How to Get a Speech-Language Pathologist License in Utah
Last updated: March 2, 2026
Utah is one of the fastest-growing states with a booming Salt Lake City metro area, making it an excellent place to start a career as a speech-language pathologist. Licensing in Utah is overseen by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The process requires 2400 hours of pre-license education and costs between $57,500 and $58,500 in total. You'll need to pass the Praxis SLP Exam (5331) (administered by Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology) with a score of at least 70%.
At 2400 hours, Utah has one of the higher pre-license education requirements in the country. This is close to the national average of 2400 hours. Budget between $57,500 and $58,500 for the total licensing process, including education, application, and exam fees. Most aspiring speech-language pathologists complete the entire process in 4-7 months, depending on how quickly they move through the coursework and exam preparation.
Utah Speech-Language Pathologist License Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Pre-License Education | 2400 hours |
| Degree Required | No |
| Exam Required | Yes — Praxis SLP Exam (5331) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Background Check | Yes |
| Broker Sponsorship | Not required |
| Application Fee | $130 |
| Exam Fee | $120 |
| Governing Body | Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology |
| License Reciprocity | Partial |
Reciprocity:
Steps to Get Your Speech-Language Pathologist License in Utah
- 1
Earn a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Graduate from a CAA-accredited master's program in speech-language pathology. Programs typically take 2-3 years after a bachelor's degree.
Time: 6-7 years (4-year bachelor's + 2-3-year master's) Cost: $350 - 2
Complete a Clinical Fellowship (CF)
Complete a supervised Clinical Fellowship of at least 36 weeks of full-time clinical experience (1,260 hours minimum) under a certified SLP.
Time: 9-12 months - 3
Pass the Praxis SLP Exam
Register and pass the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam (5331) administered by ETS. You need a score of 162 or higher. The exam fee is $120.
Time: 2-4 weeks to schedule Cost: $120 - 4
Apply for State Licensure and ASHA CCC-SLP
Submit your license application to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and apply for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). The application fee is $130.
Time: 4-8 weeks Cost: $130 - 5
Begin Your SLP Career
Once licensed, you can practice speech-language pathology in Utah. SLPs work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and home health.
Time: Immediate once licensed
Key Things to Know
- Education requirement: . Many providers offer online options, giving you flexibility to study on your own schedule.
- The licensing exam: The Praxis SLP Exam (5331) is administered by Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. You'll need to score at least 70% to pass. Study materials and practice exams are available from most education providers.
- Background check required: Utah requires a criminal background check as part of the application process. Plan for additional processing time and fees.
- Online application available: Utah accepts online applications, which can speed up processing time.
- Ongoing requirements: Once licensed, you'll need 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years. .
How Utah Compares
Utah requires 2400 hours of pre-license education for speech-language pathologists. This is close to the national average of 2400 hours. The average total cost in Utah is around $58,000, compared to the national average of $61,740.
How Much Does a Speech-Language Pathologist License Cost in Utah?
| Cost Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $300 - $700 |
| Application Fee | $130 |
| Exam Fee | $120 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $57,500 - $58,500 |
License Renewal
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Continuing Education: 20 hours
- CE Details:
- Renewal Fee: $130
Tips for Success
- Choose your education provider carefully: Compare prices, format (online vs. in-person), and reviews. Some providers offer exam prep materials bundled with the course, which can save you money. Check the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology website for a list of approved providers.
- Don't rush the exam: With 2400 hours of required coursework, consider a structured schedule — completing one course at a time helps avoid burnout. Use practice exams to identify weak areas before scheduling your test date.
- Build a strong Clinical Fellowship experience: Your CF year is critical for developing independent clinical skills. Choose a mentor who provides regular feedback and exposure to diverse caseloads. Schools, hospitals, and SNFs offer different learning opportunities.
- Develop a specialty area early: SLPs who specialize in areas like pediatric feeding disorders, voice therapy, fluency, or dysphagia often earn more and have higher job satisfaction. Pursue specialty certifications through ASHA once you're established.
- Budget approximately $58,500 for your Utah license: This includes $130 in application fees, $120 for the exam, and education costs. Once licensed, plan for $130 in renewal fees every 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a speech-language pathologist license in Utah?
Most people complete the process in 3-6 months total. The pre-license education (2400 hours) takes the longest. After completing education, the exam and application process typically adds 2-6 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a speech-language pathologist license in Utah?
The total cost ranges from $57,500 to $58,500, including pre-license education, the application fee ($130), and the exam fee ($120).
Can I get a Utah speech-language pathologist license with a criminal record?
The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain offenses may affect your eligibility. Contact the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for guidance before applying.
Do I need a college degree to become a speech-language pathologist in Utah?
No. Utah does not require a college degree. You only need to complete the 2400 hours of approved pre-license courses.
Can I take the pre-license courses online in Utah?
Many approved education providers offer pre-license courses online, allowing you to study at your own pace. Check the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology website for a list of approved providers.