Frequently Asked Questions

Please send  all correspondence to OBESPA, P.O. Box 53592, Oklahoma City, OK  73152

      1.  How to change your name on your licensure card or certificate? 

A licensee must provide the board office a copy of the legal documentation of name change, i.e. a marriage certificate, divorce decree or legal name change document. There is a $5.00 fee for the office to remake a licensure card and $25.00 for a new large certificate. If you have lost your card and need a replacement send $5.00 to the office.

2.  How to get a verification of licensure?

            An individual or company must send the board office a check for $5.00 and a request in writing for a verification of licensure.

      3.  How to get a list of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists in Oklahoma?

An individual or company must send the board office a check for $25.00 and a letter listing the database items wanted on the list. Example:  First Name, Last Name, Address, City, State, Zip Code, License Number, License Type, etc. The individual or company must provide their e-mail address or mailing address. The list will then be e-mailed or burned to a CD in Excel format.  

      4.  Do I have to prove citizenship in Oklahoma to be licensed?

            Currently the federal and state laws prohibit licensure of an individual without proof of citizenship. You will find this form under             "licensure information" in "forms."

      5.  How many continuing education hours must a licensee complete to remain licensed in Oklahoma?

           Clock hours required for license renewal.  

A minimum of twenty (20) clock hours of acceptable continuing education will be required for renewal of a license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology in a two year period.  The continuing education period begins in January of every odd-numbered year.  A speech-language pathologist or audiologist obtaining initial licensure during a two year period shall have his or her continuing education requirement prorated to 2.5 clock hours per full quarter remaining in that period 

      Exceptions to the requirements.  

Exceptions to the pre-approval requirement may be granted at the discretion of the Board for programs presented by recognized sponsors whose programs have been pre-approved by the Board.  The university academic semester hour is equivalent to fifteen (15) clock hours, and shall be verified by the presentation of an official academic transcript showing course or audit credits.  The licensee is ultimately responsible for providing all information necessary for the Board to make a final determination concerning the acceptability of any requested continuing education hours.

      6.   Applications for licensure must be received one week before each board meeting.  Information received after that time will be             accepted and approved at the next scheduled Board meeting.

      7.    What is the education requirements for an audiology license in Oklahoma?

              Requirements for Audiology Licensure

After December 31, 2006, each audiology applicant shall hold not less than a post baccalaureate residential professional doctor of audiology degree (Au.D) from a regionally accredited academic institution, a post-masters distance education professional doctor of audiology degree (Au.D.) from a regionally accredited academic institution, a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) with emphasis in audiology from a regionally accredited academic institution, or its equivalent as determined by the Board.

8.   Does a licensee have to be tax compliant to practice in the state of Oklahoma

        State License Income Tax Compliance Information
        Section 238.1 - Application for State License -- Compliance with State Income Tax Laws

A. Upon receipt of an application for the issuance, renewal, reinstatement or transfer of a state license, the licensing entity shall notify the Oklahoma Tax Commission that the application has been received and shall supply such information as may be requested by the Tax Commission for purposes of implementing the provisions of this section. The provisions of any laws making application information confidential shall not apply with respect to information supplied to the Tax Commission pursuant to the provisions of this section; provided, such information shall be subject to the provisions of Section 205 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B. A state license shall not be issued, renewed, reinstated or transferred until the Tax Commission has verified that the individual applying for the license is in compliance with state income tax laws and has so notified the licensing entity. The Tax Commission shall make every effort to verify such information and notify the licensing entity in a timely manner. If the only reason for delaying action on a license application is the lack of notification pursuant to the provisions of this section, the licensing entity shall proceed to act on the license application within thirty (30) days of receipt of notification by the Tax Commission. 

C. If the Tax Commission finds that the individual applying for the license is not in compliance with state income tax laws, it shall so notify the licensing entity, which shall deny the application and notify the applicant of the reason for denial. A licensing entity shall not be held liable for any action with respect to a state license pursuant to the provisions of this section. 

D. The State Regents for Higher Education are hereby directed to provide information received from state licensing entities pursuant to the provisions of Section 623 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, including Social Security numbers, to the Tax Commission for use in the implementation of the provisions of this section. The Tax Commission shall promulgate rules for the implementation of the provisions of this section. 

E. As used in this section: 

1. "State license" means a license, certificate, registration, permit, approval or other similar document issued by a licensing entity granting to an individual or business a right or privilege to engage in a profession, occupation or business in this state; and 

2. "Licensing entity" means a bureau, department, division, board, agency, commission or other entity of this state or of a municipality in this state that issues a state license. 

 If you have any questions please contact the Professional Licensing Compliance Unit of the Oklahoma Tax Commission at 405-522-6800.