ABESPA provides crucial services to audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Alabama

1. Timely renewal of licenses
2. Support of low-cost continuing education opportunities
3. Enforcement of ethical practices in therapy
4. Upholding high standards for Alabama therapists

Without ABESPA, license renewal and regulation would be handled by the Alabama Department of Health.  For more information see their website:

http://abespa.alabama.gov/

ABESPA Rules and Regulations

Listed below is the current ABESPA Administrative Code as well as all licensure requirements.

ABESPA Administrative Code

View Rules and Regulations effective October 2018

Licensure Qualifications

  • Be of good moral character
  • Make application to the Board
  • Pay to the Board appropriate application fee

Speech-Language Pathology

  • Possess evidence of at least a master's degree or equivalent
  • Evidence of successful completion of supervised clinical practicum approved by the Board
  • Evidence of successful completion of postgraduate professional experienced approved by the Board
  • Audiology

Masters in Audiology BEFORE January 1, 2007

  • Evidence of possession of at least a master's degree in audiology or equivalent
  • Evidence of successful completion of supervised clinical practicum approved by the Board
  • Evidence of successful completion of postgraduate professional experienced approved by the Board

Audiology Degree AFTER January 1, 2007

  • Evidence of a doctoral degree in audiology from an education institution approved by the Board
  • Evidence of successful completion of supervised clinic practicum approved by the Board
  • *Note: The January 1, 2007 change for licensure in audiology does not prevent the continued licensure of an audiologist with a master's degree that was received before January 1, 2007, provided the licensee keeps his/her license current.

Licensure Process and Application

OPTION 1:

  • Submit evidence of successful completion of supervised clinical practicum experiences from an educational institution or its cooperating programs which is approved by the Board
  • Submit evidence of the successful completion of a Clinical Fellowship Year or Fourth Year Internship
  • Pass Educational Testing Service National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology

OPTION 2:

  • Submit from ASHA verification of the Certificate of Clinical Competence (including name, effective certification date, current expiration date, and ASHA account number)
  • Clinical Fellowship Year Registration
  • Possess a master's degree in speech-language pathology or its equivalent
  • Possess a master's degree in audiology, before January 1, 2007, or its equivalent
  • Possess a doctoral degree in audiology after January 1, 2007, or its equivalent
  • Provide official transcripts specifying graduation date
  • Pay the required application fee
  • Complete the CFY or 4th Year Internship within nine to thirty-six months

Assistant Registration

  • Possess a Bachelor's degree in communication disorders or related field in speech-language pathology or audiology
  • Provide official transcripts
  • Have an application completed by supervisor, signed by both supervisor and assistant, and notarize application
  • Submit a plan, including place in which assistant will work, description of activities to be performed, description of amount of supervision to be provided, and description of training to be given
  • Assist with providing services commensurate with training and experience
  • Work under the direct supervision of licensed Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist
  • Pay the required registration fee