Holding ASHA Certification offers increased opportunities for employment, mobility, career advancement, professional credibility, and more, because it is recognized by nearly every state's regulatory agency.
Graduate Roadmap to a Career in CSD
Now that you’re enrolled in a clinical graduate program in audiology or speech-language pathology, you may want to start thinking about what you’ll need for ASHA membership, certification, and state licensure.
Earning a Doctoral Degree in Audiology
ASHA membership, ASHA certification, and state licensure are separate—but related—options for graduates of audiology clinical doctorate programs.
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Join National NSSLHA during the last 2 years of your graduate program to be eligible for the NSSLHA to ASHA Conversion Discount.
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After graduation, graduates may choose to apply for ASHA membership and certification. Members of NSSLHA may be eligible for discounts for converting to ASHA membership and can get up to 2 years of ASHA member benefits for new graduates applying for ASHA membership.
- Note: Applicants may receive both the New Professional Membership Package and the NSSLHA to ASHA Membership Conversion Discount, if eligible, upon application.
- ASHA offers members the resources and information they need to stay up to date on the latest developments and issues in the professions—as well as career-building programs, advocacy and awareness outreach, networking opportunities, and more.
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Being “ASHA certified” means holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in the profession of audiology (CCC-A).
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State licensure is required before an individual may practice as a clinician in most states. It is regulated by the individual states and is separate from ASHA certification and membership.
Earning a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
ASHA membership, ASHA certification, and state licensure are separate—but related—options for graduates of master’s programs in speech-language pathology.
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Join National NSSLHA during the last 2 years of your graduate program to be eligible for the NSSLHA to ASHA Conversion discount.
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After graduation, graduates may choose to apply for ASHA membership and certification. Members of National NSSLHA may be eligible for discounts for converting to ASHA membership and can get up to 2 years of ASHA member benefits for new graduates applying for ASHA membership.
- Note: Applicants may receive both the New Professional Membership Package and the NSSLHA to ASHA Membership Conversion Discount, if eligible, upon application.
- ASHA offers members the resources and information they need to stay up to date on the latest developments and issues in the profession—as well as career-building programs, advocacy and awareness outreach, networking opportunities, and more.
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Being “ASHA certified” means holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in the profession of speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP).
Tips and Resources for Graduate Students
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Explore the Praxis® Examinations
Get ahead with preparing for Praxis® examinations in audiology and speech-language pathology by preparing materials, learning important registration details, learning how the exam is scored, and more.
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Prepare for Dues and Fees
ASHA’s Certification and Membership programs are based upon a calendar year and are subject to rates that depend on which category you fall under. Determine the payment to include with your application for certification for audiology and speech-language pathology. Learn more about ASHA member benefits.
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Learn About the Process
Whether you’re looking to apply for the CCC-A, for the CCC-SLP, or for an ASHA Clinical Fellowship, see these helpful resources. Follow the Audiology Pathway to Certification for a step-by-step process to apply for the CCC-A. Follow the Speech-Language Pathology Pathway to Certification for a step-by-step process to apply for the CCC-SLP. Follow the Clinical Fellowship Pathway, and consult the Guide to the ASHA Clinical Fellowship Experience.
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Check State Licensure Requirements
ASHA certification and state licensure are two separate processes. They may require many of the same types of documentation, but state licensure varies by state, whereas ASHA certification is a national credential. You can check your state’s licensure requirements by going to ASHA’s State-by-State webpage.
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Stay Up to Date on Standards and Implementation Procedures
As of January 1, 2020, new standards and implementation procedures went into effect for all who apply for the CCC-A and the CCC-SLP. Know which standards are in effect at the time that you apply for certification, and check out the major differences in the standards.
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Job Search
Connect to the ASHA Career Portal, and find resources that will help you prepare for the next step in your career and find your dream job.