Alabama 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 department of education 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 Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology is typically required for practice in the schools. Contact the board for additional information.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathology Professional Educator Certificate (SLPEC)

An individual may seek certification in the instructional support area of speech-language pathology. A SLPEC allows the holder to serve only as a speech-language pathologist. The SLPEC shall be valid from the date of issuance through the remainder of the same scholastic year, and thereafter, for the next 5 years.

Completion of the Alabama Special Requirements

Completion of criminal history background check
Verification of citizenship or nationality status
Completion of requirements of the Alabama Certification Assessment Program (AECAP)

Basic skills assessments
Praxis II tests
Performance assessment

Official transcript(s) of all degrees earned from a regionally accredited institution
Completion of master’s degree level speech-language pathology program that was accredited by the council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of ASHA
Verification of satisfactory performance on the CAA- prescribed Praxis II test(s)
A valid speech-language pathology license issued by a state board of examiners in speech pathology.

Citation: Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-3-2-.31 [PDF]

Speech-Language Pathology Temporary Certificate (SLTC)

A superintendent or administrator who wishes to employ an individual as a speech-language pathologist may request a SLTC. This certificate may be requested for an individual who does not hold a valid speech-language pathology license or valid renewal card issued by any state’s board of examiners in speech pathology and audiology. The SLTC is not an alternative certificate. A SLTC allows the holder to serve only as a speech-language pathologist. The SLTC shall be valid from the date of issuance through the remainder of the same scholastic year, and thereafter, for the next consecutive scholastic year.

Citation: Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-3-2-.32 [PDF]

Emergency Certification

Emergency certification may be issued for individuals with a bachelor's degree at the request of the employing superintendent or administrator in cases of emergency when an individual with Alabama certification is not available. It is valid only for the school year and cannot be renewed.

Continuing Education Requirement

Continuation of the Professional Educator Certificate during the five year validity period may be continued with verification of one of the following:

Three full years of full-time educational experience and 50 clock hours of professional development or 3 semester hours of allowable college credit; or
Six semester hours of allowable college credit; or
Three semester hours of allowable college credit and 50 clock hours of professional development; or
Initial issuance of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification.

Citation: Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-3-2-.29 [PDF]