Arkansas Licensing Regulations 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

Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Master's in the area of speech-language pathology or master's or doctoral degree in audiology from an educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Board of Examiners or ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) granted subsequent to January 1, 1993
Speech-language pathologists must complete thirty-six weeks of supervised full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid professional experience. Applicants for a license in audiology who have not obtained a doctorate in audiology must also meet this requirement.
Passage of a national exam (Praxis)

Note: Audiologists may dispense hearing aids under an audiology license, but must comply with state regulations regarding medical clearance and consumer protection measures.

Exemptions

Physicians
Hearing aid dealers
Any other person licensed by the state from engaging in the profession or occupation for which they are licensed
Department of Education certified employees of a public school system
Students designated as speech-language pathology or audiology interns or trainees
Speech-language pathology services offered within the confines of the Division of Developmental Disability Services if that person holds a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology and is supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist
Nonresidents licensed in another state with equivalent standards or CCC holders may offer services for no more than 30 days per fiscal year if in cooperation with a licensed practitioner.
Nonresidents may offer services for no more than five days per calendar year if in cooperation with a licensed practitioner and the individual is eligible for licensure in the state.

Reciprocity

The Board of Examiners may grant reciprocity to any applicant licensed in another state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory with equivalent standards.
The Board of Examiners may grant a license to any CCC holder.

Interim Practice

Applicants for a provisional license must possess a master's degree and be in the process of completing the paid professional experience and pass an exam approved by the Board of Examiners. Application must be made within 30 days of beginning the professional experience. This license may be renew annually for up to 36 months. Applicants for provisional licensure who have submitted the completed application form, the application fee, and the plan for completion of the clinical fellowship experience signed by a supervisor who holds a valid Arkansas license in speech-language pathology or audiology may practice pending disposition of their application.
Applicants who have submitted the completed application form, the application fee, and a copy of the current ASHA certified member card or a letter from ASHA specifying the date of certification and expiration date may practice pending disposition of their application.
Applicants for a license in audiology who has submitted the completed application form, the application fee, and letter from the university verifying completion of the AuD may practice pending disposition of their application.

Continuing Education

Ten clock hours of continuing education are required per year, with at least 5 hours from Content Area I [PDF]; dual licensees must complete 15 clock hours per year, with at least 5 hours from Content Area I.

Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

Arkansas is 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.