Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for Speech-Language Pathologists

Information for SAC Certified S-LPs

Information for Certified/Full Members of ASHA, IASLT, NZSTA, Speech Pathology Australia and RCSLT

The MRA for speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) allows for mutual recognition of the substantial equivalence of certification or full membership of the following associations:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT)

New Zealand Speech-language Therapists Association (NZSTA) 

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) 

Speech Pathology Australia

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) 

To obtain mutual recognition, S-LPs must have undertaken their professional education in a country that is signatory to the MRA AND fall within one of the following categories:

The MRA Signatory Associations recognize that national, state or provincial/territorial licensing or registration may be required to practice in a particular jurisdiction whether or not the S-LP is certified or holds full membership with one of the associations. 

The MRA agreement does not apply to national, state or provincial/territorial licensing or registration that may be required to practice in a particular jurisdiction.

Information for SAC Certified S-LPs

The MRA allows SAC certified S-LPs access to expedited application processes for certification or full membership of the national professional speech-language pathology associations of Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

For information about the MRA application process, please contact the relevant professional national association:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT)

New Zealand Speech-language Therapists Association (NZSTA)

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)

Speech Pathology Australia

Information for Certified/Full Members of ASHA, IASLT, NZSTA, Speech Pathology Australia and RCSLT

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) is the national professional association that represents S-LPs, audiologists and communication health assistants in Canada. SAC membership is voluntary and has many benefits.

The MRA allows certified or full members of the national professional speech-language pathology associations of Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States access to expedited application processes for SAC membership and certification. To obtain mutual recognition, S-LPs must have undertaken their professional education in a country that is signatory to the MRA.

The profession of speech-language pathology is regulated in all Canadian provinces except for Prince Edward Island, and the Northern Territories. To work in a province where S-LPs are regulated, an S-LP must register with the regulatory body in order to practice. Employers in the province and territories without regulatory bodies may require SAC membership and certification.

Please contact the applicable regulatory body for information about registration processes, in addition to completing the SAC MRA application.

ASHA CCC-SLP holder

Full member of IASLT

Full member of NZSTA

Certified Member of RCSLT

Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist of Speech Pathology Australia