Arizona Teacher Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The information below is collected from state regulatory agencies responsible for regulating school based speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists. 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.

Audiologist

Audiologists in the public schools are contract employees and do not fall under specific teacher requirements of the State Department of Education. State licensure issued by Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Special Licensing is typically required for practice in the schools. Contact the board for additional information.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Standard Speech-Language Pathologist, Pre-Kindergarten–12 Certificate (valid for 12 years), Professional Non-Teaching

Master's or more advanced degree from an accredited institution, in Speech Pathology or Communications Disorders. Official transcripts required.
A minimum of 250 clinical clock hours supervised by a university or a speech-language pathologist with a certificate of clinical competence, verified by one of the following:

A letter on official letterhead signed by a university department head or designee verifying completion of required clock hours; OR
A letter signed by a speech-language pathologist with a certificate of clinical competence verifying completion of required clock hours; OR
A valid American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certificate of clinical competence in speech pathology. Submit a photocopy of your ASHA membership card OR a letter from ASHA verifying a valid certificate of clinical competence in speech pathology.

Exam or ASHA Membership, verified by one of the following:

A valid American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certificate of clinical competence in speech pathology. Submit a photocopy of your ASHA membership card OR a letter from ASHA verifying a
valid certificate of clinical competence in speech pathology; OR
A passing score on the Education Testing Service National Exam in Speech Language Pathology. Submit your official score report; OR
A passing score on the Speech and Language Impaired Special Education portion of the Arizona Educator Exam (NES or AEPA).

Citation: Ariz. Admin. Code §7-2-617(D) [PDF]

Continuing Education Requirement

Documentation of a current professional license as a speech pathologist to be used in lieu of proof of the required clock hours of professional development activities. Additionally, the renewal rule has been updated to specify that awareness training regarding human trafficking of children will be accepted toward the required professional development hours for renewal.

Citation: Ariz. Admin. Code §7-2-619 [PDF]

Sixty (60) clock hours are required every six years in the field of speech pathology, or professional development in the areas of articulation, voice, fluency, language disorders, low incidence disabilities, curriculum and instruction, professional issues and ethics, or service delivery models.