Illinois-licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) renew every 2 years on October 31st (odd years). 20 hours of continuing education (CE) are required to renew. All 20 hours are allowed through ASHA-approved online (distance learning) courses.
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Continuing Education Requirements:
In order to renew a speech-language pathology or audiology license, a licensee will be required to complete 20 hours of continuing education. In order to renew a speech-language pathology assistant license, a licensee will be required to complete 10 hours of continuing education.
A prerenewal period is the 24 months preceding October 31 of each odd-numbered year.
CE requirements shall be the same for licensed speech-language pathologists and licensed audiologists. Individuals who hold a license as a speech pathologist and as an audiologist will be required to complete 20 hours of continuing education for each license held.
One CE hour shall equal one clock hour of attendance. After completion of the initial CE hour, credit may be given in one-half hour increments.
A renewal applicant shall not be required to comply with CE requirements for the first renewal of an Illinois license.
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists licensed in Illinois but residing and practicing in other states shall comply with the CE requirements set forth in this Section.
Approved Continuing Education (CE):
CE hours shall be earned by verified attendance (e.g., certificate of attendance or certificate of completion) at, or participation in, a program or course (program) that is offered or sponsored by an approved continuing education sponsor.
CE credits may be earned for completion of a distance learning course that is offered by an approved sponsor who meets the requirements. Each distance learning course shall include an examination.
CE credit may be earned through postgraduate training programs in speech-language pathology or audiology (e.g., extern, residency or fellowship programs) or completion of speech-language pathology or audiology related courses that are a part of the curriculum of a college, university or graduate school. Courses that are part of the curriculum of a university, college or other educational institution shall be allotted CE credit at the rate of 15 CE hours for each semester hour or 10 CE hours for each quarter hour of school credit awarded.
CE credit may be earned for authoring papers, publications, dissertations or books and for preparing presentations and exhibits in the field of speech-language pathology and audiology. The preparation of each published paper, book chapter or professional presentation dealing with speech-language pathology or audiology may be claimed for a maximum of 5 hours of CE credit. A presentation must be before an audience of speech-language pathologists, audiologists or related professionals. Five credit hours may be claimed for only the first time the information is published or presented.
Approved CE Sponsors and Programs:
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and its affiliates;
- American Academy of Audiology and its affiliates;
- Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association and its affiliates.
- Illinois Academy of Audiology and its affiliates;
- Any other accredited college or university, State agency, or any other person, firm, or association that has been approved and authorized by the Division in accordance with subsection (c)(2) to coordinate and present continuing education courses and programs in conjunction with this Section.
All programs shall:
- Contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of the professional skills and scientific knowledge of the licensee in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology;
- Foster the enhancement of general or specialized speech-language pathology or audiology practice and values;
- Be developed and presented by persons with education and/or experience in the subject matter of the program;
- Specify the course objectives, course content and teaching methods to be used; and
- Specify the number of CE hours that may be applied to fulfilling the Illinois CE requirements for license renewal.
Certification of Compliance with CE Requirements
Each renewal applicant shall certify, on the renewal application, full compliance with the CE requirements.
The Division may require additional evidence demonstrating compliance with the CE requirements (e.g., certificate of attendance). This additional evidence shall be required in the context of the Division’s random audit. It is the responsibility of each renewal applicant to retain or otherwise produce evidence of compliance.
When there appears to be a lack of compliance with CE requirements, an applicant shall be notified in writing and may request an interview with the Board. At that time the Board may recommend that steps be taken to begin formal disciplinary proceedings as required by Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act [5 ILCS 100/10-65].
Illinois Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
Articles of Interest:
- Teen Hearing Loss On The Rise (prweb.com)
- Counseling Skills for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (pdresources.wordpress.com)
- Speech-Language Therapy for Autistic Children (everydayhealth.com)
- ASHA Reintroduces Podcast On Concussions In Youth Sports (prweb.com)
- Speech Remedy’s Speech Therapy Products Selected by AliMed Inc. (prweb.com)