Table of Contents | Introduction | Certification and Membership | Instructions for Obtaining and Maintaining Certification | Clinical Fellowship Requirements and Procedures | Procedures for Appeal
II. Certification and Membership
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) represents more than 127,000 members and affiliates who are speech-language pathologists; audiologists; and speech, language, and hearing scientists. ASHA is recognized nationally as an organization that maintains high standards of ethical conduct and professionalism, produces quality journals and continuing education programs, monitors and participates in the development and implementation of health care reform proposals and programs at the federal and state levels, and offers its members benefits and services that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Members of the Association must abide by ASHA's "Code of Ethics".
There are several categories of membership in ASHA. The applicant should review the description of membership categories given below before completing the application form and submitting the appropriate dues and fees (see Form A [PDF] and Form B [PDF] in this Manual).
Membership with certification. Any individual who holds current CASLPA certification and membership in good standing is invited to apply for ASHA certification and/or membership. Applicants for this category of membership typically are granted membership in ASHA while they are in the certification process. While in the certification process a candidate for the CCC must pay the annual dues and the annual certification-in-process fee. As a member who has been awarded the CCC, an individual may provide independent clinical services and supervise students involved in clinical practicum, clinical fellows, and support personnel. Individuals who obtain ASHA membership and certification are subject to all rules and regulations of ASHA, including adherence to the Code of Ethics. Maintaining certification status and enjoying the benefits of membership are contingent upon the timely payment of annual dues and fees.
Certificate holder without membership. An individual may also choose to apply for certificate-holder status that is, hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence but not become a member of the Association. Non-member certificate holders are not eligible for member benefits. While in the certification process a candidate for the CCC must pay the annual certification-in-process fee. Maintaining certification status is contingent upon the timely payment of annual fees.
Additional Membership Categories. There are several additional categories of membership in ASHA. Individuals who are not interested or eligible for ASHA certification may apply for Membership without Certification (Research or Allied Professional) and International Affiliate status.
Membership without certification. This category of membership is open to an individual who (a) holds a graduate degree or its equivalent 1 with major emphasis in speech-language pathology; audiology; or speech, language, or hearing science, (b) is not involved in providing clinical services or in supervising students and/or clinical fellows, and resides in the United States. Complete application materials for Membership without certification [PDF] to become a member. Please review the dues schedule [PDF] and submit the completed charge payment form with your application.
Membership without certification (Research or allied professional). An individual who holds a graduate degree or its equivalent 1 and presents evidence of active research, interest, and performance in the field of human communication is eligible for membership without certification as a research or allied professional [PDF]. Only individuals who do not provide or supervise clinical services 2 may apply for this category of membership.
International Affiliate. An individual who holds a graduate degree or its equivalent 1 and who resides abroad may apply for international affiliate status. An individual with foreign or dual U.S. and foreign citizenship who meets these criteria may apply for International Affiliation [PDF]. International Affiliates are entitled to all the privileges of Association membership except for voting and holding office. International Affiliates are not eligible for certification and must abide by an ethical code of professional practice statement that prohibits use of affiliation with ASHA in the promotion of commercial products.
1 Equivalent is defined as holding a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and proidng evidence of at least 42 postbaccalaureate semester hours (56 quarter hours) in courses that are acceptable toward a graduate degeree by the college or university in with these credits are earned. Thirty semester hours (40 quarter hours) must be in the areas of speech-language pathology; audiology; or speech, language, or hearing science. At least 21 of the 42 semester hours must be obtained from a single college or university. None of the 21, 30, or 42 semester hours specified above may have been earned earlier than 10 years before the date of application. No more than 6 semester hours (8 quarter )hours may be earned for clinical practicum.
2 Clinical services are defined as evaluation and treatment of persons with speech-language and/or hearing impairments, whether such services are provided in elemenatary or secondary schools, in private practice, or in free-standing community clinics, rehabiliation centers, hospitals, nursing homes, or other facilities.
Many associations use professional certification to recognize individuals for their dedication to their chosen career and their ability to perform to established standards. The certification process is one of the single most important steps you can make in career development.
ASHA certification has value beyond the ability to provide or supervise individuals in the provision of clinical services. ASHA certificate holders can:
- receive reimbursement for services rendered from certain third-party payers, including private insurance agencies and some publicly funded programs;
- be eligible for employment as speech-language pathologists in hospitals, health care settings, educational programs, and private practices;
- be eligible for promotion in some employment settings, including the U.S. military;
- be assured of an easier and more manageable state licensure process;
- have maximum employment flexibility and portability between states; and
- be recognized by state and federal policy makers as holding nationally validated professional credentials.
The requirements for the Certificates of Clinical Competence may or may not be the same as a given state's licensure requirements. Individuals who wish to provide clinical services in the United States must contact the state regulatory agency for further information. A list of the individual state regulatory agencies addresses and telephone numbers can be found by visiting the State Licensure Trends section of the ASHA Web site.
Benefits of Membership
There are many good reasons to become a member of ASHA. ASHA provides numerous tangible and intangible membership benefits to aid you in your career growth and development.