ABA Certified Credential Is Now Recognized for Streamlined Licensure in California

ABA Certified credential holders from other states can seek and receive California licensure in a streamlined manner.

During 2022 Sunset Review hearings, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee and the Senate Economic Development Committee held joint Sunset Review oversight hearings to review many boards and bureaus under the Department of Consumer Affairs. Among the boards being reviewed this year was the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPAHADB). 

Historically, licensed audiologists from other states who sought California licensure, and who held ASHA certification (CCC-A), were afforded a streamlined process for obtaining licensure. It was deemed that these individuals holding CCC-A therefore met the educational and experience requirements for licensure. Legislation arising from the board’s Sunset Review Report for 2022 (AB 2686) added new language that would recognize American Board of Audiology (ABA) certification as also meeting (or exceeding) the requirements as those who hold ASHA certification. The bill passed the state senate on August 30 and the Assembly on August 31. The bill was signed by the governor on September 18. Thus, ABA Certified credential holders from other states can seek and receive California licensure in a streamlined manner.

California joins Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming in this regard. The ABA board thanks Marcia Raggio, PhD, member of the Academy Board of Directors; Paul Sanchez, executive officer of the SLPAHADB; and Cherise Burns, assistant executive officer of the SLPAHADB, for their efforts on behalf of ABA certification this year.