Speech-Language Specialists screen, evaluate, diagnose, treat and consult on disorders of communication. They identify, diagnose and treat individuals who have communication disorders. This may include disorders of speech, articulation, fluency, voice, verbal and written language, auditory comprehension, cognition communication, and swallowing disorders. These specialists are professional employees of a school district and must be certified as educators.
Legislation: NH RSA 186; Administrative Rules Chapter Ed 507.23
Certification Requirements:
- Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee
- Hold a Master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders from an approved college or university
- Alternative methods of qualification for certification:
- Alternative 1: Completion of an approved program of professional preparation in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders
- Alternative 2: Completion of a comparable program outside of New Hampshire
- Alternative 4: Individualized Professional Development Plan, which must include completion of a Master's degree in communications disorders
- Any person licensed in the State of New Hampshire as a speech-language pathologist by the New Hampshire Speech-Language Pathology Governing Board shall be considered to have met the requirements
Examination: Initial certification requires passing the PRAXIS I pre-professional skills test (PPST) and PRAXIS II, if applicable. The State Board has approved a composite score option for PRAXIS I. Candidates must have an overall score of 518 or higher and a minimum passing score of 172 for Reading; 170 for Writing; and 170 for Mathematics. PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II exemptions are allowed for educators with either a Master's degree or higher, or who have seven or more years of educational experience under a credential issued by another state.
Continuing Education: Staff development totaling 75 clock hours (or alternative to clock hours) in the school district and/or school administrative unit staff development plan during the three-year certification period plus another 30 hours for each additional endorsement
Fees:
- Three-year certificate: $130
- Three-year renewal: $130
- Late filing fee: $50
Reciprocity: Permitted in accordance with the NASDTEC Interstate Contract
revised Jan 2018 |