ASHA SLPA Certification Exam – Date | Syllabus | Programs | Prep: Here we are going to discuss the ASHA SLPA Certification Exam, an important step for anyone wanting to be a certified Speech Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA). The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) oversees the certification process for speech-language pathology assistant certification, as approved by the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC). We will cover everything about the ASHA SLPA Certification Exam, including exam dates, exam syllabus, programs, and preparation.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA) Exam
This exam is intended to examine the competency of speech language pathology assistants (SLPA) according to ASHA certification. It assesses the candidate having an understanding of their scope of practice, supervision requirements and key duties performed in their position. The exam is constructed with contributions from a wide array of experts, including educators, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and practicing assistants, to ensure that it meets the current standards and best practices in the field.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA) Exam Passing Score
The CFCC determines the passing score for the ASHA SLPA Certification Exam. For audiology assistants and SLPAs, the present passing score is defined as 162. This score indicates that the candidate has reached the minimum level of competency necessary to perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA) Exam Preparation
Preparing for the ASHA SLPA Certification Exam requires a strategic approach. Here are some key steps to help you get ready:
- Review the Exam Blueprint: Familiarize yourself with the exam content by thoroughly reviewing the exam blueprint. This document outlines the topics covered and their respective weightings.
- Create a Study Plan: Based on your knowledge in each topic area, develop a study plan. Allocate more time to areas where you feel less confident.
- Use Exam Resources: Utilize the study materials and resources recommended by ASHA. These resources are tailored to help you understand the exam content and format.
- Practice with Sample Questions: Engage with practice questions to get a feel for the types of questions that will appear on the exam. This will help you build confidence and improve your time management skills during the test.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA) Exam Registration
Registering for the ASHA SLPA Certification Exam involves several steps:
- Application Approval: Ensure that your application and required documentation are approved by ASHA.
- Certification Fee: Pay the initial certification fee of $249, which includes the exam and one year of affiliation with ASHA.
- Exam Scheduling: Once approved, you will receive a unique Exam Eligibility ID and a registration link. Use this link to select a convenient test date and location through Prometric. You have one year to schedule and take the exam from the date of approval.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA) Exam Blueprint/Syllabus
The SLPA Exam Blueprint [PDF] is a detailed guide developed through extensive research and analysis by SLPAs, SLPs, and educators. It ensures that the exam content reflects the latest data and best practices in the field. Key areas covered in the exam include:
- Providing Services by SLPA (75%)
- Providing Administrative Support by SLPA (20%)
- Participating in Prevention and Advocacy by SLPA (5%)
Reviewing the blueprint is essential for understanding what to expect on the exam and how to focus your study efforts.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA) Exam Practice Questions
Practicing with sample questions is a crucial part of exam preparation. The types of questions included in the SLPA exam are designed to test your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Regular practice will help you become familiar with the exam format and improve your ability to answer questions accurately and efficiently.
ASHA SLPA Certification Exam Practice Test Questions Free
Speech Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA) Exam Resources
To support your exam preparation, ASHA provides a range of resources, including:
Issues in Ethics: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
This Issues in Ethics statement aims to offer guidance for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) and their supervisors. SLPAs support speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in delivering a variety of services across different work settings. They are known by various titles, including SLPA, communication aide, paraprofessional, speech aide, technician, and therapy assistant, and may hold different credentials from various organizations or training programs.
The regulation of SLPAs may vary, with some being subject to state laws and regulations, and their activities may or may not be acknowledged by different funding sources. Given the differences in standards, licensure, and practice issues across states, this Issues in Ethics statement outlines ASHA’s policy regarding the use of SLPAs. It does not supersede federal laws and regulations or existing state licensure laws, nor does it affect the interpretation or application of such laws. The Code provides ethical content guidance regarding SLPA practice parameters for members and certificate holders.
Issues in Ethics: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Medicaid Toolkit
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program to render medical assistance to the poor and the medically needy. Audiology and speech-language pathology services are included as part of services that are covered under Medicaid. Although the federal government establishes general parameters, each state is free to administer its own program. This involves establishing income eligibility criteria, specifying the type, amount, duration, and scope of covered services, and determining payment rates. State program plans are subject to review and approval by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for compliance.
This information was developed by the Medicaid Committee of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). It tackles critical issues regarding Medicaid services for audiology and speech-language pathology.
Medicare Frequently Asked Questions: SLPs
Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that pays for health coverage for qualifying low-income individuals and families. Medicaid coverage of audiology and speech-language pathology services is important to understand for both providers and beneficiaries. These services must be performed by qualified providers who meet specific Medicaid criteria, including certifications and state licensure. Referral, in some cases, is needed to offer such services to beneficiaries of Medicaid.
Services covered under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) program include necessary screenings, diagnostics, and treatments for individuals under 21. Medicaid distinguishes between mandatory services, which all states must provide, and optional services, which states can choose to offer. Payment determinations are made by state Medicaid agencies according to federal guidelines. Each state’s Medicaid plan, detailing covered services and provider qualifications, can be found on the respective state’s Medicaid website.
Medicare Frequently Asked Questions: SLPs
Practice Portal
The ASHA Practice Portal is designed to support audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and their assistants by providing valuable resources for clinical decision-making and enhancing practice efficiency. It offers access to curated and peer-reviewed content on various clinical and professional topics, along with tools and templates to aid in clinical practice. The portal covers a wide range of subjects, including accent modification, apraxia of speech, audiology assistance, augmentative and alternative communication, and balance system disorders.
Additionally, it provides resources on documentation, early intervention, fluency disorders, hearing loss, intellectual disability, and much more. Clients and patients can benefit from consumer resources and handouts available on the portal. By linking to the latest evidence and offering comprehensive resources, the ASHA Practice Portal aims to enhance the quality of care and professional service delivery in audiology and speech-language pathology. Learn more about the content development process on the portal.
Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology
It is a 24-page document titled “Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology,” which was approved by the ASHA Legislative Council in November 2004. This practical tool offers a set of performance-based standards covering a broad array of procedures and practices within the field and serves as a guideline for certified speech-language pathologists. These arrangements are to ensure their quality and flexibility for varied practice and innovation[ for qualityMix].
The document comprises a preamble and policy documents, followed by key components/guiding principles, clinical processes, settings, equipment specifications, safety and health precautions, and documentation. It discusses different evaluation and treatment classification systems, as well as the use of speech-language screening, swallowing screening, audiologic screening, communication assessment, and intervention for various populations. They follow the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and they are updated from time to time to incorporate new discoveries in science.
Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology
Self-Assessment for Cultural Competence
In what ways has culture influenced our everyday interactions? Are you aware that concepts such as eye contact, assertiveness, and comfort with silence in conversation all are determined by cultural norms? Do you know what your values are, and how they affect you?
Your point of view influences not only you, but also the care you deliver. How do you engage with people whose experiences do not mirror yours? It’s important to reflect on yourself, your practice and workplace policies, which mirror broader systems and attitudes. Self-assessment can be a productive exercise that gives you crucial information so you can keep checking in with yourself as an ongoing process.
Self-Assessment for Cultural Competence
Scope of Practice for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
The Scope of Practice for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) was established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Ad Hoc Committee to Update the Scope of Practice for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. Formed by a resolution approved in January 2021 by the ASHA Board of Directors, the committee included Jerrold Jackson, MA, CCC-SLP (chair, Texas), Tyler T. Christopulos, PhD, CCC-SLP (Utah), Erin Judd, C-SLPA (Minnesota), Ashley Northam, CCC-SLP (Oregon), Katie Orzechowski, MS, CCC-SLP (Illinois), Jennifer Schultz, MA, CCC-SLP (South Dakota), Nancy Thul, MS, CCC-SLP (Minnesota), Nicole Wilson-Friend, C-SLPA (California), and Lemmietta McNeilly, PhD, CCC-SLP (ex officio), with Linda I. Rosa-Lugo, EdD, CCC-SLP, as Board liaison. The committee was made up of ASHA-certified SLPs and SLPAs who have vast experience in a variety of clinical settings.
It serves to help SLPAs and their supervisors make ethical choices about the parameters for SLPAs practice. It describes the proper utilization of SLPAs and defines their role in the clinical setting. The guidelines were developed by reviewing current standards, certification requirements, academic and clinical training methods, and stakeholder feedback. Given the variability in standards and credentialing across states, this document provides ASHA’s guidelines for SLPA practice in treating communication disorders across different settings.
Scope of Practice for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Infection Control
This resource compilation is designed to assist audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) across various practice settings in safeguarding themselves, their clients, students, and patients from infections. A variety of resources, including webinars, guidelines, and infection prevention activities, are available from organizations such as ASHA, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Canadian Interorganizational Group for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The CDC also offers detailed information on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and state-based prevention activities.
These resources are invaluable for deepening your understanding of the field and ensuring you are well-prepared for the exam.
ADA Accommodations
ASHA is committed to providing equal access to the certification exam for all candidates. If you require ADA accommodations, you must provide documentation from a qualified professional who has assessed your need for specific accommodations. Examples of documentation include:
- Recommendations from qualified professionals
- Proof of past testing accommodations
- Observations by educators
- Results from psycho-educational evaluations
- History of diagnosis
- Personal statements regarding accommodation needs
Submit your documentation to ASHA’s Certification Department to request the necessary accommodations.
Nondisclosure Agreement
The ASHA SLPA Certification Exam is confidential and proprietary. Candidates must not record, copy, reproduce, disclose, publish, or transmit any part of the exam content. Participating in the creation of exam prep activities or study guides is prohibited for one year following the exam. By taking the exam, candidates agree to these terms, ensuring the integrity and security of the exam process.
Retest Policy
Should you not score a passing score of 162 or above, may retake the exam a maximum of two additional times within a one-year period from the original approval. To reattempt the exam, you will need to pay a $99 retest fee and schedule a new test date. Failure to pass within the three attempts results in closing your application, and you will need to submit a new application in accordance with the current certification guidelines.
Summary of ASHA SLPA Certification Exam – Date | Syllabus | Programs | Prep
ASHA SLPA Certification Exam is an Important Certification for Exploring Your Career as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant The test format, passing points, preparation methods, exam registration, and resources are essential for success. However, with the right resources and preparation, you can obtain your certification and begin your career as an SLPA.
FAQs about ASHA SLPA Certification Exam – Date | Syllabus | Programs | Prep
The passing score for both audiology assistants and SLPAs is 162.
The initial certification fee is $249, which includes the exam and one year of affiliation with ASHA. Retests cost $99 each.
ASHA provides various resources, including ethical guidelines, practice portals, preferred practice patterns, and self-assessment tools for cultural competence.
After your application is approved, you will receive a unique Exam Eligibility ID and registration link to schedule your exam through Prometric.
ASHA offers ADA accommodations. You must provide documentation from a qualified professional to support your request and submit it to ASHA’s Certification Department.
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