ASHA Assistants Program
In 2017 the ASHA Board of Directors voted to move forward with the creation of an Assistants Certification Program which will allow audiology assistants and speech-language pathology assistants to become certified practitioners. This program will allow the entire team to practice at the top of their licenses and will positively impact client service delivery by providing role clarifications.
We're glad you're interested in ASHA's Assistants Certification Program. Sign up to get more information and resources to help you prepare for certification.
Assistant Spotlight: Fallyn Putnam, C-SLPA
Fallyn Putnam is a speech-language pathology assistant from Cherryville, North Carolina. Her love of helping others, especially children, is what lead her to pursuing the profession. Fallyn’s favorite moment from her career (so far) is the moment a student with bilateral hearing loss made the connection between two vocabulary items and she witnessed their excited expression as everything “clicked.” Some tips she shared for other assistants are to never be afraid to ask questions, work closely with your team, and HAVE FUN! Fallyn values the excellent communication she and her supervising SLP share. She values the importance in being on the same page and always being able to exchange ideas and materials to ensure the best outcomes for their students. Thank you for everything you do, Fallyn!
Eligibility Pathways for Certification
To be eligible to take the audiology assistants or speech-language pathology assistants certification exam, applicants must complete one of three pathway options that best fits their education and qualifications. In addition to finishing all the requirements of that option, applicants must also complete additional mandatory requirements.
Audiology Assistants Certification: Eligibility Pathways
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification: Eligibility Pathways
How will supervisors and assistants benefit from this certification program?
- Certification establishes nationwide standards for assistants that will show employers that these standards have been met
- Certification creates guidelines for the scope of practice which will help the team better understand roles and qualifications
- The certification process establishes a systematic review and maintenance of high caliber standards for assistants
- The assistants credential may be portable between states and work settings
- Guidelines for ethical practice will be enhanced
Assistants Certification Development Timeline
2017
The ASHA Board of Directors voted 14-0 in favor of approving funding and implementation of the Assistants Certification Program
2018
Identify core competencies for assistants: how they acquire needed skills and define their proficiency
2019
- Developed and validated eligibility pathways
- Launched www.ashaassistants.org
- Pilot test SLPA national exam at 2019 ASHA Convention
2020
- Establish Code of Conduct for Assistants
- Develop audiology assistant and SLPA certification standards
- Launch the certification program and examination by end of year
Exam Blueprints
The national exams will be based on the information in these blueprints:
Resources
- About Assistants Certification
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) FAQs
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Scope of Practice
- ASHA Practice Portal: Audiology Assistants
- ASHA Practice Portal: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
- Issues in Ethics: Audiology Assistants
- Issues in Ethics: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
- Assistants Insights (e-newsletter)
News and Events
- Assistant Spotlight Recognition: Let ASHA Know How Great Your Assistant Is
- Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Begin Developing New Certification Program
Education
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E-mail: assistants@asha.org
