CCC-SLP - Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

Certification in Speech-Language Pathology offers a professional credential that represents skills and expertise as a Speech-Language Pathologist. The CCC-SLP has completed academic requirements, passed the required examination, and maintained professional development to keep certification current.

Certification in Speech-Language Pathology can be obtained through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Speech-Language Pathologists who hold certification are set apart from others by having a concrete representation of their expertise and dedication to the profession. This certification can make you a more competitive candidate for employment and offers more flexibility in work opportunities, given that it is recognized by almost every state’s regulatory agency.

Cost of Certification

Depending on whether you plan to also purchase an ASHA membership and whether you already hold other certifications, the cost to obtain a CCC-SLP certification can vary.

Costs

• Certification and ASHA membership: $511

• Certification without purchasing ASHA membership: $455

• If you are already certified or in the process of becoming certified in another area: $256

• NSSLHA conversion: $286

Education Requirements

You won’t be eligible to apply for official certification in Speech-Language Pathology until you’ve completed a Master’s Degree from an ASHA accredited university. Once you’ve graduated from your degree program, you can move forward with the next steps in becoming certified. 

Praxis Exam

The Praxis Exam is a comprehensive exam designed to test the expertise of individuals who have graduated from their Master’s program and completed all clinical requirements. This comprehensive exam requires test takers to apply their knowledge, requiring a full understanding of the subjects as a whole. 

Every 5-8 years, the CCC - SLP Certification Standards are evaluated and modified according to the most current standards of practice. These certification standards are what the Praxis examination is derived from. 

Becoming certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist requires more than just simply taking and passing an examination. Below, we’ve listed the steps required for this certification. 

1. Earn a Master’s Degree from an Accredited Program. Individuals are not eligible to apply for certification until they have graduated from a Master’s Program. Universities also must be accredited for graduates to be considered eligible for certification. 

2. Complete and Pass the Praxis Examination. This exam can be taken before, during, or after applying for certification. It is recommended that this exam be taken shortly after completing your graduate coursework but no earlier. 

3. Apply for Certification. You’ll have to submit all required fees at the time of application. Gather all required documentation, including official transcripts, Praxis exam scores, Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (SLPCF) report, and disclosure documents. 

4. Complete a Clinical Fellowship. Make sure to select a mentor who is ASHA certified and complete the required 36 weeks and 1,260 hours. 

5. Document Clinical Experience. Utilize your ASHA account to document proof of your clinical experience online.

6. Allow Some Time For a Review Period. Once all documents are approved your certification will be granted. Keep in mind, this process can take up to 6 weeks.

CCC-SLP certifications have to be renewed every 3 years. To do so, you’ll have to complete 30 hours of professional development throughout the 3-year interval. Document these hours using the ASHA’s compliance form and submit it online. It is also required that all certification holders continue to abide by the ASHA Code of Ethics and pay annual certification fees. 

Renewal Fees

• ASHA members: $225

• Non-members: $199

• Graduate student certified member: $135

• Member without certification: $84

• Life member: $64

• International affiliate: $75

• Assistants: $125

Fees are due annually by December 31.

Once you’ve completed all necessary steps and received your certification, you’ll be ready to seek out employment as a CCC-SLP. Many Speech-Language Pathologists work at hospitals and other in-patient settings. You may also want to look into working at a rehabilitation facility or skilled nursing facility. Below, we’ve listed some additional helpful resources.

• Praxis Examination Prep

• ASHA Requirements for CCC-SLP

The ASHA also offers the following certifications:

• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A)

• Certified Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A)

Other related certifications include the Clinical Fellowship Year Speech Language Pathologist (CFY-SLP).