New Grad Checklist

As you take the next steps in your career, here is some information and resources to help you along the way.

Checklist

  1. Confirm the email address associated with your National NSSLHA account is one you can reach after graduation. Note: Your National NSSLHA login and profile information will become your ASHA login and certification application information, so you don’t need to make a new account.
  2. Update your education information on your account.
  3. Check out your state's licensing requirements.
  4. Review the ASHA certification process.
  5. Mark your calendar for the best time to apply for ASHA membership and certification.
  6. Review what practice resources and new grad discounts are available.
  7. Check out ways to get involved post-graduation.

New Grad Resources

State Licensure Requirements

State licensure is required before an individual may practice as a clinician in most states. It is regulated by the individual states and is separate from ASHA certification and membership. State licensure varies by state. You can check your state’s licensure requirements by going to ASHA’s State-by-State webpage.

Note: State provisional licensure can take between 4-8 weeks or longer for some states.

Something to keep an eye on — The Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC)

The Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) is an occupational licensure compact which allows professionals to practice in multiple states without having to obtain additional state licenses. The compact is expected to be fully implemented in late 2024. For more in-depth information on the ASLP-IC, visit the website. You can also find the status of the compact in your state by viewing the compact map.

The ASHA Certification Process

Being “ASHA certified” means holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in the professions. Whether you’re looking to apply for the CCC-A, for the CCC-SLP, or for an ASHA Clinical Fellowship, there are resources available for you:

Best Time to Apply for ASHA Certification and Membership

You can apply for ASHA membership and certification before, during, or after your clinical fellowship. However, there may be reasons to apply earlier or later. Your scenario will be unique to you. You have 48 months to complete your ASHA Clinical Fellowship requirements, but be sure to consider the various discount programs available to save on your initial ASHA certification and membership application.

  • For instance, save with the ASHA New Professional Membership Package; which can give you up to 24 months of ASHA membership for the price of 12. To maximize your saving use this quiz to determine the best time to apply for ASHA certification and membership.

  • In addition, if you were a National NSSLHA member for the last two years of your master’s or doctoral program including the year you graduate – you are eligible for the NSSLHA to ASHA Conversion discount saving you $250 off your initial ASHA certification and membership application. To claim your discount, you must apply by August 31, up to a year after your graduation. For 2024 grads, you would have until August 31, 2025. 

Conversion-eligible National NSSLHA members will receive both discounts!

Practice Resources

As you start this next step in your career, know that you have access to research, tools, and publications that can help you including the ASHAwire, which provides access to The ASHA Leader, ASHA journals, and Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. ASHA's Practice Portal and Evidence Maps provide resources to guide evidence-based decision-making on clinical and professional issues.

Discounts

Check out our Membership page to see other benefits such as discounts on products, insurance, and ASHA events that you will be able to access as a National NSSLHA member through December 31.

New ASHA members and Clinical Fellows can also attend the ASHA Convention at a discounted rate.

Get Involved

As you start out on your career journey, it is important to have networks of support and opportunities to lead, grow, and be recognized.

Consider learn more about the following groups and programs:

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