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

California one-sheetOpen California on the mapSLPA rules

California at a glance

CCC	Not required
License renewal CE	24 hrs every 2 years (12 at first renewal)
Whose CE counts	Named sponsors or board-approved CE
Clinical fellowship	Required Professional Experience (RPE): 36 weeks full time, held under an RPE temporary license.
School credential	CCC is one accepted route

Does California require the CCC?

The Medi-Cal Speech Therapy manual (updated June 2026) pays enrolled, licensed speech pathologists, and lets them bill for unlicensed trainees completing required professional experience under their direct supervision. It does not mention the CCC or ASHA.

Sources: Licensure: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board, current laws and regulations (opened; the board's old laws page is gone); Medicaid: Medi-Cal Speech Therapy manual; Medicaid: Medi-Cal Provider Manual, Therapies (Speech Therapy); Licensure: Bus. & Prof. Code 2532.2, SLP license qualifications (California Legislative Information)

Continuing education for California SLPs

Hours: 24 hrs every 2 years (12 at first renewal).
Topic rules: Up to half may be self-study; supervision training if you supervise.
Whose CE counts: Accredited colleges, ASHA- or AAA-approved providers, CMA's IMQ, or board-approved providers.

Sources: Board CPD requirements; B&P Code 2532.6

Compare every state in our CEU requirements by state guide.

Clinical fellowship and background checks

Required Professional Experience (RPE): 36 weeks full time, held under an RPE temporary license.

Sources: Board: SLP applicants

Fingerprinting is required for licensure. Not a compact member.

Sources: Board fingerprinting requirements; ASLP-IC compact map

School-based SLPs

The CTC issues a Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential, preliminary then clear. The clear credential takes any one of: Praxis plus fellowship, a California license, or the CCC.

Sources: CTC leaflet CL-879

SLP assistants in California

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board licenses SLP assistants (B&P Code 2538.1 and following; 16 CCR 1399.170).

Sources: SLPA supervision requirements (board); B&P Code 2538.1

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 California 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.