Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification (C-SLPA)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
ASHA certification—have voluntarily met rigorous academic and professional standards, typically going beyond the minimum requirements for state licensure. They have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide high quality clinical services, and they actively engage in ongoing professional development to keep their certification current.
Duration
Not specified
Credits
Not specified
Cost
Initial certification fee: $249 (includes the assistants certification exam and up to two years of certification and benefits) Annual renewal fee: $125 (due December 31 each year) Retest fee: $99
Format
Hybrid
What You'll Learn
AI-generatedKey competencies developed through this program
- Hands-onPerform speech and language screening procedures following established protocols under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.Developing
- KnowledgeApply therapeutic techniques for articulation and language intervention implementing treatment plans designed by supervising clinicians in clinical settings.Developing
- Hands-onOperate speech-language assessment and therapy equipment using appropriate safety procedures and calibration techniques in clinical environments.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate knowledge of typical and atypical speech and language development when assisting with client identification and progress monitoring across the lifespan.Developing
- KnowledgeDocument client progress and session observations using standardized reporting formats and maintaining confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.Developing
- MindsetEngage clients and families in therapeutic activities demonstrating cultural sensitivity and person-centered communication strategies.Developing
- Hands-onExecute feeding and swallowing support techniques following established safety protocols under direct supervision in clinical or educational settings.Developing
- MindsetSupport ethical practice standards and professional boundaries when working within the scope of practice defined by ASHA and state regulations.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain therapy activities and home practice strategies to clients and caregivers using clear, accessible language appropriate to the audience's level of understanding.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate ongoing professional development practices by participating in continuing education and staying current with evidence-based practices in speech-language pathology.Developing
Skills developed through this program
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills required for speech-language pathology certification within ASHA standards
- Provide clinical services in speech-language pathology that align with established professional and ethical expectations
- Apply ASHA’s Code of Ethics in speech-language pathology practice across clinical contexts
- Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain clinical competence in speech-language pathology
- Meet eligibility criteria determined by the Council for Clinical Certification for speech-language pathology certification
- Apply principles of fairness, equal opportunity, and due process in speech-language pathology certification processes
Occupations this program prepares you for
Detailed information about this program
All applicants for assistants certification must meet current SLPA assistant standards and requirements, follow all established policies and procedures, and abide by the ASHA Assistants Code of Conduct. Mandatory Requirements: - Complete 100 hours of clinical field work - Complete a 1-hour course in ethics. - Complete a 1-hour course in universal safety precautions. - Complete a 1-hour course in patient confidentiality. - Complete ASHA’s online SLPA education modules, if required in your pathway option. (Tip: Prerequisite courses must have been completed no more than two years before you apply for the C-SLPA.) The application review process can take up to 6 weeks from the date your last document is received. Exam Approval: You’ll be given an Exam Eligibility ID to register for the Assistants Certification Exam if your application, documents, and transcripts are approved. Once you have your Exam Eligibility ID, you have 365 days to register and take the exam. Your exam score will automatically be sent to ASHA for review, and you'll be notified if SLPA certification will be awarded. If a passing exam score was not achieved, you'll be eligible to retest up to two times by paying the retest fee (within one year of approval to test). Tip: A passing score for the C-SLPA exam is 162 or above. Make sure to review the SLPA practice exam questions and other exam resources. Earning the C-SLPA is not the end of your story—you must work to maintain your certification during each 3-year interval by - successfully completing the certification maintenance assessment module, - following the ASHA Assistants Code of Conduct, and - paying annual certification fees.
What you need to earn this credential
Internship/Fieldwork/Practicum Requirements
Complete 100 hours of clinical field work (also called "clinical practicum" or "on-the-job hours") as an SLPA student or SLPA under the supervision of an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist. Observation or simulation hours cannot be used toward this requirement. Clinical field work hours—for purposes of assistants certification—must have been completed no more than five years before applying for the C-SLPA; hours may be verified by your clinical practicum supervisor or a former/current supervisor after graduation.
Eligible funding programs
No funding information available.
Scholarships
No scholarships listed.