Intern Upgrade to Speech-Language Pathologist License
If you do not hold a current Texas speech language pathology intern license, please see the Apply for a Speech-Language Pathology License page.
The Intern Upgrade to Speech-Language Pathologist license path requires that an applicant has successfully completed the requirements of the Texas speech-language pathology license, including a minimum of 36 weeks and 1,260 hours of supervised professional experience, prior to applying.
The Intern Upgrade to Speech-Language Pathologist license path requires that an applicant has first successfully obtained an intern in speech language pathology license, and requires successful completion of a 1,260 hour internship program prior to applying.
Application and Fee
To apply for an intern upgrade to speech-language pathologist license, submit the online application along with the $150 application fee (includes two-year initial license) and required documents.
You will have 1 year from the date the application was submitted to complete all licensing requirements. If you have not met all licensing requirements within the 1 year period, you will be required to submit a new application and all required materials in addition to paying a new application fee.
Internship Requirements
A Report of Completed Speech-Language Pathology Internship Form (PDF) must be completed by your supervisor and signed by both you and your supervisor, indicating that all requirements of the internship have been completed. The form must be submitted within 30 days of completion of the internship.
Internships must consist of at least 36 weeks of full-time (35 hours per week) supervised professional experience (or its part-time equivalent of supervised professional experience) totaling a minimum of 1,260 hours. Part-time work can be completed, as long as the intern works no less than 5 hours per week. Working more than 35 hours per week will not shorten the minimum requirement of 36 weeks.
- The internship shall primarily consist of clinical activities such as assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, screening, treatment, report writing, family/client consultation, and/or counseling related to the management process of individuals who exhibit communication disabilities.
- The Internship shall be divided into three segments with no fewer than 36 clock hours of supervisory activities, including 6 hours per segment of direct supervision of the intern’s contact with clients and 6 hours per segment of indirect supervision.
Examination Requirements
You must provide proof of passing the national Praxis Exam. Please see the Exam Information page for more details on how to register for this exam.
A waiver of the Praxis Exam requirement may be granted to applicants who hold the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Certificate of Clinical Competence.
Criminal History Evaluation
All new applicants must submit fingerprints for a national criminal history record review. Once your completed application is received by TDLR, instructions on how to schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted will be emailed to you. If you previously submitted fingerprints for a Texas speech-language pathology assistant license or a Texas intern in speech-language pathology license, you do not need to submit fingerprints again.
Having a criminal conviction does not necessarily disqualify you from licensure. Texas allows you to have your criminal history evaluated before submitting your application and non-refundable fees. Please see Guidelines for License Applicants with Criminal Convictions for further information.
Dual Licensure in Audiology
Dual licensure means that an individual is licensed to practice as both a speech-language pathologist and as an audiologist. The speech-language pathologist and audiologist licenses are separate license types, and they will each require separate applications.
Please see the How to Apply for a New Audiology License page for complete details on how to apply.
