SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST License in Tennessee
Quick Answer
To become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Tennessee, you need a master's degree, must be ASHA certified or score 162+ on the Praxis SLP exam, and pass a background check. Annual CE of 10 hours is required with biennial renewal. Contact the Department of Health at (615) 741-5735 for current fees.
- Exam
- Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after master's graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST license in Tennessee
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST Salary in Tennessee
Entry Level
$53,180
Median
$82,990
Experienced
$111,030
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST in Tennessee.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 3-6 months after master's graduation.
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST Licensing in Tennessee: What to Know
Tennessee requires applicants to be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, and to hold a master's degree in speech pathology from an accredited institution. Applicants must either hold ASHA certification or have taken the Praxis examination in Speech Pathology with a minimum score of 600 (old scale) or 162 (new scale). Continuing education requires a minimum of 10 hours per year of approved coursework. Licenses are renewed every two years contingent on CE completion. A background check is required. Tennessee also licenses SLP Assistants with 60 college credit hours and 100 clock hours of field experience. The Department of Health, Division of Health Related Boards, oversees licensure. Fee information is not explicitly provided in the COS data.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST license in Tennessee?
- The process typically takes 3-6 months after master's graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST license in Tennessee?
- You need to pass the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.