CCC-SLP Requirements: Become a CCC-SLP

Becoming a speech pathologist requires special training and state certification. There are, however, even more advanced levels of certification a speech therapist can obtain to advance their career as a speech pathologist. The Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathologists, or CCC-SLP, is given to those SLPs who meet ASHA’s level of professional standards, sometimes higher than what is required for them to become licensed in their state, depending on where they live. Learn more about how to become a CCC-SLP. 

What is the Role of the CCC-SLP Credential?

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is a third-party certifying organization for speech pathologists. ASHA helps set standards and practices for speech pathologists. A CCC-SLP credential is an ASHA certification that helps ensure a pathologist is prepared to provide high-quality speech-language pathology services, including the professional development requirements they must continue to meet to stay up to speed on the latest information in the field.

CCC-SLP credentials are a nationally recognized board certification that denotes competence in the field. For state licensure, a CCC-SLP credential is accepted as one possible qualification, though it is usually considered optional. Not all states require a CCC-SLP credential for you to become an SLP. 

CCC-SLP Requirements 

Applicants must meet the following requirements to earn the CCC-SLP certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):

  • Graduate from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) or from a program with CAA-candidacy status. Applicants must complete foundational coursework demonstrating knowledge in statistics, biological sciences, physical sciences, and social or behavioral sciences as required by ASHA certification standards.
  • Complete a Clinical Fellowship consisting of at least 36 weeks of full-time professional experience (or part-time equivalent) under the supervision of a qualified mentor. This experience is commonly equivalent to approximately 1,260 hours.
  • Secure passing Praxis Exam scores.
  • Submit Clinical Fellowship documentation, including the appropriate Clinical Fellowship report and rating materials, along with the official CCC-SLP certification application to ASHA.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech Pathologists?

Becoming a CCC-SLP can take a number of years, when you include getting into speech pathology school, working toward graduation and completing a fellowship. Most aspiring SLPs complete a bachelor’s degree first (often in communication sciences and disorders or a related field), then earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited (or candidacy) program to meet ASHA’s CCC-SLP education requirement. 

Next, you complete a master’s program in speech-language pathology, which is typically full-time and lasts about 20–24 months (roughly two academic years).  If you work full-time (often described as about 35 hours/week), the CF typically takes at least 36 weeks, often about 9 months, and working more hours per week does not reduce the 36-week minimum. Overall, most people spend about 2–3 years after finishing their bachelor’s degree completing the master’s program, and the Clinical Fellowship required for CCC-SLP certification.

How to Become a CCC-SLP

To get your Certificate of Clinical Competence in the field of Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), you must complete several education, examination, and professional experience requirements established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

  1. Complete a Speech Pathology Program

    Earn a master’s in speech pathology or higher from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). This accreditation signals to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) that the program is teaching you all the information necessary for certification. You must earn a master’s degree or higher in speech-language pathology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). Program credit requirements vary by university and are typically higher than 36 credits. Applicants must demonstrate foundational knowledge in statistics, biological sciences, physical sciences, and social or behavioral sciences, as required by ASHA certification standards. Many schools offer bridge programs where you can take your prerequisites.

  2. Complete Your Practicum Hours

    As you earn your degree, you must meet the 400-hour supervised practicum experience requirement, according to the Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. You will complete at least 325 of your practicum hours at the same time you earn your degree—depending on your undergraduate degree, you may complete up to 75 hours beforehand. 25 hours must be clinical observation, and the remaining 375 must be direct client contact. Students must receive supervision consistent with ASHA’s clinical education standards, including direct supervision by qualified faculty or clinical supervisors during practicum experiences.

  3. Get Verification from Your Program Director

    Your graduate program must verify that you completed the required coursework and supervised clinical experiences and met the competencies outlined in ASHA’s certification standards. This includes but is not limited to communication and swallowing processes, speech sound production, Fluency, current assessment, intervention, and prevention knowledge, social and cognitive aspects of communication, hearing, feeding and swallowing, augmentative and alternative communication, and voice.

  4. Pass the Praxis Exam

    Passing the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology requires getting a score of at least 162. To earn the CCC-SLP, applicants must pass the Praxis® Examination in Speech-Language Pathology with a score of 162, the current score required by ASHA for certification. Some states may use different scores when issuing state licensure.

  5. Complete Your Clinical Fellowship (CF)

    The Clinical Fellowship must include at least 36 weeks of full-time professional experience (or part-time equivalent) under the supervision of a qualified mentor. The hours must be completed within 48 months of the fellowship start date. The Clinical Fellowship must be completed under the supervision of a qualified mentor who holds the CCC-SLP credential, and fellows must demonstrate competency across ASHA’s core skill areas during the fellowship. Supervised clinical experiences must include work involving interprofessional collaborative practice.

For details on how to become a speech-language pathologist, check out our resource, How to Become a Speech Pathologist, a Step-By-Step Guide.

Materials to Submit to Apply for CCC-SLP Certification

When applying for the CCC-SLP credential, you must submit several documents and materials to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 

  1. Completed CCC-SLP certification application submitted through ASHA’s online certification system.
  2. Official Praxis® Examination in Speech-Language Pathology scores sent directly to ASHA from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
  3. Official graduate transcript verifying completion of a master’s degree (or higher) in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited or candidacy program.
  4. Clinical Fellowship documentation verifying completion of the required Clinical Fellowship under the supervision of a CCC-SLP mentor.
  5. Additional disclosure documentation may be required for applicants who answer ‘yes’ to questions related to criminal history, professional discipline, or ethical violations on the certification application.

CCC-SLP Dues

Dues are paid annually to maintain certification. Your first year’s dues must be submitted with your application. Fee rates are as follows:

  • Eligible National NSSLHA members can apply using the NSSLHA Conversion application fee of $240. To receive the conversion discount, eligible applicants must submit their ASHA membership and certification application by August 31 of the year following graduation.
  • ASHA fees vary by application category. Some new graduates may also qualify for ASHA’s New Professional Membership Package and/or the NSSLHA conversion discount (if eligible). Check ASHA’s current dues and fees at the time you apply.
  • Certification with ASHA membership: $490.
  • Certification without ASHA membership: $446.

After you submit a complete application and payment, ASHA’s review timeline is typically about 6 weeks (timelines can vary).

Speech Language Pathologist State Licensing

All 50 states and the District of Columbia require speech pathologists to be licensed. State licensure rules vary, but in many states, the CCC-SLP can satisfy some or all licensure requirements. Some states may require the CCC-SLP, while others accept it as one pathway to meeting state requirements. Many states have licensure standards that are closely aligned with ASHA’s education, supervised experience, and exam expectations.

  • Those that require CCC-SLP certification.
  • Those that offer CCC-SLP certification as one path to licensure.
  • Those that do not ask for CCC-SLP certification, but require similar education and training. 

States that require CCC-SLP certification

The states listed below are where the CCC-SLP is required or accepted as a primary pathway to licensure. Licensure rules change, so always confirm requirements with the state licensing agency.

States where CCC-SLP certification is one path to licensure

States that require similar training as a CCC-SLP for licensure

Maintaining Your CCC-SLP Credentials

According to ASHA, to maintain your CCC-SLP, you must pay annual dues or the annual certification fee, abide by the ASHA Code of Ethics, and meet ASHA’s professional development requirements. ASHA uses a 3-year certification maintenance interval; during each interval, you must complete 30 professional development hours (PDHs) and submit a Certification Maintenance Compliance Form.

ASHA certification and ethics verification

ASHA adheres to a strict code of ethics. Ethics training is part of maintaining the CCC-SLP credential, not earning it. During each 3-year certification maintenance interval, CCC-SLP holders must complete 30 professional development hours (PDHs), including at least 1 PDH in ethics. Part of being CCC-SLP certified is being verified as upholding the code of ethics. Interested parties can search your certification and ethics verification on the ASHA website. 

Information last updated: March 2026