• Look for a site where you see a long-term investment in your clinical excellence, not one that simply satisfies the requirements.
• This is where you should apply your clinical observation, intuition, and data collection skills. Easy to say, but difficult to do as a new professional. We recommend that you combine careful research with suggestions from our document “CF Tip Sheet”

No. You will not be required to obtain CEUs until after you receive your license and certification. Your first required interval for CEUs begins when you obtain a permanent license/credential/CCCs.

Hooray for starting strong! So… do you want to finish strong or finish superior? Nothing is more important this year than soaking up as much knowledge as possible, from as many sources as possible, but especially through systematic and detailed clinical supervision. If you want to become superior, you must get ongoing, hands-on supervision. Unfortunately, supervision in many cases is driven by compliance and limited by productivity standards. With high workloads, supervisors may follow a “Call me if you have a question” model, instead of designing a strategic and integrated supervision experience. Proactivity starts with a careful choice, and continues throughout your experience. This is not a “hoop to jump through,” but a critical opportunity to be guided through an abundant amount of new information.

• With the exception of work done under a speech-language services credential in a school setting, you must complete a preauthorized Required Professional Experience through the Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Board before you may work as a SLP. Your application must include the specific work site and supervisor. RPE authorization can take up to three months. To receive your ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence you must apply for and complete a Clinical Fellowship. The CF does not need preauthorization.
• Typically, the RPE and CF are completed simultaneously. PCSS created two documents with more information to help guide you through the processes.
  • CF Tips has quick answers to a variety of start-up questions
  • Road to Credentialing/Licensing Certification for New Grads is an organized flow sheet of the specific steps required to complete the process.
  • If you have further questions on the RPE process, the best approach is to email the Speech-Language Pathology Audiology Board.
  • If you have further questions on the CF process, resources are available on the ASHA website.

• You do not need a Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential to work for Pacific Coast Speech Services in a school setting. If you want to work directly for a district, most require a credential, however, some will accept a license.
• You can review the Speech Language Services Credential Requirements on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website. The best way to contact the CTC is by email.
• California graduate programs often result in a preliminary speech-language services credential, which expires after two years. Once you have completed your RPE/CF, we recommend that you apply for a Clear Credential, even if your RPE was not done in a school.
• More detailed information can be found in our resource, Road to Credentialing/Licensing Certification for New Grads. Note: the CTC does not send renewal notices. You can verify a credential and check the renewal date here. Be sure to make note of your expiration date as you are responsible for remembering to renew this credential, not your employer.

• This portion of your responsibilities is often the most difficult part of being a new school-based speech pathologist. As a Clinical Fellow, it is critical that you receive tailor-made instruction on managing documentation, interpreting IEPs, meeting a wide variety of timelines, forging effective parent relationships, and collecting/providing specific feedback within evaluations and IEPs.
• When interviewing with districts or agencies, ask questions about how this information is provided and expect to hear specific plans. Start your CF by asking your supervisor and others about organizational methods and tricks. Make sure you are fully supported in early IEPs. Be clear on eligibility criteria. Our Bell Curve of Student Speech and Language Skills can be a great visual to assist parents and teachers in the creation of a cohesive plan. Review our newsletter/ blog articles on creating a strong IEP team. Look for opportunities to encourage parents during these emotional meetings. Organizational hacks can also be found on blogs, Teachers Pay Teachers, and other social media resources.