Certification Standards for Audiology Frequently Asked Questions: Implementation Date and Degree/Accreditation Requirement

Implementation Date

When did the 2020 audiology standards take effect?

The 2020 audiology standards took effect January 1, 2020, and require that all individuals applying for initial or reinstatement of certification as of that date must have or show equivalency to an AuD degree from a CAA-accredited program. The 2020 standards are a result of a Practice and Curriculum Analysis of the Profession of Audiology that was conducted in 2016 under the auspices of the CAA and CFCC. The CFCC reviewed the survey data and determined that the standards for Clinical Certification and the Praxis examination blueprint needed revision in order to be in line with the results of the survey. Proposed standards were distributed for select and widespread peer review and all comments were considered in the final version of the document. 

Degree/Accreditation Requirement

What is the degree requirement for ASHA certification in audiology?

Individuals applying for certification in audiology beginning January 1, 2020, must have or show equivalency to an AuD degree earned from a CAA-accredited program. Refer to the list of acceptable coursework for further details.

In order for me to be certified, does my program need to be accredited, and by whom?

As was required under earlier standards, all graduate level academic course work and clinical practicum for ASHA certification must have been initiated and completed in a program that holds accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). You can find a list of accredited programs in your area using EdFind, ASHA's academic search engine. 

What verification is required to prove that I have been awarded a graduate degree?

Applicants must submit either an official transcript showing the date the degree was awarded, or a letter from the registrar indicating that the degree requirements have been completed, the degree designation, and the date the degree was or will be awarded.

If I already have the CCC-A, will I have to have a doctoral degree beginning in 2020 to maintain my certification?

No. Only individuals applying for initial certification, or those whose certification was dropped or has been revoked and are reinstating will be required to hold a doctoral degree. As long as your annual dues/fees remain current and your certification maintenance requirement is met every 3 years, you will not be required to obtain a doctoral degree.

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