If you’re interested in pursuing a career in Speech-Language Pathology, the ASHA SLPA Certificate Program Online might just be the passport you need. ASHA certification is one of the highest credentials you can have in the field and this can provide you many opportunities in terms of your career. This blog post will take a closer look at the ASHA SLPA Certificate Program including the benefits, standards to enjoy the program, the certification process, exam details, job opportunities as well as where to find them.
ASHA Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Certification
Certification signifies professionalism and competency. The ASHA certification for SLPAs (C-SLPA) assures that SLPAs have met the standards to provide quality care. Therein lies an emphasis for SLPAs to be successful in their practice and have the recognition of their skills and knowledge for career advancement and patient well-being as well.
The C-SLPA certification is an addition to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) dedicated to working under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in delivering speech, language, and hearing services. This attestation of certification indicates SLPAs have fulfilled various academic and clinical requirements, met professional standards, and maintain a commitment to continuing education.
Benefits of ASHA Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Certificate
Career Building Opportunities
Career Scope of ASHA Certification ASHA certified professionals have countless career opportunities. There are abundant job boards, career resources, and professional development opportunities for certified SLPAs. ASHA Career Portal: A valuable job search and career planning resource.
Access to Mentoring and Networking
Certified SLPAs also have the opportunity to participate in the Assistants Mentoring program, where they can learn from seasoned professionals. Connection– The ASHA Community and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) offer networking opportunities where SLPAs can connect with their peers and subject matter experts, creating a space for professional growth and collaboration.
Knowledge and Learning Resources
ASHA offers ASHAwire, which includes access to journals, articles and the ASHA Leader. Practice Portal and Evidence Maps Supporting Evidence-Based Practice SLPAs also have many opportunities for continuing education, including workshops and self-study products to stay current with the latest evidence-based practices.
Money-Saving Discounts
ASHA-certified assistants experience substantial savings on a multitude of products and services. Other benefits include discounted insurance, car rentals, hotel reservations, and professional development resources. Also, they save more than 50% on registration fees for the ASHA Convention.
Standards for Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
To become a certified Speech Language Pathology assistant, you must meet the following standards:
Standard I: Degree
Standard II: Education
Standard III: Clinical Supervised Experience
Standard IV: Assessment
Standard V: Assistants Code of Conduct
Standard VI: Maintenance of Certification
Overview of CFCC Standards
The Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) established the standards for the C-SLPA. The standards also ensure that every SLPA who has received the certification will adhere to the same benchmarks, thereby guaranteeing a consistent level of proficiency throughout the field.
Educational and Degree Requirements
Eligibility to take the C-SLPA includes being an associate degree holder from a college accredited with an SLPA program or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. They also need to complete coursework in the essentials of speech-language pathology.
Clinical Supervised Experience
Candidates need to finish 100 hours of clinical fieldwork, which is supervised by a SLP with ASHA accreditation. The experiential component is critical to developing practical skills and preparing to work in professional practice.
Assessment and Code of Conduct
Thirdly, you must pass the Assistants Certification Exam, which assesses the knowledge and skills of the candidates. They are also bound by the ASHA Assistants Code of Conduct that establishes ethical and professional standards.
Maintenance of Certification
Certification isn’t a one-and-done accomplishment. SLPAs are required to maintain their credentials by fulfilling continuing education requirements and paying annual fees. This helps them to stay upto date with the practice and eligibility criteria of the level field.
Meet ASHA’s Current Certification Standards and Requirements: Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification Standards
Process for Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Certification
Let’s break down the certification process into manageable steps:
Step 1: Choose SLPA Eligibility Education Pathway
To become an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA), candidates must fulfill the requirements in the Standards for SLPA Certification, which include:
- Meeting degree and education requirements
- Passing a national exam
- Adhering to the Assistants Code of Conduct
Eligibility Pathways
Applicants for ASHA SLPA certification must complete one of three pathways:
Option 1:
- Earn a 2-year SLPA program degree from an accredited institution (e.g., associate’s degree)
- Complete three 1-hour prerequisite courses (ethics, safety precautions, patient confidentiality)
- Fulfill the clinical fieldwork requirement
Option 2:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution
- Complete ASHA’s online SLPA education modules or equivalent coursework
- Complete three 1-hour prerequisite courses
- Fulfill the clinical fieldwork requirement
Option 3:
- Earn a college degree (associate’s or bachelor’s) from an accredited institution
- Complete an SLPA certificate program or equivalent academic coursework in specified areas (communication disorders, phonetics, etc.)
- Complete ASHA’s online SLPA education modules or equivalent coursework
- Complete three 1-hour prerequisite courses
- Fulfill the clinical fieldwork requirement
Prerequisite Courses
All applicants must complete the following 1-hour courses, within two years of applying:
- Ethics
- Universal safety precautions
- Patient confidentiality (HIPAA, FERPA)
Clinical Hours
Applicants must complete at least 100 clinical hours, including:
- 80 hours of direct services under ASHA-certified SLP supervision
- 20 hours of indirect services under ASHA-certified SLP supervision
Clinical hours must be verified online by the supervisor and can be obtained through academic practicum or on-the-job experience.
Direct Clinical Contact Activities
Under the supervision of an SLP, direct clinical activities may include:
- Screening for speech, language, and hearing issues
- Assisting during assessments
- Administering assessment tools within the SLPA Scope of Practice
- Providing direct therapy services
Indirect Clinical Contact Activities
Under the supervision of an SLP, indirect clinical activities may include:
- Reviewing sessions and planning future services with the SLP
- Preparing materials for clinical services
- Attending consultations or team meetings with the SLP
- Documenting results and entering data for billing purposes
By meeting these educational and practical experience requirements, candidates can achieve certification and the C-SLPA credential.
Step 2: Complete Mandatory ASHA’s SLPA Certificate Program Online Modules
Complete 100 hours of clinical fieldwork as an SLPA student or under an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist. Observation or simulation hours do not count. These hours must be completed within five years of applying for the C-SLPA and can be verified by your supervisor. Also, complete 1-hour courses in ethics, universal safety precautions, and patient confidentiality, and finish ASHA’s online SLPA education modules if required.
Step 3: Apply for the Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification (C-SLPA)
To apply for certification, candidates must submit an application and pay the initial certification fee of $249. They must also provide official transcripts and certificates of completion.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification Handbook
The certification handbook provides detailed information on the application process, required documentation, and certification standards. It is an essential resource for candidates.
SLPA Certification Handbook[PDF]
ASHA’s assistants certification operates on a calendar year. The fees are as follows:
- Initial certification fee: $249 (includes exam and up to two years of certification and benefits)
- Annual renewal fee: $125 (due December 31 each year)
- Retest fee: $99
If an applicant is ineligible or withdraws, they will receive a refund minus a $50 processing fee.
Benefits start from the application submission date and continue for the rest of that year plus the following year. For instance, applying in January 2024 grants benefits for 2024 and 2025 (24 months total), while applying in May 2024 grants benefits for the rest of 2024 and all of 2025 (20 months total).
Submit the full initial fee with your application.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification Official Transcription
Submit your official transcript as part of the required documentation.
It can be sent:
- Electronically by your institution to assistants@asha.org
- By mail to ASHA, 2200 Research Blvd #313, Rockville, MD 20850
The transcript must show your degree and the date it was awarded. ASHA must receive it from the registrar within 60 days of your application. Your degree must be verified before you can be approved to take the national exam.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification Disclosure Questions
When applying for assistant certification, you must answer the following questions:
- Have you been convicted, found guilty, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any misdemeanor involving dishonesty, physical harm, or threats, or any felony?
- Are you currently indicted or charged with any misdemeanor involving dishonesty, physical harm, or threats, or any felony?
- Have you been disciplined or sanctioned by any professional association, licensing authority, or regulatory body, or denied a license or professional credential by any such entity?
If you answer “yes” to any question, you must submit:
- Certified copies of court records or docket entries.
- Certified copies of government records showing pleas and/or convictions and evidence of remediation.
- Certified copies of documentation from the professional agency showing the denial, discipline, or sanctions, and evidence of remediation if applicable.
- A résumé detailing your work history since the offense.
A certified copy is an official, authenticated copy of an original document, verified by an authorized person with a dated stamp or notation.
Applications with a “yes” response require extra processing time and review by the CFCC. Answering “yes” does not automatically disqualify you from certification; all relevant factors will be considered.
ASHA Assistants Certification for International Applicants
ASHA offers voluntary certification for audiology assistants and speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs). Individuals educated outside the United States are eligible to apply.
Key Points for International Applicants:
- Applicants must reside in the U.S.
- The certification exam is only available in the U.S.
- Certification is distinct from state licensing and is not interchangeable with state board requirements.
- Contact state regulatory agencies for specific employment requirements.
Application Process:
- Follow the application steps for audiology assistants or SLPAs.
- Obtain a credential evaluation report from a NACES member agency to verify your degree equivalency.
- The report must be original and not older than two years.
- If needed, request an update instead of a full review.
- ASHA will evaluate your NACES report to ensure it meets the education pathway requirements.
- Submit an official undergraduate transcript and, if necessary, an English-translated version.
- Transcripts must be original.
- ASHA may request additional course descriptions and syllabi.
Mailing Address: ASHA 2200 Research Blvd. #313 Rockville, MD 20850
Step 4: Application Review Period
The application review process can take up to six weeks from the date the last document is received. During this period, ASHA verifies the candidate’s qualifications and documentation.
Step 5: Approval for Speech Language Pathology Assistants Exam
Once the application is approved, candidates receive an Exam Eligibility ID, allowing them to register for the Assistants Certification Exam. They have 365 days to take the exam from the date of approval.
- ASHA SLPA Certification Exam – Date | Syllabus | Programs | Prep
- ASHA SLPA Certification Exam Practice Test Questions Free
Step 6: Get Certified with Certificate of Speech Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA)
After passing the exam, candidates are awarded the C-SLPA certification. They receive an ASHA affiliate card and an award letter. Certified SLPAs can now use the C-SLPA designation and access all the benefits of certification.
Step 7: Maintenance of Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification (C-SLPA)
Certified SLPAs must maintain their certification by completing a certification maintenance assessment module every three years. They must also adhere to the ASHA Assistants Code of Conduct and pay annual fees.
How to Verify ASHA Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certificate (C-SLPA)
Employers and consumers can verify an assistant’s certification status through the ASHA website. Verification ensures that the assistant has met all standards and maintains current certification.
Online Verification System
ASHA provides a free Online Certification Verification System, enabling employers, regulatory agencies, and clients to easily verify the certification status of audiologists. This system offers a quick and reliable way to confirm an individual’s credentials.
Verification Letter Requests
If needed, official verification letters can be requested from ASHA. These letters are printed on ASHA letterhead and include detailed information about the certificate holder’s credentials. Requests can be made via email or phone.
- E-mail: certification@asha.org
- Phone: Action Center at 800-498-2071, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern time (Monday–Friday)
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Jobs and Salary in the USA
The salary of an SLPA can vary widely based on factors such as location, experience, and work setting. Here are some general figures:
Median Salary
- Median Annual Salary: Approximately $48,000 – $55,000.
Salary by Experience
- Entry-Level: Around $40,000 – $45,000 per year.
- Mid-Career: Around $50,000 – $55,000 per year.
- Experienced: Up to $60,000 or more per year.
Salary by Location
Salaries can vary significantly by state and city due to differences in cost of living and demand for services. Here are some examples:
- California: $50,000 – $65,000
- Texas: $45,000 – $55,000
- New York: $50,000 – $60,000
- Florida: $45,000 – $55,000
Job Outlook
In fact, awareness of speech and language disorders and the demand for early intervention services are expected to drive growth for SLPAs in the future. You may work in several environments, including:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing care facilities
Employment Settings and Job Satisfaction
SLPAs pursue fulfilling careers in environments where they can have a meaningful role in clients’ communication skills. [9–11] High job satisfaction is common in this field, owing to the significant positive effects on patients’ lives and the collaborative nature of the work.[9–11]
Summary of Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification (C-SLPA)
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification (C-SLPA) offered by ASHA is a key certification for the people in this field. Certification meets high standards of care and increases career opportunities while offering numerous benefits for certified SLPAs. This certification process includes education, clinical training, and examinations.
FAQs about Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification (C-SLPA)
First, you must complete an accredited SLPA program or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 100 hours of clinical fieldwork. After that, you may pursue ASHA certification.
SLPAs work with SLPs to provide therapy and assessment services to individuals with communication disorders. They assist in the configuration of assessment environments, facilitate and administer assessments, offer direct therapy and record patient progress.
How long it takes depends on the educational path taken. Associate degree programs usually take approximately two years to finish up, including clinical fieldwork. Certification requirements may take longer to complete.
Completion of an accredited SLPA program or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, as well as a minimum of 100 hours of supervised clinical work experience, is needed for eligibility. Candidates are also required to complete certain courses and take the certification exam.
The median salary for SLPAs in the USA is around $50,000 per year, though this can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of employer.
SLPA Certification is a credential provided by ASHA to individuals who assist speech-language pathologists in clinical settings. It validates their skills and knowledge in the field.
To get SLPA Certification, you must complete the required education, finish ASHA’s online modules, apply, and pass the certification exam.
No, SLPA certification by ASHA is a separate credential and is not covered by NCIB Certificates.
Yes, an SLPA can work with just the SLPA Certificate, though additional state-specific requirements may apply depending on where you plan to work.
References:
- About Assistants Certification
- Apply for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification (C-SLPA)
- 2020 Standards for ASHA Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification
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