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.

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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.

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
Pilot test Audiology Assistant national exam
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

News and Events

Education

Engage

Are you currently employed in support positions providing audiology or speech-language pathology assistant services, working under the supervision of an ASHA certified audiologist or speech-language pathologist? If so, you may be interested in becoming an Assistants Affiliate.