Sorting out the details: CCC's, state licensing, and more

Confused about ASHA CCC's (we call them "sees") vs state licensing? This brief explainer is for you. 

ASHA CCC'S

ASHA certification is awarded once a candidate meets all ASHA standards. This includes a master's degree at a CAA accredited program, completion of clinical training hours, completion of a clinical fellowship, and a passing score on the praxis exam. In addition, certified individuals are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years in order to maintain their certification. 

While ASHA certification identifies an individual as an SLP that has met nationally recognized standards, this is not a license to practice in any state. 

State License

In the field of speech-language pathology, licensure and certification are separate processes. An SLP license is required by your state to practice as a speech-language pathology. Each state sets their own rules for licensure. Some rules match the ASHA standards, while some may not. Students should keep in mind the licensing requirements for their state, particularly if they are going to school in a state that is different than the one they want to practice in. 

The state license is what is recognized by insurance agencies and the government. During the clinical fellowship, a provisional license is awarded (in most states). 

How to Handle Moving

ASHA provides a nationally recognized certification, so there is nothing that needs to be done if someone is moving since their CCC's are not attached to a particular state. However, the state license does need to be addressed. Most states will allow individuals to obtain an SLP license if the SLP has a license already awarded from another state and current ASHA certification. In fact, some SLPs obtain out-of-state licenses in order to provide telepractice to patients who are living in a different state.