FAQs about ASHA Membership and Certification
Preparing for Your Transition
Application Process for SLPs and Audiologists
How many times am I allowed to take the Praxis Examination?
You have two years from the date that you submit your application for membership and certification in ASHA to take the Praxis. You can take the Praxis as many times as you need to within that two-year period. If the Praxis is not successfully passed within that two-year period, the certification file will be closed. At this point, the candidate can apply to ASHA as a non-practicing member.
Can I apply for ASHA membership without certification?
Yes, you can be a member of ASHA without being certified. However, if you are applying under the NSSLHA-to-ASHA Conversion Program, you must apply for membership and certification at the same time.
What do I do if my program director does not verify my hours?
If you encounter any problems with verification of hours you must remedy these at the university level. ASHA does not get involved in disputes around coursework and practicum hours. You should contact the office of student or academic affairs to determine the grievance or appeal policies for your university.
How long do I have to complete my clinical fellowship/externship?
A clinical fellowship should last anywhere between 36 weeks to 72 weeks. If the clinical fellowship is not completed within 4 years of the date the academic and practicum education is completed, the clinical fellow must reapply and meet the academic and practicum requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.
What is the recommended sequence for ASHA membership and certification?
Students graduating from a master's or doctoral program and applying to ASHA for the first time should follow the recommended sequence for ASHA membership and certification available on the ASHA website.
Is there a time limit on when I can apply for ASHA membership and certification?
There is not a time limit on when a person can apply for membership and certification in ASHA. However, in order to take advantage of the conversion fees for NSSLHA members into ASHA as well as the pass-through options for graduates of CAA accredited programs, you will want to be sure that you are meeting certain timelines. Conversion fees are available only to individuals applying by August 31 of the year following receipt of their graduate degree. The pass-through option is only available to individuals applying within three years of receipt of the graduate degree. After that time, the entire application must be completed and it will be evaluated using standards in effect at the time of application.
Can I apply for ASHA membership and certification even if I decide to enter a doctoral program?
Yes, if you decide to get certified and then pursue a doctoral degree then you can apply to ASHA for graduate student membership while you are a student in a doctoral program. However, to qualify for the graduate student membership category, you must be a current ASHA certified member. Members must provide a letter confirming that they are a student [PDF]. The requested documentation must be signed and validated by the institutions Office of the Registrar. The maximum amount of time eligible to receive the discount is 7 years. Please send the letter to:
ASHA
Attn: Graduate Discount
2200 Research Boulevard #322
Rockville, MD 20850
I want to be certified in Audiology. What do I have to do to apply for membership and certification?
An audiology major undergoes the same process as a speech-language pathology major for ASHA membership and certification. The only thing that is different is the required course work.
I am graduating from an Audiology program and I only want certification and not membership in ASHA. Is this possible?
Yes, you can apply for certification without membership, but again, this is not an option if you wish to use the NSSLHA-to-ASHA Conversion Program and receive the discounted rate.
Where can I find more information about ASHA membership and certification?
More information about ASHA membership and certification is available on the ASHA website.
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