CTC Accreditation

Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential

The Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential in Language, Speech and Hearing authorizes the holder to conduct Language, Speech, and Hearing Assessments and provide Educational Services, provide specific learning disability area services related to speech and language, and special education services to individuals with language and speech impairments across the special education disability areas, to students from birth through age 22 in services within the California public schools. This credential is aligned with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements and ensures that candidates are prepared to work effectively with preschool through young adult students in educational settings.

Required Hours in School-Based Settings

As part of the CTC-aligned training, candidates are expected to complete a minimum of 150-200 supervised practicum hours in public school. These hours include direct experience across preschool, elementary, secondary, and transition-age students.

Credential Requirements

1. Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

  • Total Units: 66
  • MS Academic Information
  • Coursework within the MS program is explicitly aligned with CTC standards and ensures competency across all domains required for school-based practice.

2. Supervised Practicum Hours

  • Completion of all ASHA-required clinical hours (minimum 400 hours, including 25 hours of supervised observation and 375 hours of direct clinical contact).
  • Practicum must include school-based placements that fulfill:
    • CTC fieldwork expectations
    • Experience with diverse student populations (preschool - young adult)

3. Additional Requirements

  • Basic skills requirement (unless exempt)
  • Valid Certificate of Clearance
  • Completion of required CTC-approved coursework as embedded within the MS curriculum
  • University verification of meeting CTC Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential standards

Application Process for the Credential

Within the MS program, academic coursework is aligned with CTC standards, and field experience hours are designed to meet both ASHA clinical requirements and CTC school-based practicum requirements. This includes supervised experiences in preschool, K–12, and transition programs to ensure candidates gain direct clinical experience across the full CTC-required age range.

The process to obtain the Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential is:

1. Complete a CTC-Approved MS Program

  • Complete all required coursework and supervised clinical practica, including school-based hours

2. Apply for the Preliminary Credential

  • Submit required documentation through the university's Credential Services Office
  • The Preliminary Credential authorizes candidates to work as SLPs in California Public Schools