Credential · Board Cert

ASHA Board Certified Specialists

SLP55 citations · 3 lenses

ASHA BCS portfolio of specialty certifications. Limited research across all SLP specialties on certification-specific outcomes.

Scores · default weights
Clinical
27/100
Business
62/100
Academic Clinical
76/100

Each lens uses its own dimensions and default weights. Scores answer different questions across paths — they aren’t apples-to-apples. How scoring works →

Clinical breakdown
Clinical outcomes×35%
8/100

Across ASHA BCS specialties, no comparative outcome studies vs non-certified SLPs.

Caseload applicability×15%
45/100

Applicability varies by SLP specialty area; each specialty has moderate breadth within its domain.

Billing & reimbursement×15%
52/100

No billing premium across any ASHA BCS specialty; professional signaling credential only.

Certification investment×20%
30/100

ASHA BCS portfolio plus exam across specialties; significant documentation requirements.

Employer demand×10%
28/100

Limited employer recognition across ASHA BCS portfolio; low differentiation from standard SLP credentials.

Patient experience×5%
10/100

Specialty credentialing signals expertise to patients and referrers.

Business breakdown
Cash-pay viability×25%
65/100

Specialties like swallowing, child language, and fluency support strong private-pay practices, especially pediatrics and AAC.

Pricing leverage×20%
70/100

Board certification supports premium rates within the SLP market.

Market differentiation×15%
80/100

Few SLPs hold BCS credentials, creating real scarcity and defensibility.

Owner leverage×15%
60/100

Other SLPs can be trained/hired under a BCS-led program, scaling reasonably.

Consumer demand×15%
50/100

Parents and families do search for board-certified specialists in fluency and child language.

Credential investment×10%
30/100

Multi-year mentored pathway with significant clinical hour requirements.

Academic Clinical breakdown
Faculty recognition×25%
85/100

Highly regarded for SLP faculty positions, equivalent in spirit to PT board specialties.

Scholarship signal×20%
80/100

BCS holders publish heavily and lead specialty literature.

Teaching value×15%
85/100

Core to CSD curricula — directly aligned with specialty courses.

Evidence depth×20%
75/100

Built on the strongest evidence within each SLP specialty area.

Faculty demand×10%
75/100

Frequently preferred or required in CSD faculty postings.

Credential investment×10%
35/100

Long mentored pathway, but high academic payoff.

Evidence base · 55 sources
  1. 01
    Influence of Speech and Language Therapy on Quality of Life in People With Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Scoping Review
    M. Gauch; B. Spelter; K. Geschke; A. L. Köb; O. Tüscher; I. Heinrich; S. Corsten · Int J Lang Commun Disord2025
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1111/1460-6984.70129
  2. 02
    Multidisciplinary Cleft Care
    L. D. Hartzell; E. Bady · Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am2025
    Otherdoi:10.1016/j.fsc.2025.06.004
  3. 03
    Case Reports From the Board Certification Process of the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences: Introduction to the Forum
    J. Hinckley; A. Chandregowda · Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups2025
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2025_PERSP-24-00299
  4. 04
    Tutorial: A Guide to Getting Started With the Clinical Fellowship Experience
    C. Masters; M. L. Schroeder · Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups2025
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2025_PERSP-24-00167
  5. 05
    Speech-Language Therapists' Training, Confidence, and Barriers When Serving Bilingual Children: Development and Application of a National Survey
    M. McKenna; X. Soto-Boykin; A. Larson; D. Julbe-Delgadod · American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology2025
    Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1044/2025_AJSLP-24-00498
  6. 06
    Approaches to Training Speech-Language Pathologists to Work With People With Aphasia: A Systematic Review
    I. Musaji; E. L. O’Bryan; A. Bowen · American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology2025
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1044/2024_AJSLP-24-00350
  7. 07
    A Discussion of the Clinical, Educational, and Social Impacts of Culturally Incongruent Speech-Language Professionals Who Serve African American English Speakers across Generations
    E. V. Roberson-Middleton · Seminars in Speech & Language2025
    Otherdoi:10.1055/s-0045-1807744
  8. 08
    The Essential Role of Speech-Language Pathologists in End-of-Life Swallowing Intervention: A Narrative Review
    S. Yonan · Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups2025
    Narrative reviewdoi:10.1044/2025_PERSP-25-00023
  9. 09
    Professionalism in Communication Sciences and Disorders: Consideration of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access
    S. A. S. Lee; A. J. Byrd; E. Babatsouli; K. Gregory-Martin; M. Echeverry Wright · Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups2024
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2024_PERSP-23-00238
  10. 10
    Interventions and their efficacy in supporting language development among preterm children aged 0-3 years - A systematic review
    A. Markkula; R. Pyhälä-Neuvonen; S. Stolt · Early Hum Dev2024
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.106057
  11. 11
    Diversity of Research Participant Gender, Race, and Ethnicity in Communication Sciences and Disorders: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Synthesis of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Publications in 2020
    R. A. Millager; J. I. Feldman; Z. J. Williams; K. Shibata; K. A. Martinez-Torres; K. M. Bryan; D. G. Pruett; J. T. Mitchell; J. E. Markfeld; B. Merritt; D. E. Daniels; R. M. Jones; T. Woynaroski · Perspect ASHA Spec Interest Groups2024
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1044/2024_persp-23-00204
  12. 12
    Behavioral Treatment for Speech and Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia and Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech: A Systematic Review
    L. D. Wauters; K. Croot; H. R. Dial; J. R. Duffy; S. M. Grasso; E. Kim; K. Schaffer Mendez; K. J. Ballard; H. M. Clark; L. Kohley; L. L. Murray; E. J. Rogalski; M. Figeys; L. Milman; M. L. Henry · Neuropsychol Rev2024
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1007/s11065-023-09607-1
  13. 13
    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Clinical Practice Guideline on Aural Rehabilitation for Adults With Hearing Loss
    G. Basura; K. Cienkowski; L. Hamlin; C. Ray; C. Rutherford; G. Stamper; T. Schooling; J. Ambrose · American Journal of Audiology2023
    Clinical guidelinedoi:10.1044/2022_AJA-21-00252
  14. 14
    Word Reading: The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist
    D. Colenbrander; S. Kohnen · Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups2023
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00054
  15. 15
    Replication in Evidence-Based Aphasia Treatments
    S. Karidas; J. J. Hinckley; I. Brekher · J Speech Lang Hear Res2023
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2022_jslhr-21-00688
  16. 16
    Effectiveness of Constraint-Induced Language Therapy for Aphasia: Evidence From Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
    A. M. Raymer; J. Roitsch · American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology2023
    Meta-analysisdoi:10.1044/2022_AJSLP-22-00248
  17. 17
    Registered nurses' and speech language pathologists' interprofessional collaboration: A systematic scoping review of the literature
    R. D. Bloom; V. E. Tufano; C. T. Perez · Nursing Forum2022
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1111/nuf.12802
  18. 18
    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Clinical Practice Guideline: Cognitive Rehabilitation for the Management of Cognitive Dysfunction Associated With Acquired Brain Injury
    J. Brown; D. Kaelin; E. Mattingly; C. Mello; E. S. Miller; G. Mitchell; L. M. Picon; B. Waldron-Perine; T. J. Wolf; T. Frymark; R. Bowen · American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology2022
    Clinical guidelinedoi:10.1044/2022_AJSLP-21-00361
  19. 19
    What Is Clinical Evidence in Speech-Language Pathology? A Scoping Review
    S. Fissel Brannick; G. W. Wolford; L. L. Wolford; K. Effron; J. Buckler · Am J Speech Lang Pathol2022
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00203
  20. 20
    Person‐centred care in speech‐language therapy research and practice for adults: A scoping review
    E. Forsgren; S. Åke; C. Saldert · International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)2022
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1111/1460-6984.12690
  21. 21
    School-Based Telepractice Assessment (STA): Guidance for Evaluating School-Based Speech–Language Telepractice Service Delivery
    E. Lundblom; E. R. Cohn; L. Tindall Covert · Topics in Language Disorders2022
    Otherdoi:10.1097/TLD.0000000000000278
  22. 22
    The Effect of Vocal Hygiene Education Programs on Voice Quality in Professional Voice Users: A Systematic Review
    R. Vermeulen; M. du Toit; K. van Lierde; J. van der Linde · Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research2022
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1044/2022_JSLHR-22-00097
  23. 23
    The Communicative Participation Item Bank: Evaluating, and Reevaluating, Its Use across Communication Disorders in Adults
    C. Baylor; T. Eadie; K. Yorkston · Semin Speech Lang2021
    Otherdoi:10.1055/s-0041-1729947
  24. 24
    Reporting and Reproducibility of Meta-Analysis in Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
    J. C. Chow; A. L. Sjogren; H. Zhao · J Speech Lang Hear Res2021
    Meta-analysisdoi:10.1044/2021_jslhr-21-00047
  25. 25
    The Five W's Meet the Three R's: The Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Telepractice Service Delivery for School-Based Speech-Language Therapy Services
    S. Grogan-Johnson · Seminars in Speech & Language2021
    Otherdoi:10.1055/s-0041-1723842
  26. 26
    Measuring Stakeholder Perceptions: A Review of Social Validity Reporting in ASHA Journals
    A. Olszewski; K. Rae · Am J Speech Lang Pathol2021
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2021_ajslp-20-00169
  27. 27
    Making a Case for Studying Gender-Neutral Pronouns in Speech-Language Pathology
    S. Shotwell; L. Sheng · Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch2021
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2021_lshss-21-00021
  28. 28
    Speech-language pathology and ethical practice in global contexts
    B. Staley; E. Hickey; D. Rule; H. Barrett; C. Salter; R. Gibson; D. Rochus · International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology2021
    Otherdoi:10.1080/17549507.2020.1743358
  29. 29
    A review of virtual reality technologies in the field of communication disability: implications for practice and research
    L. Bryant; M. Brunner; B. Hemsley · Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology2020
    Otherdoi:10.1080/17483107.2018.1549276
  30. 30
    Advances in Specific Language Impairment Research and Intervention: An Overview of Five Research Symposium Papers
    M. L. Rice · J Speech Lang Hear Res2020
    Narrative reviewdoi:10.1044/2020_jslhr-20-00504
  31. 31
    The Effect of Hydration on Voice Quality in Adults: A Systematic Review
    M. Alves; E. Krüger; B. Pillay; K. van Lierde; J. van der Linde · J Voice2019
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1016/j.jvoice.2017.10.001
  32. 32
    Effects of Vocal Function Exercises: A Systematic Review
    V. Angadi; D. Croake; J. Stemple · J Voice2019
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1016/j.jvoice.2017.08.031
  33. 33
    Complexity of Clinical Decision Making: Consent, Capacity, and Ethics
    A. Askren; P. Leslie · Semin Speech Lang2019
    Otherdoi:10.1055/s-0039-1688838
  34. 34
    Multilevel Models for Communication Sciences and Disorders
    D. Harel; T. McAllister · Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research2019
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2018_JSLHR-S-18-0075
  35. 35
    Effects of mechanical inspiration and expiration exercise on velopharyngeal incompetence in subacute stroke patients
    K. W. Jang; S. J. Lee; S. B. Kim; K. W. Lee; J. H. Lee; J. G. Park · J Rehabil Med2019
    Otherdoi:10.2340/16501977-2506
  36. 36
    Strategies Utilized by Speech-Language Pathologists to Effectively Address the Communication Needs of Migrant School-Age Children
    L. G. McNeilly · Folia Phoniatr Logop2019
    Otherdoi:10.1159/000496969
  37. 37
    Essential Statistical Concepts for Research in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
    J. J. Oleson; G. D. Brown; R. McCreery · Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research2019
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2018_JSLHR-S-ASTM-18-0239
  38. 38
    Late Talkers: Why the Wait-and-See Approach Is Outdated
    N. Capone Singleton · Pediatr Clin North Am2018
    Otherdoi:10.1016/j.pcl.2017.08.018
  39. 39
    Walking the Tightrope Between Advocacy and Knowledge: An Appeal From Teacher Educators to Speech-Language Pathologists Regarding African American English
    S. Gibson; E. T. Shockley · Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups2018
    Otherdoi:10.1044/persp3.SIG1.147
  40. 40
    Still Rethinking Rehab: Motor Learning Treatment Approaches for Dysphagia
    M.-L. Huckabee; E. Burnip · Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups2018
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2018_PERS-SIG13-2018-0006
  41. 41
    Counseling Issues: Addressing Behavioral and Emotional Considerations in the Treatment of Communication Disorders
    A. Lieberman · Am J Speech Lang Pathol2018
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2017_ajslp-16-0149
  42. 42
    Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework to Achieve Interprofessional Functional Outcomes for Young Children: A Speech-Language Pathology Perspective
    L. G. McNeilly · Pediatr Clin North Am2018
    Narrative reviewdoi:10.1016/j.pcl.2017.08.025
  43. 43
    Curriculum-Based Language Interventions: What, Who, Why, Where, and How?
    A. B. Meaux; J. A. Norris · Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch2018
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2017_lshss-17-0057
  44. 44
    Curriculum-Based Language Assessment With Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in the Context of Mathematics
    B. L. Newkirk-Turner; V. E. Johnson · Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch2018
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2017_lshss-17-0050
  45. 45
    Recommended Protocols for Instrumental Assessment of Voice: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Expert Panel to Develop a Protocol for Instrumental Assessment of Vocal Function
    R. R. Patel; S. N. Awan; J. Barkmeier-Kraemer; M. Courey; D. Deliyski; T. Eadie; D. Paul; J. G. Švec; R. Hillman · Am J Speech Lang Pathol2018
    Study protocoldoi:10.1044/2018_ajslp-17-0009
  46. 46
    Unique Contributors to the Curriculum: From Research to Practice for Speech-Language Pathologists in Schools
    R. K. Powell · Language, Speech & Hearing Services in Schools2018
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2017_LSHSS-17-0059
  47. 47
    Critical appraisal of systematic reviews of executive function treatments in TBI
    A. M. Raymer; J. Roitsch; R. Redman; A. M. P. Michalek; R. K. Johnson · Brain Inj2018
    Otherdoi:10.1080/02699052.2018.1522671
  48. 48
    How Gender Stereotypes May Limit Female Faculty Advancement in Communication Sciences and Disorders
    N. Rogus-Pulia; I. Humbert; C. Kolehmainen; M. Carnes · Am J Speech Lang Pathol2018
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2018_ajslp-17-0140
  49. 49
    Dual Task, Noise, and The Speech-Language Pathologist: A Clinical Guideline for Adult Multi-Tasking Intervention With Noise
    J. Harvey; S. Seeman; D. von Hapsburg · Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups2017
    Otherdoi:10.1044/persp2.SIG15.32
  50. 50
    Small Group Reading Instruction: Activities for Teaching Phonemic Awareness, the Alphabetic Principle, and Phonics in a Tier 2 Setting
    V. S. Henbest · Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups2017
    Otherdoi:10.1044/persp2.SIG1.78
  51. 51
    Social participation in working-age adults with aphasia: an updated systematic review
    C. Pike; A. Kritzinger; B. Pillay · Top Stroke Rehabil2017
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1080/10749357.2017.1366012
  52. 52
    Pragmatic communication abilities in children and adults: implications for rehabilitation professionals
    L. S. Turkstra; A. Clark; S. Burgess; J. A. Hengst; J. C. Wertheimer; D. Paul · Disabil Rehabil2017
    Otherdoi:10.1080/09638288.2016.1212113
  53. 53
    Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in Assessment and Intervention of School-Aged Children With Language Impairments
    C. Westby; K. N. Washington · Language, Speech & Hearing Services in Schools2017
    Otherdoi:10.1044/2017_LSHSS-16-0037
  54. 54
    Screening Accuracy for Aspiration Using Bedside Water Swallow Tests: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    M. B. Brodsky; D. M. Suiter; M. González-Fernández; H. J. Michtalik; T. B. Frymark; R. Venediktov; T. Schooling · Chest2016
    Meta-analysisdoi:10.1016/j.chest.2016.03.059
  55. 55
    A Review of Training Opportunities for Singing Voice Rehabilitation Specialists
    J. Gerhard · Journal of Voice2016
    Otherdoi:10.1016/j.jvoice.2015.03.020
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