23 July 2025
All you need to know about taking your next steps to become a speech and language therapist.
Across the UK, many speech and language therapy students are finishing off their final year at university. We want to say a massive well done to all student SLTs completing your courses! So, what next? The RCSLT is here to help you during the important transition to become a Newly Qualified Practitioner (NQP) and in your future career as a speech and language therapist.
Upgrading to NQP membership
Over the coming weeks, higher education institutions will share information of students who have passed their qualifications with the RCSLT. Our membership team will then email successful students and confirm your pending upgrade to NQP membership. Please make sure your contact details are up to date on your member profile online. Tip: It’s best to use your personal email address rather than student email address. We will direct you to complete a short online membership form (you need to be logged in to your RCSLT account) and you can choose your preferred option for paying the upgraded membership fee. Take a look at the membership overview to understand the different membership categories, fees and benefits. The below video outlines the benefits of newly qualified practitioner membership. Or watch on YouTube where subtitles are available.
Starting your career
We understand how the lead up to achieving an NQP role can be a challenging and uncertain time for many student SLTs and transitioning into the workforce can feel overwhelming. We have worked with members to develop two resources to support you:
- a visual guide for your journey to becoming an NQP
- a set of practical tips for both NQPs and supervisors to help make the transition easier
If you’re looking for a job, explore the career options within speech and language therapy and make sure to regularly check the RCSLT jobs board.
If you already have a job offer, congratulations! Remember that to work as a speech and language therapist in any sector you will need to apply for HCPC registration. Take some time before you start your new role to look at our learning resources, including some short e-learning courses.
Your journey to certification
The RCSLT NQP goals support learning and development in your first years of practice and provide evidence of your readiness to transfer to certified membership. RCSLT NQP membership enables you to access the CPD online diary where you will identify, reflect and provide evidence of reaching your NQP goals. Find everything you’ll need in your member dashboard on the RCSLT website.
Contact us
If you have any further questions about your RCSLT membership, please contact us on 020 7378 3010 or email membership@rcslt.org.
