Colorado is the outlier on this list. There isn't one unified statewide SLPA license the way there is in Arizona, California, Florida, or Texas. The clear, established pathway is for school settings, authorized through the Colorado Department of Education. Non-school SLPA regulation has been under review by the state, so if you're headed for a clinic, hospital, or home health role, confirm current requirements directly with DORA before you assume the school pathway applies to you.
Step by step
- Earn a bachelor's degree in speech communication, speech-language pathology, communication disorders, speech sciences, or a bachelor's in another field plus 24 credits in speech-language-hearing sciences. Holding valid ASHA C-SLPA certification is accepted as an alternate way to meet this, on top of everything else listed here, so it's worth having if you're weighing your options.
- Complete a school-based SLPA program, or equivalent, that meets national guidelines, including at least 100 clock-hours of school-based practicum under a nationally certified SLP.
- Submit fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for your CDE licensure background check.
- Gather your documentation: government-issued ID, official transcripts showing your degree, and either your SLPA program completion certificate or valid ASHA C-SLPA certification.
- Log in to CDE's COOL portal and select "Apply for a License" to submit your School SLPA Authorization application.
Already hold ASHA's C-SLPA certification?
Colorado accepts valid ASHA C-SLPA certification as an alternate qualifying credential, on top of the bachelor's-plus-coursework routes above. If you have it, mention it when you apply, it can simplify the documentation side of things.
Working outside a school setting?
Colorado's regulatory picture for non-school SLPAs has been evolving. Call the Colorado Office of Speech-Language Pathology Certification at 303-894-7800 or email dora_speechlanguagepathology@state.co.us to confirm what applies to your specific setting before you make plans around it.
Quick Facts
Governing Body
Colorado Department of Education (school settings)
Credential Name
School SLPA Authorization
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree + coursework
Practicum Hours
100 clock-hours, school-based
Alternate Path
ASHA C-SLPA certification accepted
Non-School Settings
Contact DORA directly
Renewal Cycle
Varies, confirm with CDE