Speech-Language Pathology

Graduates of recognized Canadian speech language pathology programs, as outlined in the College Bylaws, may apply for licensure as an SLP by having the information and documents listed below ready, and completing and submitting the application form (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org.

1. Official transcripts

After your master’s degree has been conferred (i.e., awarded), arrange to have your official master’s program transcripts sent directly from the university to CHCPBC, either by email to registration@chcpbc.org or by mail to CHCPBC.

Important: your official transcripts must indicate “Awarded” or “Conferred”. Unofficial or administrative transcripts that do not indicate “Awarded” or “Conferred” cannot be accepted. If your master’s degree has not yet been conferred, arrange to have a Letter of Completion, signed by the Dean, sent directly from the university to CHCPBC.

Canadian-educated applicants to become SLPs are not required to provide proof of the clinical practicum hours they completed in their education program.

2. Criminal record check

Under BC’s Criminal Records Review Act, all SLPs must complete a criminal record check when they first become licensed with the College and every five years thereafter.

To facilitate this, upload a notarized copy of two of the following documents in the portal:

• BC Driver’s Licence or learner’s licence (must have your photo)
• BCID
• BC Services Card (must have your photo)
• Canadian birth certificate
• Passport (photo and signature page)
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card (front and back)
• Permanent Resident card (front and back)

3. English language proficiency

Please refer to the Language Proficiency policy for information regarding approved pathways and English language proficiency requirements.

Applicants who are required to complete an approved English language proficiency test must arrange for their test results to be sent directly to CHCPBC by the testing organization.

If you choose to complete the TOEFL or IELTS examination, please follow the instructions below to arrange for your test results to be sent directly to CHCPBC.

For other approved English language proficiency tests, please contact the testing organization directly for instructions on how to arrange for your test results to be sent to CHCPBC.

• TOEFL
  Use institution code D018 when selecting the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) as a score recipient.
• IELTS
  • Log in to your IELTS account or test-taker portal.
  • Select “Request a Test Report Form.”
  • Search for and select “College of Health and Care Professionals of BC”.
  • Submit the request.

4. Professional liability insurance

As part of your application form, you will need to complete a declaration confirming that you have professional liability insurance pursuant to CHCPBC Bylaws in the amount of at least $2,000,000 per claim and in a form satisfactory to the Board.

If you do not have the required insurance at the time of submitting your application, you may provide updated information about your insurance at a future time. Note that no application may be approved without confirmation that the required insurance is in place.

Employers such as health authorities, school districts, and other government agencies typically have insurance in place for their employees that meets CHCPBC’s requirements. You must check the details of any insurance provided by your employer and confirm that it meets these requirements. If it does not, you must obtain your own professional liability insurance. Note that CHCPBC does not provide insurance advice or recommend insurers to applicants or licensees; this is outside of the scope of the College’s role as a regulatory body.

5. Entry-to-practice examination

Proof of passing an entry-to-practice examination approved by the Licence Committee is required before CHCPBC can grant Full licensure. The examinations currently approved by the College for licensure as an SLP are:

• The Praxis Examination for speech-language pathology (Praxis exam 5331), administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS);
• The Canadian Entry-to-Practice (CETP) Examination for speech-language pathology, administered by Speech-language & Audiology Canada (SAC); and
• The SAC Certification Examination for speech-language pathology. The SAC Exams were retired in March 2020; however, the College will accept results from past sittings.

You must arrange to have the examination administrator send your proof of passing directly to CHCPBC. Alternatively, you may have another regulatory body for speech and hearing health professionals send the College your examination result, as long as that regulatory body received these results directly from the examination administrator.

If you do not have proof of passing one of the above-mentioned examinations, you must apply for the SLP (Provisional) licence classification and practise under general supervision until you have passed an approved examination. Applicants for Provisional licensure classification must secure a practice supervisor, who must be a Full CHCPBC licensee of the same profession. You will be asked to provide your supervisor’s licensee details as part of the online application process.

For further information regarding current examination requirements, including how to register for the Praxis Exams, please review Entry-to-Practice Examinations policy (PDF).

6. Verification of Licensure from other regulators

If you are, or have been, regulated as a health professional by any other regulatory body, you must provide a letter or certificate dated within 60 days of the date of your application from each relevant regulatory body (a “Verification of Licensure”). This must specify details of any cancellation, suspension, limitation, or conditions on your entitlement to practise, and any investigation, review, or proceeding that could lead to one of these outcomes. Verifications of Licensure may be sent to the College by email to registration@chcpbc.org, so long as they come directly from an authorized individual at the regulatory body in question.

7. Application and licence fees

The non-refundable Application fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable at application for licensure.

Upon approval of your application for licensure, the non-refundable Licence fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable. The licence fee is reduced for those applying in the latter half of the licensing year (between October 1 and March 31).

Payment is accepted by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the portal.

8. Timeline

After you have submitted your application, staff will conduct an initial review of the application. The sooner all of your required documentation is received by CHCPBC, the sooner the College can process your application. If satisfactory, your application will be submitted to the Registrar for final approval. You will be notified if CHCPBC requires further information for your application, or if your application will require consideration by the Licence Committee.

Please note that if you fail to meet the requirements for licensure within 90 days of submitting your application, your application will expire, and you will need to submit a new application should you wish to continue to pursue licensure with CHCPBC.

To practise as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in British Columbia, you must hold a licence with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC).

This section outlines the licensure process and requirements for internationally educated applicants seeking licensure as an SLP in British Columbia.

Note: Internationally educated applicants who are currently licensed as an SLP in another Canadian jurisdiction should refer to the Labour Mobility page for information about applying for licensure in British Columbia.

Who can apply

You may be eligible to apply for licensure as an SLP under the CHCPBC Bylaws, effective April 1, 2026, if you:

• completed a post-secondary speech-language pathology program; and
• completed education and clinical training that meets or exceeds the requirements set out in Schedule 8 of the CHCPBC Bylaws.

Applicants are not restricted to using one program to demonstrate that they meet the academic coursework and clinical training requirements. Coursework and clinical training from more than one program may be considered.

Note: CHCPBC does not have reciprocity agreements with international regulatory bodies or professional associations. All internationally educated applicants who are not currently licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction as a Full licensee must complete the application process outlined below and submit all required documentation.

Classes of licensure

Applicants may apply for:

• Full Licensure – available to applicants who meet all applicable licensure requirements, including successful completion of the required entry-to-practice examination; or
• Provisional Licensure – may be available to applicants who have not yet completed the required entry-to-practice examination but otherwise meet the applicable licensure requirements and have not failed any required examination more than once.

Entry-to-practice examinations

Successful completion of one of the approved entry-to-practice examinations for Speech-Language Pathology is required for Full Licensure.

Please refer to the Entry-to-Practice Examination section for additional information regarding approved examinations, eligibility, and examination requirements.

Getting started

The College thoroughly reviews every application for licensure to determine if applicants meet the College’s licensure requirements.

Step 1: Equivalency Assessment

At this stage, the College assesses whether your education, including academic coursework and clinical training, is substantially equivalent to the Canadian entry-to-practice requirements set out in Schedule 8 and section 6.27(b) of the CHCPBC Bylaws.

During the review process, the Licence Committee may request additional documentation where further information is required to assess your knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment under section 6.30 of the CHCPBC Bylaws.

To begin the assessment process, you are required to:

• Complete and submit the CHCPBC Equivalency Assessment Information form (PDF) to licensure@chcpbc.org;
• Once the Equivalency Assessment Information Form has been reviewed, College staff will create your CHCPBC account and provide instructions for accessing the CHCPBC Portal;
• Log into your CHCPBC Portal and pay the Assessment Fee of $600 in accordance with the CHCPBC Fee Schedule; and

• Submit all required supporting documentation by email to licensure@chcpbc.org or directly from the issuing organization, unless otherwise directed by the College.
  • Official transcripts (must be sent directly to CHCPBC by your educational institution)
  • Education Evaluation (must be sent directly to CHCPBC by the evaluation organization)
  • Academic coursework requirements form (PDF)
  • Summary of clinical practicum hours form (PDF) (must be completed, signed, and sent directly to CHCPBC by your educational institution)
  • Professional Practice Experience (if applicable)
    • A detailed CV outlining your employment history
    • Employer verification letters confirming your duties, scope of practice, dates of employment and hours worked. These letters must be sent directly from your employer(s) to the College at licensure@chcpbc.org
    • A description of your scope of practice in your jurisdiction; this information may be obtained from your regulatory body, employer, or other official source, where applicable
    • Records of continuing education or professional development

Please refer to the Required Documents for International Applications (PDF) for additional guidance.

Once the assessment fee and required supporting documentation have been received, your education, clinical training, and/or professional practice experience will be reviewed by the Licence Committee.

Estimated timeline: Approximately 6–8 weeks after all required documentation and fees have been received.

Step 2: Applying for Licensure

If your equivalency assessment is complete and the Licence Committee determines that you have demonstrated substantial equivalency to the entry-to-practice requirements in British Columbia, you may be eligible to apply for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist with CHCPBC and will be invited to:

• Submit an online application through your CHCPBC Portal;
• Pay the Application Fee of $380 in accordance with the CHCPBC Fee Schedule; and
• Submit additional documentation required for licensure, including but not limited to:
  • English Language documentation (see the Language Proficiency Policy (PDF))
  • verification of registration/licensure from other regulators (if applicable),
  • criminal record check outside of Canada (if applicable)
  • professional liability insurance documentation.

Detailed instructions and any additional documentation requirements will be provided at that time. Applicants may also refer to the Required Documents for International Applications (PDF) for additional guidance.

Estimated timeline: Approximately 2–3 weeks after all required documentation and fees have been received.

Step 3: Become Licensed

Once all licensure requirements have been met, you will be invited to pay the applicable licence fee outlined in the CHCPBC Fee Schedule through the CHCPBC Portal.

Upon receipt of the licence fee, CHCPBC will issue an approval email confirming your licensure status.

Processing timeline

The average processing time for internationally educated applications is approximately 3–6 months. Processing timelines may vary depending on the completeness and complexity of the application, whether additional information or documentation is required, and the timing of Licence Committee reviews.

Licence Committee panels typically meet bi-monthly or quarterly. During the equivalency assessment process, applicants will be advised of upcoming panel meeting dates and any deadlines for submitting additional information in support of their equivalency assessment.

Validity of applications

Please refer to the Validity of Applications and Supporting Documentation Policy (PDF) for important information regarding application timelines, inactive applications, payment deadlines, and supporting documentation.

Downloadable forms:

• CHCPBC Equivalency Assessment Information Form (PDF)
• Speech-Language Pathology Academic Coursework Requirements form (PDF)
• Speech-Language Pathology Summary of Clinical Practicum Hours form (PDF)

For questions regarding the application or licensure process, please contact the College at licensure@chcpbc.org.

In accordance with Chapter 7 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and BC’s Labour Mobility Act, the College’s Bylaws grants:

• Full registration classification to practise in BC to Registered Speech Language Pathologists (RSLPs) with an equivalent registration status in another Canadian jurisdiction, who are in good standing with the relevant regulatory body in that jurisdiction and who meet the registration requirements set out below; and

CHCPBC accepts labour mobility applications from applicants from the following Canadian jurisdictions:

Speech-Language Pathology

• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Newfoundland & Labrador
• Prince Edward Island

If you hold conditional or provisional registration in one of these provinces, please contact the College regarding potential application options. Labour mobility applicants must be currently authorized to practice, therefore those holding non-practising registration are ineligible.

Note that all new registrants who have transferred to BC under labour mobility must complete the College’s Jurisprudence and Client Consent online learning courses before renewing their registration in BC.

Labour mobility applicants to become RAUDs in BC may begin practice when they have met the College’s labour mobility requirements and been granted Full registration.

To apply, have the documents listed below ready, and complete and submit the application form (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org.

1. Verification of Licensure from all other regulators

Arrange to have your current Canadian regulator send a Verification of Licensure directly to CHCPBC, confirming if you are currently a licensee in good standing, authorized to practise, and have no conditions on your licence. This verification means you do not need to submit transcripts, proof of clinical hours, or proof of passing the entry-to-practice examination.

In addition to the regulator in the Canadian jurisdiction that you are coming from, you must provide a letter or certificate dated within 60 days of the date of your application from each additional regulatory body where you are or have been licensed in any health profession, in any jurisdiction (if any). This must specify details of any cancellation, suspension, limitation, or conditions on your entitlement to practise, and any investigation, review, or proceeding that could lead to one of these outcomes.

Verifications of Licensure may be sent to the College by email at registration@chcpbc.org, so long as they come directly from an authorized individual at the regulatory body in question.

2. Proof of eligibility to work in Canada

• Canadian passport (photo and signature page)
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card (front and back)
• Canadian birth certificate
• Government-issued work permit or work visa, provided this permits work in your intended profession
• A study or co-op visa, provided this permits work in your intended profession
• Permanent Resident card (front and back)

3. Reference letters

Applicants must provide two character references from individuals who have known you for at least two years, and who are not family members, classmates, or friends, or stand to benefit from your application, and who can attest to your values, morals, and conduct. These references must be dated within 60 days of your application to CHCPBC.

Each of your references must submit a letter of reference directly to the College at registration@chcpbc.org or by mail and must contain that individual’s contact information.

4. Criminal Record Check

Under BC’s Criminal Records Review Act, all RAUDs and RSLPs must complete a criminal record check when they first become registered with the College and every five years thereafter.

To facilitate this, upload a notarized copy of two of the following documents in the portal:

• BC Driver’s Licence or learner’s licence (must have your photo)
• BCID
• BC Services Card (must have your photo)
• Canadian birth certificate
• Passport (photo and signature page)
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card (front and back)
• Permanent Resident card (front and back)

5. English language proficiency

Please refer to the Language Proficiency policy for information regarding approved pathways and English language proficiency requirements.

Applicants who are required to complete an approved English language proficiency test must arrange for their test results to be sent directly to CHCPBC by the testing organization.

If you choose to complete the TOEFL or IELTS examination, please follow the instructions below to arrange for your test results to be sent directly to CHCPBC.

For other approved English language proficiency tests, please contact the testing organization directly for instructions on how to arrange for your test results to be sent to CHCPBC.

• TOEFL
  Use institution code D018 when selecting the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) as a score recipient.
• IELTS
  • Log in to your IELTS account or test-taker portal.
  • Select “Request a Test Report Form.”
  • Search for and select “College of Health and Care Professionals of BC”.
  • Submit the request.

6. Professional liability insurance

As part of your application form, you will need to complete a declaration confirming that you have professional liability insurance pursuant to CHCPBC Bylaws in the amount of at least $2,000,000 per claim and in a form satisfactory to the Board.

If you do not have the required insurance at the time of submitting your application, you may provide updated information about your insurance at a future time. Note that no application may be approved without confirmation that the required insurance is in place.

Employers such as health authorities, school districts, and other government agencies typically have insurance in place for their employees that meets CHCPBC’s requirements. You must check the details of any insurance provided by your employer and confirm that it meets these requirements. If it does not, you must obtain your own professional liability insurance. Note that CHCPBC does not provide insurance advice or recommend insurers to applicants or registrants; this is outside of the scope of the College’s role as a regulatory body.

7. Application and licence fees

The non-refundable Application fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable at application for licensure.

Upon approval of your application for licensure, the non-refundable Licence fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable. The licence fee is reduced for those applying in the latter half of the licensing year (between October 1 and March 31).

Payment is accepted by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the portal.

8. Timelines

After you have submitted your application, staff will conduct an initial review of the application. The sooner all of your required documentation is received by CHCPBC, the sooner the College can process your application. If satisfactory, your application will be submitted to the Registrar for final approval. You will be notified if CHCPBC requires further information for your application, or if your application will require consideration by the Registration Committee.

Please note that if you fail to meet the requirements for registration within 90 days of submitting your application, your application will expire and you will need to submit a new application should you wish to continue to pursue registration with CHCPBC.

The College’s Bylaws include a renewable Temporary registration classification.

Important: Under the College Bylaws, the Registration Committee imposes limits and conditions on all temporary registrants. The Temporary registration classification is restricted to education and training purposes only and is not intended for general practice.

Temporary registration is granted for up to 90 days. To renew Temporary registration, contact registration@chcpbc.org well in advance of the registration’s expiry date.

Temporary registrants aren’t eligible to apply for Certified Practice Certificates.

See the Temporary Registration policy (PDF).

Application steps for Temporary registration

Please email registration@chcpbc.org for step-by-step instructions on submitting a temporary registration application.

Passing an approved CHCPBC entry-to-practice examination is a mandatory requirement under the CHCPBC Bylaws for Full licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). The following examinations are currently approved by CHCPBC for this requirement:

CETP Exam

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) administers the CETP Examination.

Once you have been granted Provisional licensure by CHCPBC and wish to take the CETP Examination, please notify the College via email at licensure@chcpbc.org so that the College can confirm your eligibility for CETP registration with SAC. SAC will then contact you directly to complete the examination registration process.

Please refer to SAC’s website for additional information regarding the CETP Examinations for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Examination (5331) administered by ETS

ETS Praxis Test administers the Praxis Examination.

Candidates may register for the Praxis Exam by following the instructions set out in the Praxis Test Registration Guidance (December 28, 2020) (PDF) that ETS has prepared for CHCPBC’s examination candidates. In addition to the instructions provided in this document, applicants and Provisional licensees should note the following:

• • When creating your ETS-Praxis account, you will see a “Social Security Number” field. You can leave this field empty.
  • Home testing is currently available in Canada and the US only. However, you may take the Exam in person at many testing centres worldwide, including two in BC (Vancouver)See the Praxis at Home Testing pagefor information about the process and requirements for taking exams at home.
  • You can request that ETS send an “additional score report” to CHCPBC at a cost of $50 (US). For information, see:
  • Requesting Additional Score Reports
  • Access your Praxis scores

Applicants must successfully pass one of the above-approved examinations to be eligible for Full licensure. No other examinations may be accepted to satisfy this requirement.

You must arrange to have your proof of passing sent directly from the examination administrator to CHCPBC. Alternatively, you may have another regulatory body for speech and hearing health professionals send the College your examination results, as long as that regulatory body received these results directly from the examination administrator.

Examination attempts

Provisional licensees are permitted a maximum of two attempts at the relevant CETP or Praxis Exam, regardless of the exam or combination of exams they choose to attempt. An applicant must complete all attempts within one year from the date provisional licensure is granted.

A provisional licence will expire if the licensee fails an ETP examination for a second time. After the licence expires, the individual may continue attempting ETP examinations as a non-licensee.

Under College policy, a maximum of three (3) attempts is permitted for any ETP examination, whether taken while licensed or not (see Examination Number of Attempts (PDF)). An individual is eligible to apply for a Full licence only upon successful completion of the required ETP examination(s).

For further information, see our Regulatory Policies.

• Application for Licensure (PDF)
• Supervision Agreement for Provisional Licensees (PDF)

See Regulatory Policies for a list of CHCPBC’s licensure policies under the Health Professions and Occupations Act.