Resource Guide for Program Directors: Prepare Speech-Language Pathology Applicants for CCC-SLP Status

ASHA Membership Value and Benefits

ASHA offers members the resources and information they need to stay up to date on the latest developments and issues in the professions, as well as career building programs, advocacy and awareness outreach, networking opportunities, and more.

National NSSLHA Benefits and Discounts

When students join National NSSLHA for the last 2 years of their doctoral program, they're eligible for the NSSLHA to ASHA Membership Conversion Discount (see more below) and to receive $225 off the initial dues and fees of ASHA membership and certification. As a National NSSLHA member, they'll receive all the benefits a student needs to advance their educational career—like discounts, volunteer and engagement opportunities, publications, and much more.

ASHA's New Professional Membership Package

ASHA's New Professional Membership Package gives up to 24 months of ASHA membership to recent master's and doctoral graduates who apply for ASHA membership and certification from January 1 to August 31. Applicants receive membership through December 31 of the following year.

NSSLHA to ASHA Membership Conversion discount

To receive the NSSLHA to ASHA Membership Conversion Discount, eligible members must submit their application for ASHA membership and certification to the ASHA National Office by or before August 31 of the year following graduation. Students must confirm their National NSSLHA membership and their eligibility for the NSSLHA to ASHA Membership Conversion Discount prior to applying for membership and certification.

Note: Applicants may receive both the New Professional Membership Package and the NSSLHA to ASHA Membership Conversion Discount, if eligible, upon application.

What 'Certification' Means

Being “certified” means holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in the profession of speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP). Those who have achieved the CCC-SLP have voluntarily met rigorous academic and professional standards. They have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide high-quality clinical services, and they actively engage in ongoing professional development to keep their certification current.

Value of ASHA Certification

Holding ASHA certification offers increased opportunities for employment, mobility, career advancement, professional credibility, and more—because nearly every state's regulatory agency recognizes it.

Certification Process for Speech-Language Pathologists

Follow the Speech-Language Pathology Pathway to Certification for a step-by-step process to apply for the CCC-SLP.

Navigate the Clinical Fellowship (CF) Experience

Follow the Clinical Fellowship Pathway, and refer to the Guide to the ASHA Clinical Fellowship Experience.

Find a Job for the Clinical Fellowship Experience

Connect to the ASHA Career Portal, and find resources to help students prepare for the next step in their careers and to find their dream jobs.

Praxis Exam

The  Praxis examination in speech-language pathology assess beginning practitioners' understanding of essential content and current practices. 

Apply for Speech-Language Pathology Certification

Beginning January 1, 2020, new standards and implementation procedures will be in effect for all who apply for the CCC-SLP. Know which standards are in effect at the time that your students apply for certification, and check out the major differences in the standards.

Speech-Language Pathology ASHA Membership and Certification Application

Refer to ASHA's online speech-language pathology application to get started.