Certification, Licensure

What is "professional licensure"?

Every state has its own laws regulating how professionals work called licensure or registration. These statutes are invoked to protect its citizens and professionals must meet specific requirements when applying to work in any state. Working in any state without a license based there, usually constitutes a violation of law and ethics, with some type of penalty being leveed against the violator.

What is certification?

Professional organizations often choose to set a national standard of practice to which every member is held. Speech-Language Pathologists may apply for ASHA certification as it is a voluntary, nationally recognized credential. Because certification is voluntary, there are no penalties for professionals who do not obtain it.

When I graduate, will I get a license and certification?

After successfully completing the requirements to earn a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, you will be able to look for a job and then apply for a license in the state in which you work, and, ASHA certification. Before ASHA and the state offer you the appropriate credentials, you must first pass the PRAXIS examination and complete a 9-month post-graduate clinical fellowship year (CFY). See the FAQ on TSSLD for information about New York State teacher certification which is required to work in schools.