Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP): If you plan to pursue a career in speech-language pathology, acquiring the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) is an important step. This credential, which is awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), means that you have met extensive professional and academic criteria. But why is this certification so important, and how can you get it? Let’s dive into the details.
ASHA Speech Language Pathology Certification
In the United States, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the main certifying body for speech-language pathologists. They are nationally certified under the CCC-SLP credential, which has national respect and recognition. The credentialing process of ASHA ensures that speech-language pathologists have the requisite knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care.
Benefits of ASHA Certification for Speech Language Pathologists
Employment Opportunities and Career Advancement
ASHA certified speech language pathologist are able to use many of the abbreviations after their name, including will earn the title of CCC-SLP, making them more employable and likely to advance to higher salary levels. ASHA certification is accepted by nearly every state regulatory agency, promoting job mobility and paying off in higher salaries, as many states and school districts provide salary supplements to ASHA-certified professionals.
Professional Credibility and Assurance to Clients
The Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) provides validation and assurance to clients, other healthcare professionals, and employers that the certified audiologist is highly qualified and continually engaged in professional development. This certification is a testament to the audiologist’s commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest professional standards.
Standards for ASHA Speech Language Pathology Certification (CCC-SLP)
The Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) are highlighted in bold, with the CFCC implementation procedures detailed below each standard.
Standard I: Degree
Standard II: Education Program
Standard III: Program of Study
Standard IV: Knowledge Outcomes
Standard V: Skills Outcomes
Standard VI: Assessment
Standard VII: Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship
Standard VIII: Maintenance of Certification
Standard I: Degree
This standard specifies the degree requirements necessary for certification.
Standard II: Education Program
This standard outlines the accreditation criteria for the education programs applicants must complete. All graduate coursework and clinical experience required for speech-language pathology must be started and completed within a program [e.g. Master of Speech Language Pathology (MSc SLP/MA SLP)] accredited by the CAA or one that has CAA candidacy status.
Standard III: Program of Study
This standard defines the coursework and clinical experiences required within the education program.
Standard IV: Knowledge Outcomes
This standard lists the essential knowledge areas that applicants must demonstrate proficiency in.
Standard V: Skills Outcomes
This standard details the clinical skills and competencies applicants must exhibit.
Standard VI: Assessment
This standard covers the methods and procedures for evaluating the knowledge and skills of applicants.
Standard VII: Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship
This standard describes the requirements for the clinical fellowship period, including supervision and evaluation.
Standard VIII: Maintenance of Certification
This standard outlines the continuing education and professional development activities necessary to maintain certification.
Process for ASHA Speech Language Pathology Certification (CCC-SLP)
Step 1: Complete Master’s Degree from CAA Accredited Program
Your journey begins with earning a master’s degree [e.g. Master of Speech Language Pathology (MSc SLP/MA SLP)] from a CAA-accredited program. This ensures your education meets the high standards required for certification.
Step 2: ASHA Speech Language Pathology Praxis Examination
After completing your degree, you must pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in the field.
The Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (5331) is a crucial part of ASHA 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 speech-language pathology 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 the Praxis Exam Policies [PDF] to ensure fairness.
For ASHA certification, the current passing score is 162 on a scale of 100–200.
We Provides key dates, syllabus details, and prep materials for the Speech Language Pathology Praxis Exam, essential for Speech Language Pathologists seeking certification. Also offers free practice questions and a comprehensive study guide to help candidates prepare for the Speech Language Pathology Praxis Exam effectively.
- Speech Language Pathology Praxis Exam – Dates | Prep Material
- Speech Language Pathology Praxis Exam Practice Test Questions
| SLP Praxis Practice Test Free |
| 1. Foundations and Professional Practice in SLP 2. Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis 3. Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment |
Step 3: Applying for The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
When to Apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
The current Standards for Certification in Speech-Language Pathology, effective as of 2020, are now operational. Applicants seeking the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) are evaluated based on the standards in effect at the time ASHA receives their application, not the standards applicable at the time of their graduation.
For further details, refer to the SLP Standards Crosswalk [PDF].
Kindly submit your application through our online application system.
If you have graduated from a 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 after completing the necessary coursework and graduate clinical practicum. You must also receive confirmation from your program director that you have met the requirements in Standards I–V.
Your application is considered complete when you have paid the required dues and fees.
Important! All academic coursework and graduate clinical practicum must be finished before starting the Clinical Fellowship (CF) experience. If any coursework or practicum is incomplete, including all prerequisite courses (e.g., basic biology, chemistry, or physics) and core coursework, the hours completed toward your CF experience will not count toward the required 1,260 hours.
Required Documents for Applying For CCC-SLP
When applying, you’ll need to submit your academic transcripts, proof of passing the Praxis exam, and documentation of your clinical fellowship experience.
Additional Documents Required:
To finalize your online certification application, you must also provide the following documents:
- Passing Praxis exam scores (sent directly to ASHA from ETS).
- Official graduate transcript* verifying the date and degree awarded (may be sent directly from the institution to certification@asha.org).
- Disclosure documents: If you responded affirmatively to a disclosure question on the application, please review the requirements for certified copies of court or other legal documents.
*For internationally educated applicants: Please refer to the Certification Information for International Applicants to understand the necessary documentation for ASHA certification.
Actions Required for Clinical Fellowship Experience:
Clinical Fellows should utilize their ASHA account to submit a CF report, detailing hours completed, weeks worked, and the CF mentor utilized. If a Clinical Fellow changes employment or mentors, each change should be documented through a separate report.
Upon completion of the CF experience, CF mentors must validate their Clinical Fellow’s readiness for independent practice by utilizing the Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory (CFSI) [PDF].
CF mentors should use their ASHA account to confirm (a) the clinical hours completed and weeks worked by their Clinical Fellow, and (b) whether the Clinical Fellow has met the minimum required scores on the CFSI.
Dues and Fee for CCC-SLP
There is an application fee for the CCC-SLP. Be sure to check the ASHA website for the most current fee information.
ASHA’s Certification and Membership programs operate on a calendar year basis and adhere to the rates outlined below. Applications submitted between September 1 and December 31 will be processed for the current year but will grant membership and certification for the following year. Kindly include full payment with your application based on your chosen category below.
Refund Policy:
Applicants found ineligible for ASHA certification or those who voluntarily withdraw their application within one year of the initial payment date will receive a refund of the initial application fee, minus a $50 nonrefundable processing fee. The initial application fee will not be refunded under the following circumstances: (a) after the first dues/fees payment or (b) after one year or more from the application payment date, whichever occurs first. Applicants who have made a dues/fees renewal payment will receive a refund of only the most recent payment.
New Applicants:
Maximize the benefits of ASHA certification and membership. Apply between January 1 and August 31 with ASHA’s New Professional Membership Package and enjoy up to 24 months of membership for the cost of 12 months.
NSSLHA Conversion: $286
For NSSLHA members who have maintained National NSSLHA membership for two consecutive years at graduation and apply for ASHA membership and certification by August 31 of the following year.
Certification and ASHA Membership: $511
For individuals ineligible for the NSSLHA Conversion.
Certification without ASHA Membership: $455
For individuals seeking certification without Association membership.
Dual Certification: $256
For individuals already certified or in the certification process in one area who wish to pursue certification in another area. Note: Those applying for certification in both areas concurrently pay fees for single area certification application only.
Maintenance of your certification and/or membership, as well as meeting continuing professional development requirements (if applicable), relies on the annual payment of your dues and fees.
Submit your Application using Online Application System
Step 4: Choosing Membership to Join ASHA
While not mandatory, joining ASHA as a member can provide additional benefits, such as access to continuing education resources and professional networking opportunities.
While certification does not require ASHA membership, Joining ASHA provides numerous benefits, including access to:
- Knowledge
- Learning
- Advocacy
- Community
Ensure that your mentor’s certification is up-to-date by utilizing ASHA’s Certification Verification service.
Step 5: Clinical Fellowship Experience
Choose your mentor(s) and confirm their current ASHA certification status. Complete your Clinical Fellowship (CF) experience, consisting of a minimum of 36 weeks and 1,260 hours, successfully.
Ensure that your mentor’s certification is up-to-date by utilizing ASHA’s Certification Verification service.
Step 6: Finish Online Application
Submit your application online through the ASHA website. Make sure all your documentation is complete and accurate.
Step 7: Review Period
After submitting your application, there will be a review period. ASHA will evaluate your credentials and documentation.
Step 8: Get Certified with Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
Once your application is approved, you will receive your CCC-SLP certification. Congratulations! You are now a certified speech-language pathologist.
How to Verify ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
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 Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
The CCC-SLP is a prestigious certification that signifies you have met rigorous standards in speech-language pathology. It enhances your professional credibility, opens up career opportunities, and ensures you can provide high-quality care to your patients. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve this important credential and advance in your career.
FAQs about Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
The Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA is a certification for speech-language pathologists that signifies they have met rigorous academic and professional standards.
CCC-SLP stands for Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. It is a certification awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
To become a clinical speech-language pathologist in the USA, you need to complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited program, pass the Praxis exam, complete a clinical fellowship, and apply for the CCC-SLP certification.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) awards certificates of clinical competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
ASHA is the organization that issues the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
References:
- How to Apply for SLP Certification
- 2020 Speech-Language Pathology Certification Standards
- Speech-Language Pathology Pathway to Certification
- Frequently Asked Questions About SLP Standards
- SLP Practice and Curriculum Analysis: Executive Summary
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