Do Alabama SLPs Need the CCC? License, Medicaid and CE Rules

Q: How much continuing education do Alabama SLPs need?

12 hrs every year (Jan to Dec). 10 hrs in area of licensure; rule says 1 hr should be ethics. Whose CE counts: ASHA or AAA workshops and college courses; most other activities need ABESPA approval.

November 13, 2026

Named in rules, not required

No. The CCC is mentioned in Alabama's rules, but there is another way to qualify, so a state license does not require it.

Alabama one-sheet Open Alabama on the map SLPA rules

Alabama at a glance

CCC	Named in rules, not required
License renewal CE	12 hrs every year (Jan to Dec)
Whose CE counts	Named sponsors or board-approved CE
Clinical fellowship	Clinical fellowship or fourth-year internship, registered with the board (rule 870-X-2-.05).
School credential	CCC not required

Does Alabama require the CCC?

The Medicaid rule (560-X-11-.14) and the April 2026 billing manual require the CCC or eligibility for it, plus an Alabama license. The equivalent-experience route in the federal rule is missing. The device rule (560-X-13-.14) in the current code no longer lists SLP qualifications and points to Chapter 14 of the Medicaid Provider Manual. An August 2025 proposed version of that rule required a CCC holder to evaluate speech-generating devices, so check Chapter 14 for the current wording. A proposed amendment to 560-X-11-.14, dated May 13, 2026, still has the CCC wording. Licensure: Board rule 870-X-2-.03 accepts a current CCC or an equivalent certification, or alternatively a master's degree, a practicum letter and a passing score on the board's written exam, so the license does not require the CCC.

Sources: Licensure: Ala. Admin. Code ch. 870-X-2 (Board of Examiners); Medicaid: Rule 560-X-11-.14; Medicaid: proposed amendment 5-13-26; Medicaid: Billing Manual Ch. 37, April 2026; Medicaid: ch. 560-X-13 (contains 560-X-13-.14); Medicaid: proposed amendment to 560-X-13-.14, 8-20-25

What you can do

Check the proposed amendment for its comment deadline. If it is open, send written comments asking Alabama Medicaid to replace the CCC sentence with language A or B.
Ask Alabama Medicaid to amend 560-X-13-.14 so the evaluating SLP is licensed in Alabama with training in device evaluation, not CCC-holding.
Ask that Billing Manual Chapter 37 be updated to match at the next revision.

Continuing education for Alabama SLPs

Hours: 12 hrs every year (Jan to Dec).
Topic rules: 10 hrs in area of licensure; rule says 1 hr should be ethics.
Whose CE counts: ASHA or AAA workshops and college courses; most other activities need ABESPA approval.

Sources: Ala. Admin. Code r. 870-X-4-.08

Compare every state in our CEU requirements by state guide.

Clinical fellowship and background checks

Clinical fellowship or fourth-year internship, registered with the board (rule 870-X-2-.05).

Sources: Ala. Admin. Code ch. 870-X-2

The compact requires fingerprint-based FBI checks for anyone applying for a compact privilege. Alabama's own license application asks only a self-reported conviction question; it does not require a background check. Compact member; not issuing compact privileges yet.

Sources: ABESPA license application; ASLP-IC compact map

School-based SLPs

The state education department issues a Speech-Language Pathology Professional Certificate (P-12) and a temporary certificate. A board-licensed SLP may meet the requirements. The CCC is not listed.

Sources: ALSDE: Speech-Language Pathology certification

SLP assistants in Alabama

Alabama licenses SLP assistants under a 2025 law (HB 441, Ala. Code 34-28A-21.1, effective January 1, 2026). The board's updated rule (870-X-2-.06) took effect August 14, 2026. The state education department separately issues SLPA certificates for schools.

Sources: HB 441 (2025), enrolled; Rule 870-X-2-.06 filing (effective August 14, 2026)

Other notes

Older spreadsheet note: HB 322 (2022) limits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-5. Not re-checked in this update.

If your employer says you need the CCC

Many job posts and policies still list the CCC out of habit. Our employer education page has language you can share, and the Alabama one-sheet puts the license and the CCC side by side on two printable pages.

Checked against state sources through October 31, 2026. This page summarizes public rules for general information and is not legal advice. Rules change, and employers and payers can set their own requirements, so confirm with the board before you rely on it.

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