Apply for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification (C-SLPA)
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process of applying for ASHA speech-language pathology assistants (SLPA) certification. It includes important requirements for the Assistants Certification Program as well as required documentation, fees, and exam information. Further information can be found through the links below and in the SLPA Certification Handbook [PDF].
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.
Step 1
Choose Your Education Pathway
Review the three SLPA eligibility education pathway options and choose the one that best fits your education and qualifications.
Step 2
Mandatory 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.
- 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.
Step 3
Submit Your Application
- Submit your application for the C-SLPA and pay the initial certification fee of $249.
- Submit official transcripts and certificates of completion to ASHA within 60 days of submitting your application.
Tip: Your application isn’t complete until you pay the certification fee.
Step 4
Application Review
The application review process can take up to 6 weeks from the date your last document is received.
Step 5
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.
Step 6
Certification Awarded
You passed the exam—congratulations, you'll be awarded the C-SLPA! Your ASHA affiliate card and award letter will be arriving soon. You may now use C-SLPA after your signature and take advantage of all the benefits of assistants certification.
Step 7
Maintenance of Assistants Certification
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.
