How to Become a Speech-language Pathologist in Nova Scotia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology to work as a speech-language pathologist in Nova Scotia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“An individual must be licensed by NSRASLP before starting work as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. It is an offence under the legislation to practice or identify yourself as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in Nova Scotia without being registered with NSRASLP”
From nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 6 steps
- Licensed in another province: 5 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 11 steps, listed one-time fees $1,500
- Annual fees
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- Annual licence fee: $500
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 6 done
- 6 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $500
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Once you are determined eligible to write the CETP exam under the conditional enrollment requirements on the SAC website, you become eligible for a temporary licence with NSRASLP.
Source
“You are eligible for a temporary licence with NSRASLP when you are determined to be eligible to write the exam as set out in the conditional enrollment requirements outlined on the SAC website: Writing the CETP Exam.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test -
Register for the next available sitting of the CETP exam.
-
Submit proof of professional liability insurance with the required $2 million coverage.
Source
“Submit Proof of Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) – $2M required”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test -
Pay the licence fee of $500.
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Once you have passed the exam, you become eligible for a full practising licence.
Source
“Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible for a full practising licence.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test -
SAC sends your exam results to the Registrar, who then updates your licence category from temporary to practising.
Source
“Exam results are sent to Registrar from SAC - Licence category will be updated by Registrar”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
6 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Annual licence fee: $500
Licensed in another province
0 of 5 done
- 5 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $500
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Arrange for a letter of verification from your current regulatory body to be emailed directly to NSRASLP.
Source
“Letter of Verification from your current regulatory body to be emailed directly to NSRASLP”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test -
Apply on the member portal under the category for applicants currently licensed in another Canadian province and complete all personal information fields.
Source
“Apply on Member Portal under “Currently licensed in another Canadian province" - Complete all personal information fields”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test -
Confirm your identification through a video call.
Source
“Confirmation of Identification via video call”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test -
Upload proof of professional liability insurance of at least $2 million and a valid criminal record and vulnerable sector check dated within six months.
Source
“Upload Professional Liability Insurance (minimum $2 million) - Upload valid Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check (within 6 months)”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test -
After the Registrar receives and verifies all documents, you are notified to pay your licence fee and your licence is issued.
Source
“Once all documents are received and verified by the Registrar, you’ll be notified to pay your licence fee and your licence will be issued.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Annual licence fee: $500
Trained outside Canada
0 of 11 done
- Listed one-time fees: $1,500
- 10 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $500
- Listed time: 25.8 to 26.8 months (only 2 of 11 steps state a time)
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Before applying, contact the Registrar to discuss the steps in the process by submitting a public inquiry form.
Source
“Before starting an application, it is recommended that a person who is not a graduate of an approved education program who wishes to apply for registration and licensure in Nova Scotia contact the Registrar to discuss the steps in the process by submitting a public inquiry form found at the bottom of this page.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... -
Start your application on the NSRASLP website, select the International Applicant category on the member portal, and complete the personal information fields.
Source
“Select “Start Your Application” from "Applicants" drop-down menu on the NSRASLP website www.nsraslp.ca - Select the category "International Applicant" on the member portal of this website”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... -
Pay the non-refundable application and assessment fee of $1,500 by credit card through the Registrant Profile.
- Application and assessment fee: $1,500
Source
“A non-refundable application and assessment fee in the amount of $1,500 payable by credit card through the Registrant Profile.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited...
Source
“A non-refundable application and assessment fee in the amount of $1,500 payable by credit card through the Registrant Profile.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... - Application and assessment fee: $1,500
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Arrange for a credential evaluation from World Education Services to be sent directly from WES to the Registrar.
Source
“Graduates of education programs outside of Canada must arrange for a credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES) to be sent directly from WES to the Registrar.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... -
Have official undergraduate and graduate transcripts sent directly from the university and provide course syllabi with objectives, content, hours, assignments, texts and examination methods, with certified translation if not in English.
Source
“Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate level education sent directly to the Registrar from the university.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... -
If you are not a graduate of a program taught in English, demonstrate proficiency in English in the manner prescribed by the Registrar.
Source
“If not a graduate of a program taught in English, the applicant must have demonstrated proficiency in the English language in the manner prescribed by the Registrar.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... -
Provide proof of Canadian citizenship or that you are legally entitled to live and work in Canada.
Source
“Proof of Canadian citizenship or legally entitled to live and work in Canada.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... -
NSRASLP assesses your education program, possibly with a third-party assessor, and decides whether it is equivalent, whether bridging education is needed, or whether you are ineligible with a right of appeal.
Time: 8 to 12 weeksTime source
“Processing of an application involving assessment of an education program can take from 8 to 12 weeks from the date of receipt of all documents until the Registration Committee’s decision.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited...Source
“After receiving all required documents and fees, NSRASLP will assess the applicant's education program, possibly involving a third-party assessor, and will then make one of the following decisions”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... -
If your program is found equivalent, write and pass the CETP exam, with up to three attempts within two years, and provide proof of passing, pending results, or registration for the next sitting.
Time: 2 yearsTime source
“Once eligible, applicants have two years and a maximum of three attempts to pass the exam.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited...Source
“Once eligible, applicants have two years and a maximum of three attempts to pass the exam.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... -
Provide an original copy of a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check dated within six months and upload it to your registrant profile.
Source
“Provide an original copy of a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check dated within 6 months and upload to your registrant profile.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... -
Source
“If approved, the applicant must pay the annual licence fee and provide proof of PLI to receive a practising licence. Applicants who will not be practising until after July 1st can request approval to pay a reduced fee.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited...
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $1,500
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $1,500 | 100% |
| One-time total | $1,500 | 100% |
10 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Annual licence fee: $500
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Application and assessment fee (12(2)(i)(B)): $1,500 (for the 12(2)(i)(B) application, non-refundable)
Source
“Pay $1,500 (12(2)(i)(B) application) or $2,000 (12(2)(i)(C) application) non-refundable application and assessment fee”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-Applicants - Application and assessment fee (12(2)(i)(C)): $2,000 (for the 12(2)(i)(C) application, non-refundable)
Source
“Pay $1,500 (12(2)(i)(B) application) or $2,000 (12(2)(i)(C) application) non-refundable application and assessment fee”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-Applicants
Requirements
Education
You must be a graduate of an approved education program, an equivalent program, or a combination of education and experience that provides the competencies to practise.
Source
“Approved education program OR equivalent program OR combined education and experience.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-RegisteredYou must have graduated within the past 5 years from a Canadian-accredited master's program or an equivalent program.
Source
“Graduated within the past 5 years from: - (i) a Canadian-accredited master’s program in audiology or speech-language pathology, or - (ii) an education program deemed equivalent by NSRASLP”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered
Experience
In the past 5 years you must have either graduated from an approved or equivalent education program or completed at least 1,000 hours in practice.
Source
“In the past 5 years, applicants must have either graduated from an approved (or equivalent) education program or completed at least 1,000 hours in practice.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-RegisteredTo maintain a licence, registrants must practise at least 1,000 hours in a 5-year period and keep a record of those hours.
Source
“Practice at least 1000 hours in a 5 year period. Registrants must keep a record of the hours worked in practice that covers at least the immediately preceding 5 years and the regulator may at any time conduct an audit of this record.”
nsraslp.ca/site/legislation/for_employers
Police check
As part of licence renewal, current registrants must provide a vulnerable sector check every five years.
Source
“As part of the licence renewal process, current registrants will be required to provide a VSC every five years.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered
Insurance
You must have liability protection, malpractice insurance, or other indemnity with minimum coverage of $2 million.
Source
“Applicants must have liability protection, malpractice insurance, or other indemnity as required by the Board. Minimum coverage: $2 million.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered
Good character
You must not be under restriction or prohibition from practising, except in restricted practising categories.
Source
“Applicants must not be under restriction or prohibition from practising, except in restricted practising categories.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-RegisteredYou must have the capacity, competence, and character to practise safely and ethically.
Source
“Applicants must have the capacity, competence, and character to practise safely and ethically.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered
Other
If you have practised in another jurisdiction since being licensed, you must provide a certificate of standing from each jurisdiction disclosing any outstanding complaints, prohibitions, conditions, or restrictions.
Source
“Applicants who have practiced in another jurisdiction since being licensed must provide a certificate of standing from each jurisdiction. This certificate must disclose any outstanding complaints, prohibitions, conditions, or restrictions.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-RegisteredYou must demonstrate English language proficiency as prescribed by the Registrar.
Source
“Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency as prescribed by the Registrar.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-RegisteredYou must be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to live and work in Canada.
Source
“Applicants must be Canadian citizens or legally entitled to live and work in Canada.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-RegisteredYou must be eligible for the specific licence category you are applying for.
Source
“Applicants must be eligible for the specific licence category they are applying for.”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-RegisteredInternationally educated applicants must provide reference letters from at least two professional referees who have known them professionally for at least two years and are not personal friends or relatives.
Source
“Reference letters from at least two professional referees - Referees must: - Have known you professionally for at least two years - Not be personal friends or relatives”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-ApplicantsInternationally educated applicants must provide regulatory or licensure verification from all current and past regulatory bodies confirming registration status and good standing.
Source
“Required from all current and past regulatory bodies - Must confirm: - Registration status - Good standing or resignation in good standing”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-ApplicantsTo maintain a licence, registrants must meet continuing competence program requirements of 30 credits over a reporting cycle, earned in 3 or more categories with a minimum of 5 hours in at least 3 categories.
Source
“Meet the continuing competence program requirements set by the Board. Credits must be earned in 3 or more categories, with a minimum of 5 hours earned in at least 3 categories. The total credits required are 30 over a reporting cycle (typically two years).”
nsraslp.ca/site/legislation/for_employers
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
Applicants currently licensed and in good standing in another Canadian province are granted registration and licensure by providing a letter of verification from their current regulatory body, applying on the member portal, confirming identification by video call, and uploading proof of liability insurance and a criminal record and vulnerable sector check, with no entry-to-practice exam or competence assessment mentioned for this route. Source
“Applicants currently licensed and in good standing in another Canadian province will be granted registration and licensure as follows:”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test
Obtain verification letter
Source
“Letter of Verification from your current regulatory body to be emailed directly to NSRASLP”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20testApply on member portal
Source
“Apply on Member Portal under “Currently licensed in another Canadian province””
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20testUpload documents
Source
“Upload Professional Liability Insurance (minimum $2 million) - Upload valid Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check (within 6 months)”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Credential assessment
World Education Services (WES) credential evaluation
equivalency assessment
Source
“Graduates of education programs outside of Canada must arrange for a credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES) to be sent directly from WES to the Registrar.”
nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited...
Exams
-
Canadian Entry-To-Practice Exam (CETP)
Source
“Applicants must successfully complete the Canadian Entry-To-Practice Exam (CETP), administered by Speech and Audiology Canada (SAC).”
nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $34.95 | $46.93 | $63.56 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $33.33 | $46.15 | $59.52 | — |
Speech-language pathologists in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Not confirmed yet
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Apply to Become Registered - NSCASLP nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered · fetched October 10, 2026
- New Applicants Test - NSCASLP nsraslp.ca/site/Apply-to-Become-Registered%20test · fetched October 10, 2026
- International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited-Canadian-program - NSCASLP nsraslp.ca/site/International-applicant-graduate-from-nonaccredited... · fetched October 10, 2026
- International-Applicants - NSCASLP nsraslp.ca/site/International-Applicants · fetched October 10, 2026
- For Employers - NSCASLP nsraslp.ca/site/legislation/for_employers · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a speech-language pathologist in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Registration with Nova Scotia Regulator of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology is required to practise in Nova Scotia.
Which exams are required?
Canadian Entry-To-Practice Exam (CETP).
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