provisional license can be renewed annually but not to exceed 36 moths past initiation of the postgraduate professional experience (PPE) and otherwise will expire 90 days after the completion of the PPE.

Continuing Education

Twenty clock hours are required per biennium for license renewal. Dual licensees must obtain 30 clock hours every two years. Continuing education hours may not be carried over from one renewal period to the next.

Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

Rhode Island is not a member state of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. Information on the current status of the ASLP-IC can be found on the ASLP-IC website.