The Council For Clinical Certification (CFCC) has developed the following resource for students and new graduates who will complete their audiology master's degree requirements in 2007. Additionally, program directors may wish to use this resource about audiology certification requirements and application procedures when advising students.
Eligibility/Program Accreditation
1. I will graduate from a master's program in audiology after 12/31/2006. Am I still eligible to apply for the CCC-A even though my program will not be accredited when I graduate?
Yes. Although the Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology require that an individual initiate and complete their program of study in a CAA-accredited program, the CFCC does allow specific exceptions to this requirement as published in the implementation language of the 1993 standards. Graduate students who were continuously enrolled in a CAA-program that had its accreditation withdrawn during their enrollment qualifies as one of the exceptions; these individuals are still eligible to apply for the CCC-A. Please be advised that applicants in this category are required to file a full application (PDF format) for review by the CFCC.
2. Why is my audiology master's program no longer accredited?
The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) determined that it would no longer accredit master's level programs in audiology after December 31, 2006 in support of the audiology profession's development to a doctoral-level profession. The credentialing standards for academic programs and requirements for national certification and state licensure have evolved to reflect the knowledge and skills necessary to enter independent professional practice at doctoral level. The CAA's decision to discontinue accreditation of the audiology master's programs was announced to all programs in Summer 2004.
3. Under which audiology certification standards do I need to apply?
Eligible individuals that graduate with a master's degree in 2007 are encouraged to apply under the 1993 audiology standards. The significant increases in academic coursework, supervised clinical hours, and the substantive changes in the new audiology certification standards may make the attainment of audiology certification under the new standards more difficult.
4. Is there a deadline by when I need to apply under the 1993 certification standards?
Yes, December 31, 2007.
5. Why is December 31, 2007 so important?
New audiology certification standards are going into effect in 2007 that significantly increase the academic and clinical requirements of applicants for certification; these standards will require a doctoral degree in 2012. In light of this, the CFCC established a transition year (January – December 2007) to allow applicants to continue to apply under the 1993 audiology certification standards. All applications received after 12/31/2007 will be considered under the new (2007) audiology standards.
6. What degree is required for ASHA certification in audiology?
Individuals applying for certification in audiology prior to January 1, 2012 must have been awarded a graduate degree (master's, doctoral, or other recognized graduate degree). Effective January 1, 2012, all applicants for audiology certification will be required to have an earned doctoral degree.
Application Requirements
7. Can I still be considered a "pass-through" applicant since I will submit my application within 3 years of graduation?
No. As described in the implementation language under Standard I Degree of the 1993 certification standards, the CFCC requires individuals to complete the full application form and have their academic course work and clinical practicum evaluated if they qualify as graduate students continuously enrolled in a CAA-program that had its accreditation withdrawn during their enrollment.
8. What information needs to be provided in my certification application by December 31, 2007?
A full application must be completed, which details the academic coursework and supervised clinical practicum as outlined on the application form. All applicants will be required to submit official graduate transcripts that show the date the graduate degree was awarded. Additionally, the appropriate dues/fees must be submitted with the application for certification. An application checklist is available online to assist you with ensuring that your application is complete.
9. Do I need to have passed the Praxis exam in audiology before I apply?
No. An applicant does not have to have passed the Praxis exam in audiology to apply for certification. However, evidence must be submitted to the CFCC that the Praxis was passed within a specific time frame for the CCC-A to be awarded. You should review the details of Standard IV National Examination in Audiology for more information.
10. Do I need to have initiated (and/or completed) a clinical fellowship before I apply?
No. An applicant for certification under the 1993 standards need not have initiated or completed their clinical fellowship to submit their application. However, applicants have a limited time to complete this required supervised clinical experience in order for the CCC-A to be awarded ultimately. You should review the details of Standard V Clinical Fellowship Audiology for more information.
11. What happens if I fail to apply until after December 31, 2007?
Applications received on or after January 1, 2008, will be evaluated against the 2007 audiology certification standards.
12. If I fail to submit my application prior to January 1, 2008, what will be required for certification?
All individuals applying as of January 1, 2008 will be required to be assessed under the new standards. Individuals who apply more than three years after receipt of the graduate degree will be required to submit a completed application for certification which indicates that they have achieved the very specific knowledge and skills required in the certification standards during their educational program. Completion of this application will require assistance of the graduate program. Full instructions for completion of the application can be found on the ASHA Web site.
13. Once someone achieves the CCC-A; will they have to get a doctoral degree by 2012 to maintain certification?
No. Only individuals applying for initial certification on or after January 1, 2012 will be required to hold a doctoral degree. As long as annual dues and fees remain current and the certification maintenance requirements are met every 3 years, individuals will not be required to obtain a doctoral degree.
However, if certification lapses and reinstatement of certification after January 1, 2012 is desired, a doctoral degree will be required.
For more information about the new audiology certification standards, please refer to the FAQs About the 2007/2012 Standards in Audiology. Please direct specific questions to certification@asha.org.