Your Complete Guide to Becoming an SLP in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's Bureau of Labor Statistics projections show speech-language pathologist employment in the state growing faster than the overall occupation average, driven largely by expanding school-based caseloads and an aging population increasing demand in healthcare settings. Yet the state has only one CAA-accredited master's program, creating a bottleneck that pushes many candidates toward online or out-of-state options.

The credential pipeline is straightforward but long: a master's degree, a passing Praxis score (162 or higher), a supervised clinical fellowship, and a state license issued by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Each stage has its own timeline and paperwork requirements, and missteps at any point can delay your start date by months.

With statewide median SLP salaries running above the national figure and two distinct licensure paths available, the details matter more than the broad strokes. If you are still weighing whether this career is right for you, our overview of speech language pathologist certification and education requirements covers the national picture before you dive into New Hampshire specifics.

New Hampshire SLP Requirements at a Glance

Becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in New Hampshire follows a clear credentialing ladder that takes roughly 6 to 7 years after high school. ASHA CCC is accepted as proof of qualifications, but New Hampshire also offers a non-CCC licensure path with additional documentation. Here is the progression at a glance.

Accredited SLP Programs in New Hampshire and Online Options

New Hampshire has exactly one CAA-accredited speech-language pathology program, which means your in-state options are straightforward. However, online and hybrid programs from out-of-state institutions can expand your choices significantly. Here is what you need to know about each path.

The University of New Hampshire MS-SLP Program

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) offers the only CAA-accredited master's program in Communication Sciences and Disorders within the state.¹ The program is delivered entirely on campus in Durham, runs approximately 24 months, and requires 58 to 60 graduate credits to complete.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition figures break down as follows:

• In-state tuition: Approximately $14,880 per year³
• Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $29,210 per year³
• Regional tuition rate (NEBHE): Approximately $22,320 per year⁴
• Estimated total cost of attendance (in-state): Around $40,000 over the full program⁵
• Estimated total cost of attendance (out-of-state): Around $63,000 over the full program⁵

The GRE is currently optional for applicants, which lowers one traditional barrier to entry. UNH places students in a range of clinical settings across the region, though the university does not publicly list a specific cohort size. Prospective students should contact the department directly for the most current admissions data and class capacity.

Online and Hybrid Programs for NH Residents

Because New Hampshire has only one in-state program, many residents look to CAA-accredited SLP programs offered online or in hybrid formats by institutions in other states. Schools such as NYU, Emerson College, and several other universities offer distance-friendly SLP programs that accept students nationwide. One critical point: CAA accreditation is non-negotiable. The New Hampshire Board of Allied Health Professionals requires graduation from a CAA-accredited program for licensure, so any program you consider must hold that specific accreditation.

Even in an online program, clinical practicum hours must be completed in person under qualified supervision. If you are living in New Hampshire while enrolled in a distance program, you will need to secure local or regional clinical placements on your own or through your program's coordination. Before committing to any online program, confirm that it can support clinical placements in New Hampshire or a nearby state. Limited placement availability in rural parts of the state can create logistical challenges, so start those conversations early in the admissions process.

Financial Aid and Regional Tuition Agreements

New Hampshire residents benefit from the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Regional Student Program, which offers a discounted tuition rate at participating public universities across New England for programs not available in a student's home state.⁴ At UNH itself, New England residents from outside New Hampshire can access the regional tuition rate of roughly $22,320, a meaningful reduction from the full out-of-state price.

If you are considering an out-of-state program, check whether it participates in NEBHE or a similar interstate tuition reciprocity agreement. Graduate assistantship positions may also be available at UNH and at out-of-state institutions, often providing tuition remission and a modest stipend in exchange for research or clinical support work. Federal financial aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, applies to both in-state and qualifying online programs, so file your FAFSA regardless of which path you choose.

Choosing Your Path

Whether you attend UNH or enroll in an accredited distance program, the end goal is the same: completing a CAA-accredited degree that qualifies you for New Hampshire licensure and, if you choose, ASHA certification. If you are still exploring what the full career path looks like, our guide on how to become a speech-language pathologist breaks down each step. The right fit depends on your location, budget, and flexibility needs.

Questions to Ask Yourself

New Hampshire SLP Licensure: Step-by-Step Application Process

Earning your degree and passing the Praxis are major milestones, but you still need a state license before you can practice in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification oversees all SLP licenses under RSA 326-F.¹ Below is a clear walkthrough of the application process, the two main pathways, and the conditional license available to clinical fellows.

Gather Your Documents and Apply Through the OPLC Portal

All applications are submitted online through the OPLC portal at oplc.nh.gov. The current application fee is $110 (2025-2026), and you will also need to authorize a background check, which is required for all applicants.²

Core documents every applicant must submit include:

• Official transcripts: Request that your graduate program send these directly to OPLC.
• Praxis SLP score report: You must earn a minimum score of 162. Have ETS send your scores directly to the OPLC to avoid delays.
• Background check authorization: This is a mandatory part of the application.

Beyond these basics, the specific documents you need depend on whether you hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP).

Pathway 1: Applicants With ASHA CCC-SLP

If you already hold CCC-SLP certification, the process is more streamlined. You submit a copy of your current ASHA certification along with the core documents listed above. Because ASHA's certification process already verifies your academic preparation, clinical hours, and fellowship completion, the OPLC accepts the CCC-SLP in lieu of several supplemental documents. This pathway typically results in a faster review.

Pathway 2: Applicants Without ASHA CCC-SLP

New Hampshire does not require the CCC-SLP for full licensure, but applicants who do not hold it must provide additional documentation so the OPLC can independently verify qualifications. Expect to submit:

• Clinical Fellowship Report and Rating Form: This confirms successful completion of your CF experience.
• Program verification: Your graduate program may need to send a verification letter or equivalent documentation directly to the OPLC.
• Supervision logs: Detailed records of your supervised clinical hours and supervisor credentials.

This pathway often involves a longer review period because the board must evaluate each piece of documentation individually rather than relying on ASHA's centralized credentialing.

Conditional License for Clinical Fellows

If you have completed your graduate degree and passed the Praxis but have not yet finished your SLP clinical fellowship, you can apply for a conditional license. This license allows you to practice in New Hampshire under supervision while you accumulate the required fellowship hours.¹

Key details about the conditional license:

• Validity: The conditional license is good for one year and is not renewable, so plan your CF timeline accordingly.¹
• Supervision requirements: You must complete a minimum of 1,260 supervised clinical hours over at least 36 weeks, with at least 36 hours of direct supervision from a qualified supervisor who has a minimum of nine months of professional experience.
• Converting to full licensure: Once your CF is complete, you submit your Clinical Fellowship Report and Rating Form (and any remaining documents) to upgrade to an unrestricted license.

Because the conditional license cannot be renewed, it is important to start your fellowship promptly after receiving it and to stay on track with supervision benchmarks throughout.

Processing Times and Practical Tips

The OPLC estimates a processing time of four to six weeks for most applications.² However, incomplete submissions or documents that arrive separately can push that timeline further out.

A few tips to keep things moving smoothly:

• Request Praxis scores and official transcripts well before you submit your application so they arrive at OPLC around the same time.
• Double-check that your background check authorization is complete, as missing this step is a common reason for processing delays.
• If you are applying without the CCC-SLP, confirm with your graduate program and CF supervisor that all verification forms are sent directly to the OPLC.
• Keep copies of every document you submit and note the date you sent each one.

Planning ahead and submitting a complete packet from the start is the single best way to avoid unnecessary waiting. For the most current forms and instructions, visit the OPLC portal directly at oplc.nh.gov.

ASHA CCC vs. Non-CCC Licensure Paths Compared

New Hampshire offers two routes to the same unrestricted SLP license. If you already hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), the state treats it as blanket verification of your education, clinical practicum hours, and Praxis exam score, which significantly streamlines the application. Applicants without the CCC must document each requirement individually. Both paths result in the identical license type with no difference in scope of practice or professional standing.

License Reciprocity and Out-of-State Transfers

If you already hold an active SLP license in another state, New Hampshire offers two pathways to begin practicing: the ASLP Interstate Compact privilege and traditional licensure by endorsement. Understanding which route applies to you can save weeks of waiting and hundreds of dollars in fees.

New Hampshire and the ASLP Interstate Compact

New Hampshire is a member of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC), with compact privileges effective as of October 2025.¹ As of 2026, 37 jurisdictions have joined the compact.² If your home state is also a member, you can obtain a compact privilege to practice in New Hampshire without applying for a separate full license. For a deeper look at eligibility rules and participating states, see our guide to the SLP interstate compact.

Here is what the compact privilege means in practice:

• Supplemental, not a replacement: The compact privilege is supplemental to your home-state license. You must maintain an unencumbered license that meets compact standards in order to use the privilege in New Hampshire.²
• Fee: The compact privilege fee is $50 per state, which is considerably lower than the full licensure application and initial license fees.²
• Telepractice: New Hampshire holds telepractice to the same standard as in-person care, so compact-privilege holders can provide teletherapy services into the state under the same terms.³

This pathway is ideal for SLPs who need to practice across state lines regularly, whether for telepractice, travel positions, or work near the border.

Traditional Endorsement for Non-Compact Applicants

If your home state has not joined the compact, New Hampshire does offer licensure by endorsement.³ You will need to gather the following:

• Verification of licensure from your originating state board, confirming your license is active and in good standing
• Proof that you have passed the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology
• Evidence of your education credentials (holding ASHA CCC-SLP often satisfies this requirement)³
• A completed criminal background check

The application fee for endorsement is $110, with an initial license fee of $165, so plan on spending around $275 before factoring in the background check.³ You can compare these costs against other states using our SLP license requirements by state resource.

Background Check and Fingerprinting Requirements

Regardless of whether you use the compact privilege or apply through endorsement, New Hampshire requires a criminal background check.³ This is a state-specific requirement that your home state may not have imposed, so do not assume prior clearances will transfer.

• Fingerprinting is handled through Identogo and can be completed electronically or via hard cards.³
• Expect to pay between $40 and $50 for the fingerprinting service.³
• Background check results are valid for six months, so schedule your fingerprinting appointment close to when you plan to submit your application.³

Processing Times to Expect

Endorsement applications in New Hampshire typically take four to six weeks to process.³ This is roughly the same timeline as a new application, so submitting early is important if you have a start date in mind. Compact privilege holders generally gain authorization faster because much of the verification is handled through the compact system rather than individual state boards.

If you are relocating or picking up a travel assignment, begin assembling your documents well before your intended practice date. Requesting license verification from your originating state board is often the step that introduces the most delay, so tackle that first.

Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements

Once you hold an active New Hampshire speech-language pathology license, staying current with continuing education (CE) and renewal deadlines is essential. The New Hampshire Board of Speech-Language Pathology governs these requirements, and understanding the details will help you avoid lapses in your ability to practice.

Renewal Cycle, CE Hours, and Fees

New Hampshire SLP licenses must be renewed every two years. Licensees are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. The renewal fee is set by the board and is typically in the range of $110 to $125, though you should verify the exact amount on the board's website at the time of your renewal, as fees can change between cycles.

License expiration dates in New Hampshire generally follow the anniversary of your initial issuance or fall on a standardized date set by the board. Check your license certificate or the board's online portal for your specific expiration date so you can plan accordingly.

What Counts as Approved Continuing Education

New Hampshire accepts CE hours from several sources, giving you flexibility in how you meet the requirement:

• ASHA-approved providers: Courses and events offered through ASHA Continuing Education (ACE) providers are accepted by the state board.
• State-approved alternatives: The board may also recognize CE activities approved by other recognized professional organizations or state-approved sponsors.
• University coursework: Graduate-level academic courses related to speech-language pathology can typically count toward your CE hours, though you should confirm with the board before relying on this pathway.
• Supervision and mentoring: In some cases, clinical supervision activities may qualify, but the board's rules on this can be specific. Review the latest regulations or contact the board directly for clarification.

Always retain certificates of completion for every CE activity. The board may audit licensees, and you will need documentation that clearly shows the provider, topic, date, and number of hours earned.

CE Broker and Tracking Your Hours

New Hampshire does not currently mandate the use of CE Broker as its official tracking platform, unlike some other states. This means the responsibility for logging and storing your CE records falls squarely on you. If you do use CE Broker voluntarily or because your CE provider reports through that system, double-check that hours are attributed to the correct state and license type. A common issue is that providers sometimes fail to report hours automatically, so it is wise to upload your own certificates as a backup. If you hold licenses in multiple states, CE Broker can be a helpful tool for managing requirements across jurisdictions, but always cross-reference what the New Hampshire board has on file.

Late Renewal and Grace Periods

If you miss your renewal deadline, New Hampshire does allow for late renewal, but it comes with consequences. A late fee is added on top of the standard renewal cost, and practicing on an expired license is a violation of state law. The board may offer a short administrative grace period during which you can renew without formal disciplinary action, but this window is limited. If your license has been expired for an extended period, you may need to apply for reinstatement, which can involve additional paperwork, fees, and potentially meeting updated CE or examination requirements.

The simplest way to avoid complications is to set a calendar reminder at least 60 days before your license expires. This gives you enough time to complete any remaining CE hours, gather documentation, and submit your renewal application without rushing. If you also hold a license in a neighboring state such as Rhode Island, keep in mind that each jurisdiction tracks CE and renewal timelines independently. Staying proactive with these administrative tasks lets you focus on what matters most: your clinical work and professional growth.

SLP Salary and Job Outlook in New Hampshire

New Hampshire speech-language pathologists earn competitive wages that generally align with or exceed the national median. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the statewide median annual wage for SLPs in New Hampshire is approximately $82,690, compared to a national median of roughly $89,290. While that gap may seem notable, New Hampshire's lower cost of living in many areas and strong demand in school and healthcare settings help offset the difference. Neighboring states offer useful context: Massachusetts reports a median closer to $96,000, while Vermont and Maine fall in the $75,000 to $82,000 range, placing New Hampshire favorably within the northern New England region.

New Hampshire SLP Salary by Metro Area

SLP salaries in New Hampshire vary by location, with some metro areas exceeding the national median. Comparing regional pay can help you weigh job opportunities across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions About NH SLP Licensure and Programs

Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective and practicing speech-language pathologists ask about New Hampshire licensure and program options. For the most current fee schedules and forms, always verify with the New Hampshire Board of Speech-Language Pathology.

Does New Hampshire require ASHA certification (CCC-SLP) for licensure?

New Hampshire does not strictly require the Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA in order to obtain state licensure. However, holding the CCC-SLP can streamline the application process significantly because the board accepts it as evidence that you have met the education, examination, and clinical experience standards. Applicants without the CCC-SLP must document each requirement independently, which typically adds time and paperwork to the process.

How much does it cost to apply for an SLP license in New Hampshire?

Application fees for a New Hampshire SLP license are set by the state's Allied Health licensing board and generally include an initial application fee plus any background check costs. Fees can change from year to year, so check the board's current fee schedule before submitting your materials. Budget for the Praxis exam fee and any credential verification service charges as well, since those are paid separately.

Can I work as an SLP in New Hampshire while completing my clinical fellowship?

Yes. New Hampshire offers a provisional or temporary license that allows clinical fellows to practice under supervision while completing the Clinical Fellowship (CF) experience. You must apply for this credential before you begin accruing CF hours in the state. Your supervising SLP must hold a full New Hampshire license and meet the board's supervision requirements. Once you finish the fellowship and pass the Praxis, you can convert to a full license.

How long does it take to get an SLP license in New Hampshire?

Processing times vary, but most applicants should plan for four to eight weeks from the date a complete application packet is received. Delays commonly result from missing transcripts, pending Praxis score reports, or incomplete background checks. Submitting all documents together and verifying that your credential verification is on file can help shorten the timeline. Applicants transferring from another state may experience slightly different timelines.

What happens if I let my NH SLP license lapse? Can I reinstate it?

If your New Hampshire SLP license lapses, you may be eligible for reinstatement rather than starting a brand new application. The board typically requires you to pay any outstanding renewal fees, submit proof that continuing education requirements have been met, and possibly pay a late or reinstatement fee. If the lapse extends beyond a certain period, the board may require additional documentation. Contact the licensing office directly to confirm the current reinstatement process.

Are there online master's in SLP that qualify me for NH licensure?

Yes. New Hampshire accepts degrees from any program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), regardless of whether coursework is delivered on campus or online. Several CAA-accredited universities offer hybrid or mostly online master's programs in speech-language pathology. Just confirm that the program arranges supervised clinical placements in your area and that it meets all of New Hampshire's education and practicum hour requirements.