Licensing and Certification Information

To apply for an initial license to practice as an audiologist in New Jersey an applicant must have received a doctoral degree in Audiology from a program that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the Accreditation Council for Audiology Education of the American Academy of Audiology. In addition, applicants must have achieved a passing score on the Praxis® audiology exam.

All audiologists must hold a state audiology license through the Division of Consumer Affairs – Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Advisory Committee. In order to maintain the audiology, license all audiologists must complete:

The above information is an extraction from the licensing requirements as specified in Chapter 44C Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Advisory Committee Regulations. Please refer to this document for a complete list of requirements.

For more information visit the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and ASHA websites.

Instructions for Graduate SLP Students in NJ to Obtain State Licensure (needed for all settings other than schools)
1. Temporary SLP License (Clinical Internship/CF) → lets you practice under supervision while you complete your CF in NJ. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
2. Upgrade to Standard SLP License after you finish CF and meet all requirements. 
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
 

1) Temporary SLP License (for CF/“clinical internship”)
A. Line up your supervisor & site
• Identify your NJ-licensed SLP supervisor (typically CCC-SLP) and CF site.
• Complete the SLP Supervision Plan (your supervisor signs; you’ll submit it with your application). Supervision cannot begin until the temporary license is issued. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
B. Take (or verify) Praxis 5331
• Praxis exam: Speech-Language Pathology (5331); NJ uses this exam for licensure recognition. (Most CF sites will expect a passing score before hire.) New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
C. Gather documents
The Temporary License application tells you exactly what to submit; typically:
• Official transcripts verifying your qualifying degree (or the program’s verification sent directly).
• Praxis 5331 score report (if required to complete your file).
• Completed Supervision Plan with all signatures.
• Identity/background disclosures you’ll answer in the application.
D. Apply for the Temporary License
• Go to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) → Audiology & SLP Advisory Committee → Applications & Forms page. Choose the Temporary License – Speech-Language Pathology (Clinical Internship) application and follow the instructions (upload forms, pay fees in the portal).
E. Complete the criminal history background check
• All health-care professionals licensed by DCA must complete a criminal history/fingerprint check via the state’s live-scan vendor (IDEMIA/IdentoGO). You’ll receive instructions and a service code as part of your application.
• When approved, your Temporary SLP License is issued. Only then may you start any supervised clinical practice in NJ.
________________________________________
2) Complete your NJ clinical fellowship
• Work the required CF hours under your approved supervisor per your Supervision Plan.
• Keep good logs and obtain your CF completion verification (the Committee’s forms or acceptable equivalents as directed). Your supervisor must attest to successful completion when you upgrade. (See application packet for details.) ________________________________________
3) Upgrade to the Standard SLP License
A. Confirm you’ve met the core requirements
• Master’s (or higher) in SLP from an accredited program.
• Praxis 5331.
• Successful completion of CF/clinical internship (verified to the Committee).
B. Apply online for the Standard License
• Use the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology License Application (online/packet) on the Committee’s Applications & Forms page. Upload required verifications, pay the fees shown in the portal, and respond to all background/fitness questions. (Fees update periodically—go by what the portal lists.)
C. Complete the Jurisprudence Orientation
• NJ requires a short online jurisprudence orientation on the statutes and regulations. Your completion is recorded in your license record. (If you did it earlier, the Committee will have it; if not, complete it now.)
D. Background check status
• If your previous criminal history check has aged out or if the Committee requires new data for the upgrade, they’ll instruct you to complete (or re-complete) fingerprinting. DCA is authorized by statute to require this for health-care licenses.
• Once approved, your Standard NJ SLP License will be issued by the Committee (digital/printable via your DCA account). New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
4) After you’re licensed: maintenance & renewals
• Renewal cycle: biennial (every 2 years) via the DCA portal; check the portal for exact dates/fees. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
• Continuing education: 20 hours every two years (per Committee/Chapter 44C), and completion of the online jurisprudence orientation (required; the site records completion). Keep CE records for audit.
________________________________________
5) Special situations (quick notes)
• Already licensed in another state? Use the Committee’s “Application for Persons Licensed in Another State or Jurisdiction” and follow the license verification instructions in that packet. (A copy of your other state license by itself is not sufficient; the Committee requires official verification.) ________________________________________
One-page checklist you can hand to students
Before the CF (Temporary License)
• Choose NJ-licensed supervisor & CF site
• Complete SLP Supervision Plan (signed) New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
• Pass Praxis 5331 (keep report)
• Gather transcripts & program verifications
• Apply for Temporary SLP License (upload docs, pay fees)
• Complete fingerprinting when instructed During CF
• Follow the approved Supervision Plan; log hours
• Obtain CF completion verification from supervisor
Upgrade to Standard License
• Apply online for Standard SLP License (upload CF verification, transcripts, Praxis)
• Complete Jurisprudence Orientation (if not done)
• Complete any additional background check steps requested New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
Maintain
• Renew every 2 years through DCA portal
• 20 CE hours/2 years + jurisprudence orientation completion ________________________________________
Quick clarity: state license vs. school certificate
• State SLP License (this guide): required for non-school practice (and often preferred by districts for Medicaid/SEMI). Issued by DCA/Advisory Committee.
• NJDOE SLS certificate: required to work in NJ public (and most private/charter) schools. Issued by NJDOE via NJEdCert—a different process.

The ASHA CCC is not required to practice as an SLP in NJ according to NJ State law nor is it required to be credentialed by many insurance companies ( i.e. Horizon, Aetna). However, the ASHA CCC is a condition of employment in many health care facilities ( e.g. hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, private practice, home health, early intervention). For this reason, SLPs are highly encouraged to obtain this credential.

ASHA CCC is currently not required in New Jersey for speech-language pathologists to practice in a school setting (public, specialized or charter school). However, note that only those SLPs who do hold a NJ license and/or CCC may sign SEMI forms which provide some reimbursement to school districts for students who are Medicaid recipients. SLPs are highly encouraged to obtain a NJ license to meet the growing demands within the school setting. 

For more information visit the ASHA website.

Audiologists or speech-language pathologists who hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) must complete maintenance requirements to retain the credential. 

  • These include submission of 30 CE hours over a 3 year period.
  • A balance of ASHA approved and other continuing education credits are recommended.
  • Random audits are conducted. Not all non-ASHA approved provider continuing education units are accepted.
  • For more information refer to ASHA for certification maintenance visit the Certification Maintenance Frequently Asked Questions: Maintenance Intervals

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are required to adhere to the ASHA Code of Ethics. These guidelines are principles in best practices as it relates to scientific study as well as clinical and educationally based services. The code of ethics protects the welfare of consumers as well as the integrity of the professions. For more information visit ASHA’s Code of Ethics.

  • Effective January 1, 2020 all individuals who hold the CCC-A and/or CCC-SLP must complete 1 hour of ASHA approved continuing education in the area of ethics.
  • Effective January 1, 2023, all individuals who hold the CCC-A and/or CC-SLP must complete 2 professional development hours related to cultural competency, cultural humility, culturally responsive practice or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
  • This requirement must be met during each 3 year certification maintenance interval. For additional information regarding approved course content visit the ASHA website.

 

Members of the New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NJSHA) are expected to abide by NJSHA’s Code of Ethics. To read the Code of Ethics: NJSHA Code of Ethics

ASHA certified and New Jersey licensed audiologist and speech-language pathologists are required to honor the scope and practice guidelines across professional domains including assessment, service delivery, documentation and professional conduct.

If you have a concern or complaint regarding scope of practice or consumer protection, contact the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Advisory Committee at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/aud/.

page 19 – Scope of Practice for SLPs

a) The practice of speech-language pathology includes, but is not restricted to, the following functions: 1) Providing screening, identification, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, intervention (that is, prevention, restoration, amelioration, compensation), consultation, counseling, and follow-up services for disorders of: i) Speech which includes articulation, fluency, and voice (including respiration, phonation, and resonance); ii) Language which includes disorders of receptive and expressive communication in oral, written, graphic, and manual modalities; iii) Oropharyngeal and related functions (that is, dysphagia, orofacial myofunctional disorders); iv) Cognitive aspects of communication which includes communication disability and other functional disabilities associated with cognitive impairment; and v) Pragmatic aspects of communication; 2) Training and supporting family members and other communication partners of individuals with speech, voice, language, other communication, and swallowing disabilities. 3) Developing and establishing effective augmentative and alternative communication techniques and strategies, including selecting, prescribing, and dispensing of aids and devices and training individuals, their families, and other communication partners in their use; 4) Selecting, fitting, and establishing effective use of appropriate prosthetic/adaptive devices for speaking and swallowing (that is, tracheoesophageal valves, electrolarynges, speaking valves); 5) Providing aural rehabilitation and related counseling services to individuals with hearing loss and central auditory processing dysfunction and to their families; 6) Conducting pure-tone air conduction hearing screening and noninvasive screening tympanometry for the purpose of initial identification and/or referral of individuals with other communication disorders or possible middle ear pathology; 7) Enhancing speech and language proficiency and communication effectiveness, including, but not limited to, accent reduction, collaboration with teachers of English as a second language, and improvement of voice, performance, and singing; and 8) Consulting with educators as members of interdisciplinary team about communication management, educational implications of communication disorders, educational programming, and classroom accommodations for children with communication disorders.

Telepractice is an approved service delivery model for New Jersey licensed audiologists and speech-language pathology. Specific requirements and restrictions apply. For additional information visit the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs – Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Committee website.

Effective January 1, 2020 all clinical supervisors must have

  • at least 9 months of experience post certification and
  • at least 2 hours of professional development in the area of supervision before serving as a clinical supervisor.

The professional development requirement can be met by presenting evidence of completion of an ASHA approved course on supervision. NOTE: The approved course must be taken after an individual has been awarded the Certificate of Clinical Competence.

In addition, there are several on-line mechanisms to meet this requirement. As a member benefit ASHA provides two modules to its members:

  • Nine Building Blocks of Supervision (credits – 0.2 ASHA CEUs – 2 PDHs)
  • Knowledge, Skills and Competencies for Supervision (credits – 0.1 ASHA CEUs – 1 PDH)

Three online modules are available from the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders. These modules are offered to academic programs as a member benefit. Individuals who are interested in accessing these courses should contact a representative of the university for whom they provide supervision. Each course has five modules and each has 2.5 hours of contact time. These courses are:

  • Foundations of Clinical Education
  • Effective Student-Clinical Educator Relationships
  • Feedback in the Clinical Education Environment

NJSHA offers an annual 2-hour webinar that meets ASHA’s supervision requirement. The webinar is free to SLPs and Audiologists who have supervised students at NJ Universities’ programs. It is offered at a nominal cost to both NJSHA members and non-members who have not supervised NJ University students and those who wish to become supervisors.

 

  • New grads who wish to obtain a NJ license from the Dept of Consumer Affairs must obtain a temporary license and be supervised by someone who holds a NJ license. 
  • New grads working in an exempt setting must be supervised by someone who holds the ASHA CCC. 
  • The supervisor shall provide a minimum of one hour of on-site direct supervision for each 20 hours of direct, face-to-face evaluation or therapeutic services rendered by the supervisee. 
  • Supervision shall take place not less than once a month. 
  • A plan of supervision must be filed. 
  • The clinical internship must be a minimum of 1200 hours, completed in a minimum of 9 months and a maximum of 18 months. 
  • As of July 29, 2020, a waiver allows for clinical interns to receive supervision virtually in real time. View Administrative Order 2020-14 and Waiver 2020-13.

 

From: njconsumeraffairs.gov retrieved 7/15/2024

 

NPI: What You Need to Know
This booklet educates providers about the National Provider Identifier (NPI), who must get an NPI and how to apply.

Read this Resource.

More information is available through the Healthcare and Private Practice committees.

What are the entry requirements for a career in the communication sciences?
A sincere interest in helping people, sensitivity and tact are prerequisites. A strong liberal arts focus is recommended on the undergraduate level – typically students obtain a degree in communication sciences and disorders. Graduate work is necessary for licensure in New Jersey and for ASHA certification and is the entry degree in most work settings. A PhD is required for some areas. Click here for a list by state of Accredited Graduate Programs.

 

Where can I work?
In many settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, industry, government health facilities, research laboratories, private practice.

Will jobs continue to be available? 
The future of the job market in communication sciences and disorders appears excellent. Greater public awareness of early diagnosis of speech, language and hearing disorders, an aging population, and concern over

 

occupationally induced hearing disorders, among other factors, combine to paint a bright future for the professions.

How do I become licensed?
Speech-language pathologists are licensed by the State of New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Call the Licensing Board at 973-504-6390 or visit the New Jersey Consumer Affairs website.

If I have a license in another state, can I practice in New Jersey? 
Call New Jersey License Board at 973-504-6390 or visit the New Jersey Consumer Affairs website.

Are Speech-Language Pathology Assistants allowed in New Jersey?
No

Are Audiology Assistants allowed in New Jersey?
No

I have questions regarding my Clinical Fellowship.
Contact ASHA at the ASHA website or call 800-498-2071 (members) or 800-638-8255 (non-members).

How do I obtain my CCCs? 
Contact ASHA at the ASHA website or call 800-498-2071 (members) or 800-638-8255 (non-members).

What are current salaries for speech-language pathologists and audiologists in New Jersey? 
Visit the ASHA website for their most recent salary report.

How do I set up a private practice? 
How do I set up a private practice?
1. ASHA has resources on its website. Visit: https://www.asha.org/slp/Private-Practice-in-Speech-Language-Pathology/
2. NJSHA suggests some items to consider when setting up a private practice.

Some are:

  • Obtain a tax ID number rather than using your personal SSI number
  • Consider incorporating information (e.g., LLC vs PA) to add a layer of personal financial protection 
  • Consider obtaining a business registration certificate for many places such as if you are going to do 1099 work at a school, for example, which requires incorporation
  • Malpractice insurance is also critical
  • Hiring professional support such as an accountant. Important as need to be prepared to pay taxes on earnings differently than as an individual
  • Set up a business bank account, determine how business expenses will be tracked
  • If taking credit cards that needs to be established and/or Zelle Venmo accounts for payment
  • A written fee schedule is required and can be based upon a superbill including only services provided if you are fee for service
  • Also need to have HIPAA documentation and privacy policy, template for the Good Faith Estimate if fee for service
  • Need to have release forms, permission to treat forms, and other documentation created to be in client files
  • If you plan to participate with private insurance, you need to pursue formal credentialing
  • There are also rules to know about Medicare and Medicaid recipients, separate from private insurance

For more information and networking support, consider joining NJSHA’s Private Practice Committee