North Carolina Speech-Language Pathologist License Reciprocity Guide - 2024

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: March 18th, 2024

North Carolina Licensing Body

North Carolina Speech-Language Pathologist License Reciprocity Process

Reciprocity functions as a licensing system where a licensee from one state (the “home state”) can acquire a license in another state (the “reciprocal state”) without undergoing the full licensing process in the reciprocal state. The system operates on the premise that the different states share comparable licensing requirements, and it’s reasonable for the reciprocal state to rely on the home state to regulate a licensee who conducts business mainly in the home state.

North Carolina has Reciprocity Agreements with several states, allowing an applicant for speech-language pathology to obtain a license if they can provide proof of a valid professional license and practice in speech-language pathology from a state with similar standards to North Carolina.

To submit your application online, you must first create an account. After completing the Application, you will also be required to take the Open Book Quiz, which pertains to licensure in North Carolina.

To apply for licensure, follow these steps:

• Provide an official verification letter from the reciprocal state. You only need to submit one letter, and if you would like to submit copies online, have the state board send them to verifications@ncboeslpa.org.
• Submit official transcripts that show your conferred master/doctoral degree. Again, if you want to submit electronic copies, have your school send them to transcripts@ncboeslpa.org.
• To obtain a permanent license, there is a fee of $30 for the application and an additional fee of $60 for the license itself.
• Additionally, a convenience charge will be applied if you pay online.

If you prefer to mail your Application, send it to the following address:

Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC)

North Carolina is one of the first 5 states to pass legislation approving ASLP-IC. The ASLP-IC provides licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists who meet the eligibility criteria with an alternative means to offer services in other member states.

The creation of ASLP-IC was a response to the fact that various states have different licensing requirements for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Furthermore, there has been a growing need to simplify healthcare delivery across state borders, particularly during emergencies like the pandemic.

The ASLP-IC was created to enhance the availability of excellent audiology and speech-language pathology services by eliminating obstacles to interstate practice. This initiative is crucial in guaranteeing that patients needing audiology and speech-language pathology care receive high-quality treatment regardless of location.

Thanks to the ASLP-IC, audiologists and speech-language pathologists who travel frequently can now offer their services in multiple states without needing licenses for each state. This also simplifies the process for providers to treat patients in various states and relocate to new states for work.