Information about licensure and certification for speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology assistants working in Arizona’s schools.

Credentialing in Arizona

Speech-language pathologists and speech-language technicians working in Arizona’s schools are required to hold both a license from the Arizona Department of Health Services and a certificate from the Arizona Department of Education. This applies whether the SLP is a district employee, works for a staffing agency, or provides telehealth services from within Arizona or from another state.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants working in Arizona schools are required to hold a license from the Arizona Department of Health Services. They are not issued a certificate by the Arizona Department of Education.

All individuals that work in the classroom are required to have an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card per Arizona Revised Statute 15-106.

IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Visit the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) website.

Select "Apply for a Card" for information on how to apply for your IVP fingerprint clearance card.

Important! Be sure to request the Identity Verified Prints (IVP) application for Teacher Certification when contacting DPS.

For specific questions about obtaining, processing time, or renewing your IVP fingerprint clearance card please call the Arizona Department of Public Safety at 602-223-2279. The DPS establishes the procedures for applying for an IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Licensure

Information regarding applying for an initial license and renewing an existing license may be found on the Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Special Licensing webpage. Clinical Fellows should apply for a “Temporary Speech-Language Pathologist Initial Application”. SLPs licensed in another state should complete the “Speech Language Pathologist Initial Reciprocity Application.”

Certification

Visit the Arizona Department of Education’s Educator Certification webpage to view the requirements for the Professional Non-Teaching Certificate, Standard Speech – Language Pathologist, PreKindergarten-12.

You may create an account and apply for the certificate online. Certificates are valid for 12 years.