Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC) Updates

The Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC) exam has an updated exam blueprint and will have an improved online test experience in Spring 2024. After the latest pediatric audiology practice analysis was completed in fall 2022, the exam blueprint was revised to reconfigure content domains and update the knowledge/skill statements listed in each domain. All of the existing item bank was reconfigured to the new blueprint in time for the spring 2023 test administration and ABA administered the most exams per administration (29) since 2012. The exam pass rate was 83 percent in 2023.

Brianna Hester, AuD, in Albuquerque, New Mexico passed the PASC exam in 2023 and states, “I decided to take the PASC exam as a way to showcase my expertise in pediatric audiology, particularly in a state with very limited resources for children. I can now say I am the only board-certified pediatric audiologist in the state which has helped to gain more respect within my service area.”

Samantha Dixon, AuD, of Chicago, Illinois also passed the PASC exam in 2023 and reports, “I received recognition throughout our entire Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery department after passing the exam and receiving the pediatric audiology certification. I highly recommend pediatric audiologists take the PASC exam to provide formal certification for an individual’s expertise in pediatric audiology, because it is an important subspecialty in audiology, and requires very specific and particular knowledge to provide appropriate and good care for this population.”

Although ABA receives and reviews PASC applications year-round, we are seeing an increase in applications as more pediatric audiologists consider benchmarking their skills by sitting for the exam. Applications for the spring 2024 exams must be completed and submitted by March 14, 2024, to qualify to register for the 2024 exam. For those who are interested, here is the full exam blueprint that describes the content of the exam and the percentage of test questions in each content domain on the 100-scored item exam.

Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC) Exam Blueprint – 2023

1: ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF PATIENTS WITH AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR DISORDERS – 24%

1. Obtain comprehensive case history 2. Otoscopy/video otoscopy and physical examination of the ear (e.g., assessment for anatomical abnormalities, cerumen management) 3. Newborn hearing screening (e.g., Otoacoustic emissions, Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) 4. Birth – 3 hearing screening (e.g., Otoacoustic emissions, Pure tone audiometry) 5. School age hearing screening (e.g., Otoacoustic emissions, Pure tone audiometry) 6. Electrophysiological evaluations (e.g., ABR, ASSR) 7. Cortical evoked potentials (e.g., MLR, ALR) 8. Behavioral audiologic evaluations, including air and bone-conduction testing 9. Tympanometric testing 10. Acoustic reflex testing 11. Wideband reflectance testing 12. Diagnostic otoacoustic emissions 13. Speech threshold audiometry (e.g., SAT, SRT) 14. Speech recognition testing 15. Tinnitus, hyperacusis, and/or misophonia evaluations 16. Auditory processing assessments 17. Vestibular assessments 18. Diagnosis based on case history and assessment data

2: HABILITATION/REHABILITATION – 21%

19. Explain test results and implications to patient/family/caregiver 20. Discuss benefits, limitations, and expected outcomes for hearing device with patient/family/caregiver 21. Provide unbiased information about communication options and intervention using a family-centered approach      22. Identify areas of need for additional support (e.g., financial concerns, family support, physical limitations, language/cultural needs)      23. Recommend hearing technology based on audiometric findings (e.g., traditional hearing aids, CI, bone conduction, remote microphones)      24. Perform ear impressions in accordance with safety and standard infection control guidelines 25. Select earmold style while considering patient’s hearing loss and needs 26. Fitting and verification of traditional hearing aids 27. Programming and verification of cochlear implants 28. Fitting and verification of bone conduction devices 29. Fitting and verification of remote microphones and other assistive technology 30. Device validation (e.g., outcome measures, aided testing) 31. Aural (re)habilitation methods in the clinic and at home 32. Vestibular rehabilitation 33. Manage tinnitus, hyperacusis, and/or misophonia 34. Resources to connect families and caregivers with other users and recipients

3: CASE MANAGEMENT AND COUNSELING – 22%

35. Maintain comprehensive records regarding patient history, diagnosis, results, recommendations and hearing equipment      36. Distribute written report(s) with permission to parent/caregiver, referral source, school and other designated parties 37. Apply knowledge of auditory, speech, language and developmental milestones 38. Recommend rehab services (e.g., speech, OT and PT) 39. Recommend medical services (e.g., ENT, developmental pediatrics, mental health) 40. Recommend social services (e.g., social work, financial assistance, family-to-family support) 41. Recommend and coordinate audiologic follow-up need 42. Administer developmental and mental health screenings 43. Educate and recommend precautions regarding noise-induced hearing loss 44. Use culturally sensitive and trauma-informed methods of care and communication 45. Provide emotional support and empathy to patient/family/caregiver 46. Collaborate and/or participate with multidisciplinary teams regarding patient’s audiologic needs 47. Provide support for transition to adulthood (e.g., vocational rehabilitation services, clinical transfer, higher education support)

4: MEDICAL AUDIOLOGY – 16%

48. Provide recommendations and monitor hearing, speech, and language of children with recurrent otitis media) 49. Provide counseling and follow-up recommendations for children with genetic causes of hearing loss 50. Provide counseling and follow-up recommendations for children with non-genetic causes of hearing loss      51. Provide counseling and follow-up recommendations for children with vestibular dysfunction 52. Apply knowledge of the head, neck, ear and central nervous system (CNS) 53. Apply knowledge of fetal development related to auditory and vestibular disorders 54. Apply knowledge of neuromaturation of the auditory system 55. Adapt test environment based on patient safety considerations (e.g., physical limitations, additional diagnoses)

5: PROFESSIONAL AND REGULATORY ISSUEs – 9%

56. JCIH and other practice guidelines 57. Standard infection control practices 58. HIPAA requirements 59. Required information per state and federal law (e.g., Child Find, EHDI, suspected child abuse/neglect)

6: EDUCATIONAL AUDIOLOGY – 8%

60. Implement and/or manage Birth – 3 services and programming under Part C of IDEA 61. Implement and/or manage educational services under Part B of IDEA 62. Implement and/or manage educational services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 63. Provide expert audiologic review/recommendations for use in educational planning 64. Write goals for Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP) as part of a multidisciplinary team 65. Evaluate educational needs and impact of hearing loss on education 66. Determine most appropriate and least restrictive amplification and assistive technology options 67. Provide programming, monitoring, and servicing of amplification devices

For more information about the eligibility requirements and how to apply for the PASC credential, see this page.

In other PASC news, the ABA is migrating the current item bank to a new web platform that will allow for a smoother candidate experience when scheduling and taking the online exam with live, remote proctors. When that migration is completed this fall, the PASC Candidate Handbook may be revised if any updates to pages 12–13 of the handbook are required. If you have any questions about the certification, the exam, or the application process, please contact Andrew Stafford at 703-226-1056 or aba@audiology.org.