New graduate applications
are now open!

If you have just finished your speech pathology course and are applying for Certified Practising membership (CPSP) for the first time, you can apply for an 18-month new graduate membership from 1 December.

Applications are processed in the order they are received. To be fair to all applicants, we are unable to fast track applications. To ensure a smooth process please ensure that all required documentation has been uploaded to your application.

Have you recently completed your course?

Joining Speech Pathology Australia as a new graduate opens the door to exclusive benefits, including professional recognition as a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP). With membership, you'll gain access to valuable resources, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs that will strengthen your skills and knowledge as you embark on your career. You'll also receive invitations to networking events that foster industry connections, along with discounts on insurance and financial services, essential for a successful start in speech pathology.

Speech Pathology Australia's membership year runs from 1 July to 30 June, with renewal payments due annually. If you are applying for membership between 1 June and 30 November you will join for one year, and if you are applying between 1 December and 31 May your membership will run for 18 months to bring you in line with the membership year.

How much will my new graduate membership cost?

New graduates applying from 1 December 2025 will receive an 18-month membership, running from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2027. Membership fees are set for the full membership period and are not prorated. Members applying partway through the year will be charged the full 18-month fee, so the earlier you apply, the better value you’ll get.

Current student members may receive a discount on their new graduate membership if ALL the following criteria are met:

The discount will be automatically applied for eligible members. Members who receive a discount will only be shown the reduced price; the discount level will not display.

You can choose to pay for your membership in full or in monthly or quarterly recurring payments. Find out more about recurring payments.

Please note that the payment schedule for new graduates is different due to the extended 18-month membership term. Please see the table below for an indication of how many payments will be made, based on the month of application.

This table is a guide only and is subject to change.

How to apply

You don't have to wait for graduation, you can apply as soon as you receive your course completion documents!

To apply, you'll need a secure digital copy of your degree or official transcript. You can:

• upload or link it via the My eQuals portal, or
• attach a certified copy of your degree or official transcript to your application.

These documents confirm your qualifications, making the application process smooth and efficient.

If you have completed your course but don't have access to the documents listed above, please contact our membership team to discuss your options.

If you already have an account with us, please ensure that you log in before you start your application. If you are a current student membership paying in instalments, you will need to pay the remaining balance in full prior to beginning the form otherwise the discount will not apply. Please contact [email protected] to request an invoice.

When will my membership be approved?

Membership applications are processed in the order they are received and are typically reviewed by our team within 10 business days. If we don’t receive sufficient evidence with your application, you will be contacted by email and delays may occur.

Our office will be closed from 24 December 2025 and will reopen on 5 January 2026.

 Applications will not be processed during this period so please apply early to avoid delays. 

What does CPSP mean?

The Certification Program ensures that speech pathologists provide safe, culturally responsive, effective, and evidence-based services. New graduates join Speech Pathology Australia as CPSP with provisional status. This is a transitional status prior to progressing to Full Certification. CPSP status allows speech pathologists to provide services under funding schemes like Medicare, private health funds, the Commonwealth Home Support Program, and the NDIS. 

Each year, you will need to renew your membership and declare your hours of learning for the previous membership period. All CPSPs must engage in a minimum of 20 hours of learning each year that includes the following learning activities:

• a minimum of 2 hours receipt of professional support
• a minimum of 2 hours of cultural learning i.e., learning that supports cultural responsiveness and culturally safe practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities.

You can read more about your ongoing certification requirements here. You will need to meet these requirements each year, regardless of whether you are transitioning to full CPSP or renewing with provisional status.

What are the provisional requirements?

Provisional status must be held for a minimum of 12 months. To transition to Full Certification, speech pathologists with Provisional Certification must complete the following: 

• minimum of 12 hours of supervision or mentoring from a more experienced speech pathologist. At least 6 of the 12 supervision or mentoring hours must be earned in 1:1 interactions (i.e., not group supervision or mentoring)
• completion of the ethics education requirements specified by the Association
• completion of the evidence-based practice education requirements specified by the Association
• accrual of a minimum of 200 speech pathology practice hours.

Changes to the minimum recency of practice hours requirements have been imposed by the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professionals (NASRHP). We will be accepting 200 hours as detailed above for the last time, during the 2026-27 renewal period. Learning and Professional Support requirements have not changed. See this link for more details: 2026 Recency of Practice and FAQs.

The requirements to transition to Full Certification must be completed within 3 years of speech pathology degree completion, or by the end of that membership period. 

If you have met the requirements, have held provisional status for at least 12 months and are moving overseas prior to your next renewal, please contact [email protected] for assistance. Otherwise, once you have met the requirements, you can move to full certification at your next renewal.

View How to transition to Full CPSP 

Where can I go for support?

Our Early career support page contains resources which will help as you get started in your new career.

If you have any questions about your membership or need help with your application, please contact our membership team on 1300 368 835 or by emailing  SPA and we will be happy to assist.