Logistics · 8 min read
CCC-SLP Requirements: The Complete Certification Checklist
Four requirements, each with a detail that quietly sinks applications. Here's the checklist in the order you'll actually complete it.
Cross-checked against the current ETS Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology Test at a Glance and ASHA CCC-SLP standards.
Quick answer
The ASHA CCC-SLP requires a master's or doctoral degree from a CAA-accredited program, completion of the KASA/Standard IV coursework and 400 supervised clinical hours, a passing Praxis 5331 score of 162, and a completed 36-week, 1,260-hour clinical fellowship with a qualified mentor.
- CAA-accredited graduate degree plus 400 clinical hours
- Praxis 5331 score of 162 or higher
- 1,260-hour clinical fellowship over at least 36 weeks
The CCC-SLP has four requirements, and every one of them has a detail that quietly disqualifies applications. Here's the checklist in the order you'll complete it, with the specific standards ASHA verifies.
1. Degree from an accredited program
- A master's or higher in speech-language pathology.
- From a program accredited by ASHA's Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).
- Verified by an official transcript showing the conferral date — a transcript issued before your degree posts will be rejected.
Internationally trained applicants need a credential evaluation demonstrating equivalency — see the international pathway.
2. Academic coursework and clinical practicum
Your graduate program must document coverage of the Big Nine areas across the lifespan:
- Articulation
- Fluency
- Voice and resonance
- Receptive and expressive language
- Hearing (including impact on speech and language)
- Swallowing/feeding
- Cognitive aspects of communication
- Social aspects of communication
- Communication modalities, including AAC
Plus 400 supervised clinical hours: 375 direct client contact and 25 guided observation. Supervision must come from a CCC-SLP holder, and at least 25% of your direct contact time in each session type must be supervised.
3. Praxis 5331 with a score of 162
- Test code 5331, Speech-Language Pathology.
- Passing score for ASHA: 162 on a 100–200 scale.
- Scores must be sent to ASHA directly from ETS — designate ASHA as a recipient when you register.
- Praxis scores are reportable for a limited window (currently 10 years), so a very old score may not be usable.
The exam itself is 132 questions in 150 minutes. See the content-area breakdown and how to read your score report. Not there yet? Work timed practice tests rather than re-reading textbooks.
4. Clinical Fellowship
- 1,260 hours minimum.
- 36 weeks minimum at full time; longer if part-time.
- 80% direct clinical contact.
- 18 supervisory activities, including at least 6 direct observations, distributed across thirds of the fellowship.
- Mentor must hold an active CCC-SLP for the full duration.
- Documented on the CF Report and Rating Form with ratings of 3+ on all core skills.
Full detail in the clinical fellowship guide.
What the CCC is not
It is not a license. Every state licenses SLPs separately, with its own fees, jurisprudence exam, and CE requirements. Many states accept the CCC as evidence for most of their requirements, which is what makes it practically mandatory even though ASHA calls it voluntary. Compare against your state's rules.
Maintaining certification
- 30 professional development hours (3.0 CEUs) every 3 years.
- Includes required ethics and cultural competency/DEI hours under current standards.
- Annual dues and certification fees must stay current — a lapse can require reapplication.
See the recertification guide for tracking strategies.
Quick self-audit
Before you apply, confirm you can answer yes to all of these:
- My degree is posted and my program is CAA-accredited.
- My 400 practicum hours are documented by my program.
- My Praxis score is 162+ and ASHA received it directly from ETS.
- My fellowship hit 1,260 hours and 36+ weeks.
- My mentor's CCC was active start to finish.
- Supervisory activities were spread across all three thirds.
All yes? Move on to the application walkthrough.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the CCC-SLP?
- A CAA-accredited graduate degree, 400 supervised clinical hours, a passing Praxis 5331 score of 162, and a completed 36-week clinical fellowship of at least 1,260 hours.
- How long does the CCC-SLP application take to process?
- ASHA typically processes complete applications within a few weeks after receiving the Clinical Fellowship Report and Rating Form and your Praxis score.
- How much does the CCC-SLP cost?
- Expect an application fee plus annual ASHA dues and certification maintenance fees, totaling several hundred dollars in the first year.
- Do I need the CCC-SLP to work as an SLP?
- State licensure is the legal requirement, but most medical employers and many school districts require or strongly prefer the CCC-SLP.
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