Certification Standards for Speech-Language Pathology Frequently Asked Questions: Forms and Documentation

• Where is the paper application for the 2020 standards?
• How will student progress in meeting the certification standards to be documented?
• What happens if it is determined that a student has not met all of the requisite knowledge and skills for certification?
• What must be submitted when applying for certification?
• Can I apply for certification if I have not yet completed the Praxis exam?
• Once I submit my application, how long will it take to learn whether or not I have been certified?
• Does ASHA have a policy on pay for practicum?

Where is the paper application for the 2020 standards?

There is no longer a paper application available. Applicants must submit their application online, which expedites the process and is more secure. 

How will student progress in meeting the certification standards to be documented?

Programs may use the mechanisms of their choice to document and track student progress in the acquisition of knowledge and skills. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) will review an accredited program's process and forms to ensure compliance with its standard related to accurate record keeping. The Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) requires an applicant to file a certification application that contains the "Verification by Program Director" page to verify that the student has met the appropriate knowledge and skills mandated by the standards.

What happens if it is determined that a student has not met all of the requisite knowledge and skills for certification?

Programs must discuss their assessment of knowledge and skill acquisition with the student and it is anticipated that the program will work with the student to develop a plan to address the need for further development. It is the program's responsibility to ensure that the student has met all of the knowledge and skills prior to signing the application for ASHA certification.

What must be submitted when applying for certification?

Please consult How to Apply for Certification in Speech-Language Pathology for complete submission information for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).

Can I apply for certification if I have not yet completed the Praxis exam?

Yes. Individuals are eligible to apply for certification once all graduate level academic course work and clinical practicum have been completed and they have been judged by the graduate program as having met all of the knowledge and skills mandated by the current standards.

Once I submit my application, how long will it take to learn whether or not I have been certified?

Please allow approximately six (6) weeks for the review of your completed application and all additional required documentation. Certification cannot be awarded until we have verified that all requirements of the standards have been met. You can check on the status of your application by emailing Certification Administration at certification@asha.org.

Does ASHA have a policy on pay for practicum?

ASHA policy allows students to receive pay for services they provide within the clinical practicum setting. However, some academic programs or state licensure laws may have policies that prohibit students from being paid for their practicum work. In such cases, ASHA defers to the university's or state's decision about such payment.