Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (AuD CCC-A): The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) grants the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (AuD CCC-A), a respected credential in the field. This denotes that the audiologist has studied through academic and practical levels to a high standard, and is recognised for their skills in the field, as well as displaying passion for clinical quality. Becoming AuD CCC-A certified is indicative of mastery in the field of audiology and offers a specific range of job opportunities.
ASHA Audiology Certification
What Does ASHA Certification Mean?
An ASHA-certified professional has achieved the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a high standard for excellence in audiology. These credential holders have (voluntarily) met rigorous academic and professional criteria above and beyond the baseline to receive state licensure. This certification assures that the audiologist has the knowledge, skills, and experience to identify, diagnose, and manage person-based hearing and balance concerns, as well as a commitment to a process of pervasive professional growth that verifies the maintenance of the certification.
ASHA’s Role in Professional Certification
ASHA, the nation’s leading professional, credentialing, and scientific organization for audiologists, has been setting and upholding the standards for audiology and speech-language pathology professions since 1926. ASHA collaborates with the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to develop the national examinations for these professions, ensuring that their certification standards are based on comprehensive skills validation studies and practice analyses.
Benefits of ASHA Certification for Clinical Audiologists
Employment Opportunities and Career Advancement
The ASHA Certification enhances an audiologist’s job opportunities and advancement potential. Widely recognized by all but a handful of state regulatory agencies, ASHA certification provides a means of job mobility–and may earn you a higher salary, as many states and school districts provide salary supplements to ASHA-certified persons.
Professional Credibility and Assurance to Clients
With the CCC, clients, other healthcare professionals, and employers can have faith that the certified audiologist is competent and involved in continuing education. The audiologist is also certified by this organization, reflecting their commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest professional standards.
Standards for ASHA Audiology Certification (AuD CCC-A)
Overview of Certification Standards
The Standards for obtaining the CCC-A are established by ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC). These standards ensure that certified audiologists have the necessary academic qualifications, knowledge, and skills to provide top-tier clinical services.
Standard I: Academic Qualifications
Standard II: Knowledge and Skills Outcomes
Standard III: Verification of Knowledge and Skills
Standard IV: Examination
Standard V: Maintenance of Certification
Academic Qualifications
To be eligible for the AuD CCC-A, applicants must hold a doctoral degree in audiology [e.g. Doctor of Audiology (AuD)] from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology (CAA).
Knowledge and Skills Outcomes
Applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in essential knowledge and skills through academic coursework and clinical practicum. These competencies are critical for effective clinical decision-making and patient care.
Examination Requirements
The first step is to pass the ASHA Audiology Praxis Examination, which is offered by ETS. This examination tests both the breadth of knowledge and the application of clinical skills by the candidate.
Maintenance of Certification
As for the certified audiologists, they need to undertake continuous professional development sessions for renewal of their certification. This way, they get to know everything new and advanced about the field of audiology.
Process for ASHA Audiology Certification (AuD CCC-A)
Step 1: Complete Graduate Doctoral Degree from CAA Accredited Program
Earning a doctoral degree [e.g. Doctor of Audiology (AuD)] from a CAA-accredited program is the first step towards obtaining the AuD CCC-A certification. This ensures that the educational foundation meets ASHA’s high standards.
Step 2: ASHA Audiology Praxis Examination
The Praxis Examination in Audiology is a critical component of ASHA’s certification standards. This exam, developed in collaboration with ETS, provides a thorough and validated assessment of the applicant’s knowledge and skills.
The Praxis Examination in Audiology is a key component of ASHA’s certification standards. ASHA commissions the development of the exam, which is facilitated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to ensure comprehensive, fair, and rigorously validated assessments. While ETS owns and administers the audiology Praxis exam as part of The Praxis II ®: Subject Assessments, ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) selects subject matter experts, determines the passing score, and reviews Praxis Exam Policies [PDF] for fairness.
Test takers are encouraged to take the new Praxis Audiology (5343) test. The required score for ASHA certification and state boards of examiners is 162 on the new scale (100–200). It is recommended that students take the exam during their final year of study, as it is outcome-based and relies on the student’s ability to engage in clinical decision-making.
ASHA will continue to accept a passing score on the previous Praxis test versions (5342 and 0342) if required by your state’s licensing agency. The passing score for these versions is 170.
We Provides key dates, syllabus details, and prep materials for the Audiology Praxis Exam, essential for audiologists seeking certification. Also offers free practice questions and a comprehensive study guide to help candidates prepare for the Audiology Praxis Exam effectively.
- ASHA Audiology Praxis Exam – Dates | Syllabus | Prep Materials
- Audiology Praxis Exam Practice Test Question Free – Study Guide
| Audiology Praxis Practice Test Free |
| Foundations of Audiology Prevention and Identification Assessment Intervention Professional Issues |
Step 3: Applying for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (AuD CCC-A)
When to Apply for AuD CCC-A
Applicants can apply for the AuD CCC-A certification any time after completing their doctoral degree from a CAA-accredited program.
The 2020 Standards for Certification in Audiology are now effective. Applicants for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) must apply under the standards in effect at the time ASHA receives their application.
For more details, refer to the Audiology Standards Crosswalk [PDF].
Please submit your application through our online application system. Applications based on the 2012 audiology standards are no longer accepted or available.
If you have graduated from a doctoral program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), or from a program with CAA-candidacy status, you can submit your online application any time after obtaining the required AuD degree (or its equivalent).
Important! If you did not complete all supervised clinical practicum hours under a CCC-A certificate holder during your doctoral program but have completed these hours post-graduation, you can still apply for ASHA certification. You will need to Submit an additional verification [PDF] from your post-graduate CCC-A supervisor. See Audiology Certification Standard III for details.
A complete application includes payment of your dues and fees.
Required Documents for AuD CCC-A
To apply, applicants must submit their passing Praxis exam scores, an official doctoral transcript, and any necessary disclosure documents if applicable.
To finalize your online certification application, please also provide the following documents:
- Passing Praxis exam scores (sent directly to ASHA from ETS).
- Official doctoral transcript* verifying the date and degree awarded (may be sent directly from the institution to certification@asha.org).
- Disclosure documents: If you answered yes to a disclosure question on the application, please review the requirements for certified copies of court or other legal documents.
*Internationally educated applicants: Please refer to the Certification Information for International Applicants to understand the requirements for ASHA certification.
Dues and Fees for AuD CCC-A
ASHA’s Certification and Membership programs run on a calendar year and have the following rates. Applications submitted between September 1 and December 31 will be processed for the current year and include membership and certification for the next year. Full payment must accompany your application based on your selected category.
Refund Policy: Applicants ineligible for ASHA certification or who withdraw within 1 year of the initial payment will receive a refund minus a $50 nonrefundable processing fee. No refund will be given if (a) the first dues/fees payment has been made, or (b) it has been 1 year or more since the payment date. Applicants who have made a renewal payment will only receive a refund for the most recent payment.
New Applicants: Maximize your ASHA certification and membership. Apply between January 1 and August 31 with ASHA’s New Professional Membership Package and get up to 24 months of membership for the price of 12 months.
Fee Structure:
- NSSLHA Conversion: $286 – For members who have held NSSLHA membership for two consecutive years at graduation and apply for ASHA membership and certification by August 31 of the year after graduation.
- Certification and ASHA Membership: $511 – For those not eligible for NSSLHA Conversion.
- Certification without ASHA Membership: $455 – For those seeking certification without membership.
- Dual Certification: $256 – For those already certified or in the process of certification in one area who wish to apply for certification in another area. Those applying for both areas simultaneously pay only single area certification fees.
Maintaining certification and/or membership, along with meeting continuing professional development requirements (if applicable), depends on paying annual dues and fees.
Submit your Application using Online Application System
Step 4: Review Period
The application review process typically takes 6-8 weeks once all required documents are received. ASHA will notify applicants of their certification status upon completion of the review.
Step 5: Choosing Membership to Join ASHA
While certification does not require ASHA membership, Joining ASHA provides numerous benefits, including access to:
- Knowledge
- Learning
- Advocacy
- Community
Step 6: Get Certified with Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (AuD CCC-A)
Once certified, audiologists can proudly use the CCC-A credential, signifying their professional excellence and commitment to ongoing professional development.
How to Verify ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (AuD CCC-A)
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)
Summary of Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (AuD CCC-A)
The AuD CCC-A is one of the most respected credentials available to audiologists, representing an audiologist’s commitment to professional excellence and high-quality patient care. Certified audiologists improve both their career opportunities, professional credibility, and client confidence by fulfilling ASHA’s high standards.
FAQs about Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (AuD CCC-A)
The Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA is a professional credential that signifies an individual’s excellence in audiology or speech-language pathology. It demonstrates that the holder has met rigorous academic and professional standards.
AuD CCC-A stands for Doctor of Audiology, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology. It indicates that the holder has earned a doctoral degree in audiology and has met the certification standards set by ASHA.
To become a clinical audiologist in the USA, one must earn a doctoral degree in audiology from a CAA-accredited program, pass the ASHA Audiology Praxis Examination, and apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (AuD CCC-A) from ASHA.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) awards the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) to individuals who meet their certification standards.
The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) is issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
References:
- How to Apply for Audiology Certification
- 2020 Audiology Certification Standards
- Audiology Pathway to Certification
- Frequently Asked Questions About Audiology Standards
- Audiology Practice and Curriculum Analysis: Executive Summary
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