Certification Standards for Speech-Language Pathology Frequently Asked Questions: General Information
2005 SLP Certification Standards
Once I have submitted all of my paperwork, can I begin working without supervision?
No. Submission of paperwork does not mean that you are certified. Until you receive notification from the National Office that certification has been awarded, you may not present yourself as being certified; provide independent clinical services; or supervise students in clinical practicum, individuals engaged in the clinical fellowship, or SLP assistants.
After I apply for certification, how much time do I have to complete the certification process?
Once you apply for certification you have five years in which to complete the process.
How do I make sure that I receive all important communications from ASHA about my certification?
To be sure that you receive important information regarding your certification status, maintenance interval, and annual invoices for dues/fees, be sure to notify the National Office of any name, address, and e-mail changes as they occur. You may make these changes yourself on the member section of the website, or by calling the ASHA Action Center at 800-498-2071.
How will I be informed that I have been awarded certification?
You will receive three things in the mail:
- a letter of congratulations on your newly received certification
- a letter verifying your certification that can be shown to your employer
- a Certificate Order Form to order your copy of the Certificate of Clinical Competence
When will I receive the actual Certificate of Clinical Competence?
If you wish to receive the actual Certificate, you will need to complete the Certificate Order Form (see above question) and return it to the National Office. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks after submission of your order form to receive the Certificate.
Will ASHA notify my state licensure board/regulatory agency once I am certified?
We will be happy to notify anyone you designate once you become certified, but ASHA does not automatically send verification of certification to other entities. If you need a verification letter once you have been awarded certification, contact the ASHA Action Center at 800-498-2071 to have a letter prepared and sent to the entity you designate.
Please be aware that most licensure boards will not accept a faxed verification letter-check with the licensure board before requesting that the verification letter be faxed to them. ASHA cannot provide copies of certification documents to licensure boards/regulatory bodies because materials submitted are not retained long-term. Please make copies of all documents you submit for certification.
If I have more questions or need help, is there anyone I can talk with?
Yes, there is assistance available. You can contact the ASHA Action Center at 800-498-2071 if you have general questions about the certification process. For specific information regarding your file, you will want to contact the Certification Administration team who will have access to the materials you have submitted. The phone number for the Certification Administration Team is available on the ASHA website and will also appear on information you are sent when you submit your application for certification.