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License Requirements for Audiology

Any use of the title "Speech-Language Pathologist" or "Audiologist" within New York State requires licensure, except in certain "exempt" settings. These settings include:

  • Federal, State or local governments
  • Public or nonpublic elementary or secondary schools
  • Colleges and universities

NOTE: To provide speech services in a public school in New York State, "Teacher Certification" is the appropriate credential. For information regarding teacher certification, contact the Office of Teaching Initiatives at 518-474-3901.

To be licensed as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in New York State you must:

  • be of good moral character;
  • be at least 21 years of age;
  • meet education requirements;
  • meet examination requirements; and
  • meet experience requirements.

You must file an Application for Licensure (Form 1) and the other forms indicated, along with the appropriate fee, to the Office of the Professions at the address specified on each form. It is your responsibility to follow up with anyone you have asked to send us material.

The specific requirements for licensure are contained in Title 8, Article 159, Section 8206 of New York's Education Law and Part 75 of the Commissioner's Regulations.

You should also read the general licensing information applicable for all professions.

The fee for licensure and first registration is $294.

Fees are subject to change. The fee due is the one in law when your application is received (unless fees are increased retroactively). You will be billed for the difference if fees have been increased.

  • Do not send cash.
  • If you apply for licensure electronically using the online Application for Licensure, you will be required to pay by credit card.
  • Other payments must be made by personal check or money order payable to the New York State Education Department. Your cancelled check is your receipt.
  • Mail any required forms and fees to the indicated address on the form.

NOTE: Payment submitted from outside the United States should be made by check or draft on a United States bank and in United States currency; payments submitted in any other form will not be accepted and will be returned.

Individuals who withdraw their licensure application may be entitled to a partial refund.

  • For the procedure to withdraw your application, contact the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Unit at opunit3@nysed.gov or by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 270 or by fax at 518-402-5354.
  • The State Education Department is not responsible for any fees paid to an outside testing or credentials verification agency.

If you withdraw your application, obtain a refund, and then decide to seek New York State licensure at a later date, you will be considered a new applicant, and you will be required to pay the licensure fee and meet the licensure requirements in place at the time you reapply.

Audiology

You must have obtained a graduate degree in audiology from a New York State registered licensure qualifying program, a program accredited by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), or the equivalent. To be considered equivalent, your educational program must culminate in a graduate degree from a college or university acceptable to the Department. It must include a practicum and 75 semester hours of courses as specified below. The 75 semester hours must be at the graduate level.

  • Human Communication Processes and Sciences: 12 semester hours, including but not limited to course content in:
    • anatomy and physiology of hearing and balance;
    • hearing and speech science; and
    • auditory development.
  • Professional Practice Areas in Audiology: 36 semester hours, including but not limited to course contact in adult and pediatric coursework in:
    • diagnostics in hearing and balance;
    • amplification, hearing assistive technology, and dispensing practices;
    • aural rehabilitation;
    • electrophysiology;
    • cochlear implants;
    • cerumen management;
    • tinnitus;
    • instrumentation;
    • auditory and vestibular pathology and treatment; and
    • hearing conservation.
  • Plus an additional 27 semester hours in the above content areas or related areas in:
    • professional areas in speech-language pathology;
    • ethics;
    • infection control;
    • research methodology;
    • counseling;
    • genetics;
    • neuroscience;
    • mathematics/statistics;
    • multicultural issues;
    • psycho-social impact of hearing loss; and
    • business practices.
  • Practicum in Audiology
    • Doctoral degree program in audiology, including a minimum of 1,820 clock hours of graduate clinical experience under supervision.
    • Master’s degree program in audiology, including a minimum of 400 clock hours of practicum under supervision provided that no more than half of the total clock hours of practicum may be advanced standing credit granted for audiology study at the baccalaureate level.

You must complete a minimum of 36 weeks of supervised experience in speech-language pathology or audiology. (Any break in time, e.g., maternity leave or, in a school setting, summer break, should be compensated for in the ending date.) The experience cannot begin until after all requirements (including any examinations or completion of a thesis) for the graduate degree are satisfied. 1

You must complete a minimum of 36 weeks of supervised experience in speech-language pathology or audiology. (Any break in time, e.g., maternity leave or, in a school setting, summer break, should be compensated for in the ending date.) The experience cannot begin until after all requirements (including any examinations or completion of a thesis) for the graduate degree are satisfied. 1

1 With one exception: licensure applicants who are candidates for Au.D. degrees may begin the required experience BEFORE the Au.D. degree is awarded if they have completed all prerequisite Au.D. coursework and practica.

Nature of Experience

Your experience should include direct clinical work with patients or students, consultations, record keeping, and any other duties relevant to clinical practice. At least two thirds of the experience should involve direct clinical contact with persons who have communication disorders. Time spent in academic teaching, research, or administrative activities that do not deal directly with patient management should not be counted as professional experience in this context. No partial credit can be given for unsatisfactory completion of supervised experience.

Part-time or Full-time Experience

The supervised experience must be completed within a four-year period with not more than two employers, and may be full-time or part-time:

Full-time: At least 36 weeks (e.g., full school year, September to June) of continuous employment consisting of at least 35 hours per week.

Part-time: Continuous periods of employment of not less than six months, accumulated at the rate of not less than two days per week and consisting of not less than 12 hours per week with any one employer. Applicants employed part-time should contact the New York State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to determine the total amount of time required under these conditions

Supervision of Experience

Your supervisor should meet with and observe you on a regular basis to review and evaluate your experience and to foster your professional development. For additional information see the "Guidelines for Evaluating Applicants Experience" below or the Identification of Supervisor and Setting Form 4A.

Supervision must be provided where you work by an individual licensed in New York State in the field for which you seek licensure. However, experience acquired in another state or in an exempt setting such as a public or nonpublic school may be supervised by a person holding the appropriate Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) For more information regarding ASHA CCCs you may visit their web site at www.asha.org .

To become licensed as a New York State speech-language pathologist or audiologist, you must complete experience as stated above. You are exempt from licensure for professional practice completed as part of this requirement. If your experience is just beginning, or has begun, an acknowledgement (Form 6 - Acknowledgement or Supervisory Plan for Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology) may be issued from the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board Office. If you and/or your employer wish to have a Form 6 issued, you must file an application for licensure, submit the fee, have your school document completion of your educational program, and submit Identification of Supervisor and Setting (Form 4A). Once the Office of the Professions has received and approved all this documentation, the State Board can issue the Form 6. It is acceptable to complete your experience outside New York State as long as your supervisor is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

If you have been practicing in another state and are no longer in contact with the supervisor you completed your experience with, you may submit your copy of the CFY report for consideration to the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Unit at 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234-1000..

1 With one exception: licensure applicants who are candidates for Au.D. degrees may begin the required experience BEFORE the Au.D. degree is awarded if they have completed all prerequisite Au.D. coursework and practica.

Nature of Experience

Your experience should include direct clinical work with patients or students, consultations, record keeping, and any other duties relevant to clinical practice. At least two thirds of the experience should involve direct clinical contact with persons who have communication disorders. Time spent in academic teaching, research, or administrative activities that do not deal directly with patient management should not be counted as professional experience in this context. No partial credit can be given for unsatisfactory completion of supervised experience.

Part-time or Full-time Experience

The supervised experience must be completed within a four-year period with not more than two employers, and may be full-time or part-time:

Full-time: At least 36 weeks (e.g., full school year, September to June) of continuous employment consisting of at least 35 hours per week.

Part-time: Continuous periods of employment of not less than six months, accumulated at the rate of not less than two days per week and consisting of not less than 12 hours per week with any one employer. Applicants employed part-time should contact the New York State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to determine the total amount of time required under these conditions

Supervision of Experience

Your supervisor should meet with and observe you on a regular basis to review and evaluate your experience and to foster your professional development. For additional information see the "Guidelines for Evaluating Applicants Experience" below or the Identification of Supervisor and Setting Form 4A.

Supervision must be provided where you work by an individual licensed in New York State in the field for which you seek licensure. However, experience acquired in another state or in an exempt setting such as a public or nonpublic school may be supervised by a person holding the appropriate Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) For more information regarding ASHA CCCs you may visit their web site at www.asha.org .

To become licensed as a New York State speech-language pathologist or audiologist, you must complete experience as stated above. You are exempt from licensure for professional practice completed as part of this requirement. If your experience is just beginning, or has begun, an acknowledgement (Form 6 - Acknowledgement or Supervisory Plan for Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology) may be issued from the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board Office. If you and/or your employer wish to have a Form 6 issued, you must file an application for licensure, submit the fee, have your school document completion of your educational program, and submit Identification of Supervisor and Setting (Form 4A). Once the Office of the Professions has received and approved all this documentation, the State Board can issue the Form 6. It is acceptable to complete your experience outside New York State as long as your supervisor is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

If you have been practicing in another state and are no longer in contact with the supervisor you completed your experience with, you may submit your copy of the CFY report for consideration to the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Unit at 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234-1000..

The supervisor is responsible for verifying to the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology that the applicant has completed professional-level experience. Suggestions for consideration under each competency listed below are not intended to be all-inclusive or limited to those stated. Rather, they are intended as examples of professional behaviors to be accomplished by the applicant. Also, the suggestions for consideration are not intended to establish specific criteria, to restrict supervisor judgement, or to limit in any way the scope of professional practice.

The Board recommends that the supervisor monitor the applicant’s time a minimum average of 3 hours per week for full-time experience, or 1-1/2 hours for part-time. The monitoring should involve direct observation of the applicant’s clinical practice. The use of audio tapes, video tapes, reports, and/or discussions with administrators or colleagues may supplement the direct contact. The supervisor should maintain written documentation of contacts with the supervisee.

General

  1. The applicant demonstrates ability to communicate effectively. Consider if the applicant:
     
    1. Communicates, as necessary, in an advocacy role for clients/patients.
    2. Interprets clinical data to clients/patients and caregivers effectively.
    3. Participates in professional meetings and case conferences.
  2. The applicant demonstrates understanding of human growth and development. Consider if the applicant:
     
    1. Demonstrates knowledge of developmental milestones.
    2. Differentiates between normal and abnormal aspects of physical, emotional, and social development.
    3. Understands the role of communication in social, emotional, intellectual, and educational processes.
  3. The applicant demonstrates professional responsibility and conduct.
     
  4. The applicant displays understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other professionals and the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation. Consider if the applicant:
     
    1. Understands the organizational structure of the work environment and interacts appropriately with other professionals.
    2. Is aware of regulations governing other professionals in client/patient care.
    3. Respects confidentiality of client/patient information.
    4. Uses appropriate referral procedures.

Specific

  1. The applicant applies a functional understanding of communication development in the delivery of clinical services. Consider if the applicant:
     
    1. I. Displays knowledge of the interrelationships among the various speech-language-hearing processes and the effects of impairment in one area on functions in other areas.
  2. The applicant uses appropriate, representative methods and materials in diagnosis/assessment. Consider if the applicant:
     
    1. Selects and administers appropriate diagnostic tests and procedures.
    2. Records diagnostic/assessment results accurately.
    3. Interprets diagnostic/assessment results accurately, concisely, and clearly.
    4. Uses diagnostic/assessment interpretations as a basis for a course of action.
  3. The applicant effectively uses appropriate equipment in diagnosis/assessment and treatment/remediation.

    In Speech-Language Pathology, consider if the applicant:
    1. Demonstrates skill in the use of appropriate audiometric and tympanometric screening equipment, audio and video recording equipment, and other equipment which may be required for clinical management.
    2. Is familiar with equipment used by other professions which may be relevant to diagnosis/assessment and treatment/rehabilitation.

    In Audiology, consider if the applicant:
    1. Uses speech-language screening instruments, audiometric, aural acoustic immitance vestibulometric, hearing aid acoustic evaluation equipment, sound level measurement and audiometric calibration devices and other instruments which may be required for audiological diagnosis/assessment and/or treatment of hearing disorders.
    2. Knows prevailing audiological instrumentation calibration standards and procedures as well as prevailing standards of ambient background sound levels in an audiometric test environment.
    3. Reads and interprets manufacturing specifications for personal and group prosthetic amplification in light of prevailing standards.
    4. Is familiar with commercially available materials used for the evaluation of auditory function.
  4. The applicant plans, organizes, and implements an effective and efficient treatment/remediation program. Consider if the applicant:
     
    1. Recognizes in his/her program planning the interrelationship existing among aspects of the total program.
    2. Follows work environment procedures in scheduling.
    3. Works cooperatively with others in planning.
    4. Considers client/patient needs in planning and scheduling.
    5. Uses time efficiently and effectively.
    6. Uses current professional knowledge in determining length, frequency, and types of sessions, and in making other planning decisions.
  5. The applicant displays a fundamental knowledge of the principles underlying the treatment/remediation of communication disorders, uses appropriate methods and techniques in the provision of services, and maintains appropriate records.

    In Speech-Language Pathology, consider if the applicant:
    1. Employs rationale for selecting treatment/remediation methods and materials.
    2. Uses methods and materials appropriate to the client/patient.
    3. Provides clear direction in managing client behavior.
    4. Prescribes assignments and carry over activities when necessary.
    5. Communicates treatment/remediation goals and techniques to the client/patient and family members.
    6. Is supportive and provides appropriate reinforcement.
    7. Integrates information from other professionals in treatment/remediation.
    8. Aids the client/patient in identifying target communication function and in discriminating appropriate from inappropriate communication behavior.
    9. Explains causation, prognosis, and planning in a clear, understandable, concise manner.
    10. Provides treatment/remediation commensurate with the client/patients intellectual, social, emotional, and educational levels.
    11. Determines the need for augmentative communication, and selects and uses the appropriate systems.

    In Audiology, consider if the applicant:
    1. Demonstrates knowledge of FDA warning signs concerning the fitting of prosthetic amplification.
    2. Determines the need for prosthetic amplification and devices based on appropriate audiological assessment procedures.
    3. Demonstrates an awareness of state-of-the-art technology in available forms of prosthetic amplification.
    4. Selects prosthetic amplification appropriate for the client/patient need.
    5. Demonstrates a knowledge of earmold acoustics, styles, and materials.
    6. Demonstrates earmold impression-taking skills.
    7. Fits and adjusts prosthetic amplification.
    8. Provides and interprets appropriate measures of listener performance with prosthetic amplification.
    9. Plans and implements a program of orientation for the user of prosthetic devices.
    10. Recommends and implements auditory rehabilitation measures such as speechreading, auditory training, and other communication strategies as indicated.
    11. Monitors client/patient progress, determines the need for service/repair of prosthetic amplification, and takes appropriate action.
    12. Provides remedial services.
    13. Provides or refers for support counseling for hearing impaired individuals and their families.
    14. Demonstrates ability to organize and implement a hearing conversation program consonant with existing federal and state regulations.
    15. Provides or refers for educational evaluation to determine appropriate school placement for children with a hearing loss.
    16. Demonstrates knowledge of selection and fitting techniques for specialized prosthetic devices for management of unique auditory disorders.
    17. Demonstrates knowledge of selection and fitting techniques for specialized prosthetic devices for personal hearing protection.
    18. Provides information about and prescribes assistive devices such as alarms, group listening devices, Fm systems, etc.

To meet the examination requirement for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist, you must pass the Specialty Area test of the Praxis Series, Praxis II, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in your licensure area.

  • Candidates for licensure in Speech-Language Pathology must take Praxis Examination 5331.  It is scored on a scale of 100-200.  162 the minimum acceptable passing score.
  • Candidates for licensure in Audiology must take Praxis Examination 5343.  It is scored on a scale of 100-200.  162 is the minimum acceptable passing score.
  • Examination scores must be sent directly from ETS. Request scores to be sent to agency code R7747.
  • ETS retains scores for ten years. If your scores are no longer available from the testing service, they may be verified by ASHA. Contact ASHA at:

    ASHA
    2200 Research Blvd.
    Rockville, MD 20850-3289
    Phone: 800-498-2071
    E-mail: actioncenter@asha.org
    Web: www.asha.org

The examination is administered at over 400 test centers throughout the nation. Schedule information and registration materials for the examination may be obtained directly from ETS by calling 609-771-7395, or writing to The Praxis Series, Educational Testing Service, PO Box 6051, Princeton, NJ 08541-6051 or on the Web at www.ets.org .

If you hold a license in speech-language pathology or audiology issued by another jurisdiction, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement in New York State by either Path A or B:

Path A

If you are seeking licensure by endorsement of a license in speech-language pathology or audiology issued by another jurisdiction of the United States, you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • meet the requirements of Section 59.6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations;
  • complete an acceptable program in speech-language pathology or audiology that includes a practicum and a minimum of 60 semester hours in speech-language pathology or audiology, as applicable;
  • have at least two years of acceptable professional experience in speech-language pathology or audiology, as appropriate, provided that such experience occurs following licensure in such jurisdiction and within six years immediately preceding application for licensure by endorsement in New York State;
  • have a passing score on the Specialty Area test of the Praxis Series, Praxis II, administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS);
  • hold certification from an acceptable certifying agency such as the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA); and
  • be in good standing as a licensee in each jurisdiction in which you are licensed to practice speech-language pathology or audiology.

Path B

If you are seeking licensure by endorsement of a license in speech-language pathology or audiology issued by another country, you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • meet the requirements of Section 59.6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations;
  • complete an acceptable program in speech-language pathology or audiology as applicable; or the equivalent of such a program;
  • have at least three years of acceptable professional experience in speech-language pathology or audiology, as applicable, in New York State, in another jurisdiction, or in the country where you are licensed, provided that such experience occurs following licensure in such jurisdiction and within the six years immediately preceding application for licensure by endorsement in New York State;
  • have a passing score on the Specialty Area test of the Praxis Series, Praxis II, administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS) or pass a written examination for licensure in the country in which you are licensed to practice speech-language pathology or audiology, as applicable;
  • hold certification from an acceptable certifying agency such as the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA); and
  • be in good standing as a licensee in each jurisdiction in which you are licensed to practice speech-language pathology or audiology.