American Speech-Language-Hearing Association  (ASHA)

 Visit ASHA's website for detailed information: www.professional.asha.org

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
301/897-5700 or 800-498-2071

In order to uphold standards of professional excellence, ASHA

• awards the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) to audiologists and speech-language pathologists who meet strict requirements
• informs the public about communication disorders and the ways speech-language pathologists and audiologists help make a difference
• administers the ASHA Code of Ethics, which sets the highest standards for professional conduct and performance and which all members agree to uphold

Certificate of Clinical Competence:  ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), is granted in speech-language pathology and/or audiology. The CCCs allow the holder to provide independent clinical services and to supervise the clinical practice of student trainees, clinicians who do not hold certification, and support personnel. The certificate can be obtained by an individual who meets specific requirements in terms of degree, course work, practicum, and supervised professional experience, and who passes the national examination in speech-language pathology or audiology. The CCCs are presently held by over 86,000 professionals, who provide services in schools, colleges, speech-language and hearing centers, clinics, hospitals, private practices, and other programs throughout the United States, Canada, and many other countries.

Individuals holding CCCs must have a graduate degree, an active interest in the field of communication, and must meet academic course work and clinical practicum requirements in the professional area. Holders of the CCC must abide by ASHA's Code of Ethics, which incorporates the highest standards of integrity and ethical principles. An ASHA member who supervises the provision of clinical services must hold a current CCC in the appropriate area. An ASHA member may provide clinical services in speech-language pathology and audiology only when the individual holds the appropriate Certificate of Clinical Competence or is in the process of obtaining certification and is supervised by an individual who holds the appropriate CCC. Otherwise that individual is in violation of ASHA's "Code of Ethics." Maintaining the CCC is contingent upon the timely payment of annual dues and fees. ASHA resolution LC 5-81 states: "...individuals whose Annual Certification Fees are in arrears on April 1 will have allowed their certificates to expire on that date."