When to apply for ASHA certification: Once academic and practicum requirements have been met, prospective applicants may apply at any time before, during, or after the completion of the Clinical Fellowship (CF) experience.
How to apply for certification: Begin by completing an application. A passing score from the Praxis exam (sent directly to ASHA from ETS) and a CF report and grading form are also required. For a step-by-step-walkthrough, click here.
Cost: LINK HERE
Note: There is a NSSLHA to ASHA Membership Conversion Discount is a one-time discount off the initial dues and fees for ASHA membership and certification. To qualify, you must be a National NSSLHA member for the last 2 years of your master’s or doctoral program. To be eligible for the discount, applications must be received before August 31.
If you don’t qualify for the Conversion Discount, current and recent graduates are eligible for Gift to the Grad. The program gives recent graduates 20 months of membership for the price of 12. Applications must be received between May 1 – August 31. To learn more about these discounts, click here.
Maintaining your certification: Certificate holders must complete 30 hours of professional development every 3 years and maintain affiliation by paying annual dues. For more information, click here.
ASHA Membership Benefits:
ASHA provides us with all our professional guidelines, position statements, advocacy, code of ethics etc.
Typically required in medical settings, and national certification holds credibility with school district unions (salary battles etc.). It is unlikely that you will be hired in a medical setting without it or without the intention of getting your CCCs. Holding your CCCs is supported in the schools and also makes you a stronger candidate.
You can supervise students with this certification.
You will apply for this certificate after your CF year. Documentation needs to take place throughout the CF year.
For more information on ASHA member benefits, click here.
Visit ASHA’s Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Qualifications for Oregon State licensure:
Conditional License: Recent SLP graduates beginning a Clinical Fellowship should complete an Application for Conditional Licensure. To upgrade your conditional license to a regular license (after completing your CF), use the Renewal/Upgrade form found at the link above.
Permanent License: Applicants must have a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders and must have completed a Clinical Fellowship Experience of 1,260 hours.
Cost: The are several fees associated with the license. The application review fee is (due at the time you submit your application). The license fee is and the background check fee. Link here
Maintaining your license: To renew a license, holders are required to complete 30 hours of professional development every 2 years and stay current on fees. Professional development activities must meet all three pre-approval criteria. Click here for more information.
Important information:
Required for most settings
Does not require any additional tests – works well in conjunction with ASHA certificate
Does not fulfill requirements for teaching license that may exist if you move out of state
Can be applied for when you receive your master’s on a conditional basis
Visit the Oregon Board of Examiners for more information.
Speech-language pathologists in the public schools are contract employees and do not fall under specific teacher requirements of the State Department of Education. State licensure (from the Oregon Board of Examiners) is typically required for practice in the schools. To learn more about a teaching license exception, click here.
Thinking about moving out-of-state? Although Oregon doesn’t require SLPs to have a teaching license, some states do. If you’re considering moving out-of-state after graduation, check with the state’s Board of Examiners or the state’s speech and hearing association to see what is required in that state.
The local PSU Chapter of NSSLHA offers students opportunities to learn more about the professions within Speech and Hearing Sciences. Our PSU chapter organizes educational seminars, volunteer and service opportunities, team-building outings, community advocacy, fundraising, and networking-with professionals, departmental faculty, and fellow students. Click here for more information.
The Oregon Speech-Language and Hearing Association (OSHA) is our professional organization at the state level. Membership with OSHA has many benefits including a discounted fee for the annual conference. It is important to support OSHA's advocacy efforts on behalf of the professions and the people we serve.