1-800-537-0589 / 780-944-1609
Apply to Become Registered2023-05-12T12:09:20-06:00

New Applicant
Information

Overview

Apply to Become
Registered

Registration Process

Courtesy Registration

Apply to Become Registered

Former ACSLPA Members

If you are a former ACSLPA member, do NOT complete an online application form. Please go to the Contact ACSLPA form, choose ‘Registration’ as the contact and send us a message.

New Applicants

There are six different applicant types for each profession. To get started:

  • Review the applicant types below and choose the category that applies to you.
  • Click on the category to view the documents you will need to submit, and for information on starting your application.
  • See the ‘Important Information for Applicants’ section below for more information on the required documentation.
Graduates of a Canadian Accredited Program (not registered with nor holding a practice permit from another SLP/Audiology regulatory body in Canada)2023-04-21T10:55:52-06:00

Applicable if you have completed your education in Canada and you are not yet registered as an SLP or audiologist in another province. This includes:

  • New SLP or audiology graduates who have not yet been employed,
  • SLPs or audiologists who have been working but come from an unregulated Canadian jurisdiction (e.g., PEI or the territories), or
  • Canadian graduates who have been working outside of Canada.

You must submit:

  • A completed Registration and Practice Permit Application Form.

  • Official transcripts confirming the date(s) on which you officially received your graduate degree(s).

    Documents must be original and sent to ACSLPA directly from the university where you received your qualifications. Original electronic documents (e.g. transcripts and credential assessments) from post-secondary and recognized assessment agencies that can be accessed by secure login site will be accepted as original documents.

    NOTE: If you haven’t yet received your graduate degree, your university program director must submit a letter directly to ACSLPA, verifying you have completed all academic and clinical requirements, and the date on which you will receive your graduate degree. You must ask the university to send the official transcript to ACSLPA immediately following your convocation.

  • Evidence you have the required Professional Liability Insurance.

  • Evidence of your English language proficiency if required.

  • A satisfactory Police Information Check, or equivalent.

  • A written reference from a speech-language pathologist or audiologist colleague, supervisor, professor, or recent employer. ACSLPA’s Reference Request Form is included in the Registration Application Package.

  • The application fee and registration fee.

After we’ve reviewed the required documents, we will notify you by email whether or not your application has been successful. If your application is successful:

  1. We will process the applicable registration fee.
  2. You will receive instructions for downloading and printing your annual practice permit and receipt.
  3. You will receive information and instructions for completion of the jurisprudence education requirements of the College.

Click here to start the application process.

New Graduates of a United States (US) ASHA Accredited Program2023-05-08T14:26:09-06:00

Applicable if you have completed your education in the US within the previous three years.

You must submit:

  • A completed Registration and Practice Permit Application Form.

  • Official transcripts confirming the date(s) on which you officially received your graduate degree(s) and undergraduate degree(s).

    Documents must be original and sent to ACSLPA directly from the university where you received your qualifications. Original electronic documents (e.g., transcripts and credential assessments) from post-secondary and recognized assessment agencies that can be accessed by secure login site will be accepted as original documents. If you haven’t yet received your graduate degree, your university must submit the following directly to ACSLPA:

    • A current transcript listing all your completed courses to date, and
    • A letter from the university program director verifying that all academic and clinical requirements have been met, and the date on which the graduate degree will be conferred.

    You must ask you university to send the official transcript to ACSLPA immediately following your convocation.

  • A copy of, or link to a handbook, syllabus, or calendar that gives a detailed description of your program of study and clinical practicum. Course descriptions should include:

    1. Course objectives and format, and
    2. Total number of lecture hours.

  • A completed Coursework Requirements Form.

  • A verified and signed Summary of Clinical Practice Hours Form, completed and forwarded directly to ACSLPA from the university where you received your qualifications.

  • A passing score on an entry to practice exam approved by ACSLPA.

    Results must be provided directly to ACSLPA by the testing agency; copies are not accepted. You are responsible for the cost of writing the examination, and the results are valid for up to 5 years from the date you successfully passed the exam. Further information on the Entry to Practice Exam requirements..

  • Evidence you have the required Professional Liability Insurance.

  • Evidence of your English language proficiency, if required.

  • A satisfactory Police Information Check, or equivalent.

  • A written reference from a speech-language pathologist or audiologist colleague, supervisor, professor, or recent employer. ACSLPA’s Reference Request Form is included in the Registration Application Package.

  • The application fee and registration fee.

After we’ve reviewed the required documents, we will notify you by email whether or not your application has been successful. If your application is successful:

  1. We will process the applicable registration fee.
  2. You will receive instructions for downloading and printing your annual practice permit and receipt.
  3. You will receive information and instructions for completion of the jurisprudence education requirements of the College.

Click here to start the application process.

Registered in good standing in another jurisdiction and require registration in Alberta for limited hours2023-05-12T09:11:27-06:00

Please visit the Courtesy Registration page for information on starting your application.

Applicants registered in a fully practicing regulated membership category with another provincial SLP/Audiology regulatory body in Canada2023-05-12T09:12:34-06:00

Applicable if you are moving to practice in Alberta from British Columbia (BC), Saskatchewan (SK), Manitoba (MB), Ontario (ON), Quebec (QC), Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), New Brunswick (NB) or Nova Scotia (NS).

You must submit:

  • A completed Registration and Practice Permit Application Form.

  • A letter confirming your current registration in good standing in a fully practicing regulated membership category forwarded directly to ACSLPA from all provincial SLP/Audiology regulatory bodies in Canada in which you hold registration.

    NOTE: Canadian regulated jurisdictions include British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

  • Evidence you have the required Professional Liability Insurance.

  • Evidence of your English language proficiency, if required.

  • A satisfactory Police Information Check, or equivalent.

  • The application fee and registration fee.

After we’ve reviewed the required documents, we will notify you by email whether or not your application has been successful. If your application is successful:

  1. We will process the applicable registration fee.
  2. You will receive instructions for downloading and printing your annual practice permit and receipt.
  3. You will receive information and instructions for completion of the jurisprudence education requirements.

Click here to start the application process.

Applicants registered in a fully practicing membership category with an SLP/Audiology licensing body in the US that has substantially equivalent requirements for registration to ACSLPA2023-05-12T09:15:18-06:00

You must submit:

  • A completed Registration and Practice Permit Application Form.

  • Official transcripts confirming the date(s) on which you officially received your graduate degree(s) and undergraduate degree(s).

    Documents must be original and sent to ACSLPA directly from the university where you received your qualifications. Original electronic documents (e.g., transcripts and credential assessments) from post-secondary and recognized assessment agencies that can be accessed by secure login site will be accepted as original documents. If you haven’t yet received your graduate degree, your university must submit the following directly to ACSLPA:

    • A current transcript listing all your completed courses to date, and
    • A letter from the university program director verifying that all academic and clinical requirements have been met, and the date on which the graduate degree will be conferred.

    You must ask you university to send the official transcript to ACSLPA immediately following your convocation.

  • A verified and signed Summary of Clinical Practice Hours Form, completed and forwarded directly to ACSLPA from the university where you received your qualifications.

  • A copy of, or link to a handbook, syllabus, or calendar that gives a detailed description of your program of study and clinical practicum. Course descriptions should include:

    1. Course objectives and format, and
    2. Total number of lecture hours.

  • Your current résumé.

  • A passing score on an entry to practice exam approved by ACSLPA.

    Results must be provided directly to ACSLPA by the testing agency; copies are not accepted. You are responsible for the cost of writing the examination, and the results are valid for up to 5 years from the date you successfully passed the exam. Further information on the Entry to Practice Exam requirements.

  • Evidence you have the required Professional Liability Insurance.

  • Evidence of your English language proficiency, if required.

  • A satisfactory Police Information Check, or equivalent.

  • A completed Registration/Certification/License Verification Form (included in the Registration Application Package), or written letter confirming your current membership in good standing in a fully practicing membership category, forwarded directly to ACSLPA from the organization. A verification form or letter confirming your registration in good standing forwarded directly to ACSLPA will be required for each licensing body in the US in which you hold registration.

  • A written reference from a speech-language pathologist or audiologist colleague, supervisor, professor, or recent employer. ACSLPA’s Reference Request Form is included in the Registration Application Package.

  • The application fee and registration fee.

After we’ve reviewed the required documents, we will notify you by email whether or not your application has been successful. If your application is successful:

  1. We will process the applicable registration fee.
  2. You will receive instructions for downloading and printing your annual practice permit and receipt.
  3. You will receive information and instructions for completion of the jurisprudence education requirements of the College.

Click here to start the application process.

All other applicants2023-05-19T10:31:44-06:00

Applicable if you:

  • Graduated from an audiology or speech-language pathology program outside of Canada or the US,
  • Graduated from a non-accredited Canadian or US program,
  • Are an applicant from an American jurisdiction where application requirements are not substantially equivalent to ACSLPA’s, or
  • Graduated from an accredited Canadian program or an ASHA accredited US program greater than 3 years prior to your application, are not currently registered in a fully practicing regulated membership category with another provincial SLP/ Audiology regulatory body in Canada, and do not meet ACSLPA’s currency hours requirements (i.e., a minimum of 1250 hours/preceding 5 year period).

You must submit:

  • A completed Registration and Practice Permit Application Form.

  • Official transcripts confirming the date(s) on which you officially received your graduate degree(s) and undergraduate degree(s).

    Documents must be original and sent to ACSLPA directly from the university where you received your qualifications. Original electronic documents (e.g., transcripts and credential assessments) from post-secondary and recognized assessment agencies that can be accessed by secure login site will be accepted as original documents. If you haven’t yet received your graduate degree, your university must submit the following directly to ACSLPA:

    • A current transcript listing all your completed courses to date, and
    • A letter from the university program director verifying that all academic and clinical requirements have been met, and the date on which the graduate degree will be conferred.

    You must ask you university to send the official transcript to ACSLPA immediately following your convocation.

  • A verified and signed Summary of Clinical Practice Hours Form, completed and forwarded directly to ACSLPA from the university where you received your qualifications.

  • A completed Coursework Requirements Form.

  • An original academic credentials assessment from one of the Credentialing Agencies listed below. We require a credential assessment for both your undergraduate and graduate degrees. The cost of the academic credential assessment is your responsibility.

    NOTE: As World Education Services (WES) includes a copy of the verified transcript as part of the credential assessment, we will accept this in lieu of a transcript sent directly from the university where you received your qualifications. In all other instances, an official transcript, as outlined above, will be required.

  • A copy of, or link to a handbook, syllabus, or calendar that give a detailed description of your program of study and clinical practicum. We require course descriptions for both undergraduate and graduate level courses that we are being asked to consider as part of your education. Course descriptions should include:

    1. Course objectives and format, and
    2. Total number of coursework hours (i.e., lecture hours, tutorial hours, laboratory hours, problem-based learning hours, etc.).

  • Your current résumé.

    NOTE: ACSLPA recommends a resume format that outlines your job titles and the organizations you worked for, dates of employment for each position held, duties of each position, including the practice areas served, and any continuing education or professional development completed.

  • Evidence of your English language proficiency, if required.

  • A written reference from a speech-language pathologist or audiologist colleague, supervisor, professor, or recent employer. ACSLPA’s Reference Request Form is included in the Registration Application Package.

  • The application fee.

NOTE:  If you are unable to obtain official copies of your transcripts and/or other documents because of a situation you cannot control, you may give certified true, or notarized copies of your original documents. If you need to discuss your situation in more depth, please use the Contact ACSLPA form and select either the Senior Regulatory Coordinator or the Registrar.

Once all required documents have been received, the Registration Committee will review your application. The Registration Committee meets on the second Friday of January, March, May, July, September, and November (Please note: these dates are subject to change due to extenuating circumstances). We require all documents a minimum of three weeks prior to the committee meeting in order to prepare the package for their review.

After your application has been reviewed by the Registration Committee, we will notify you by email regarding their interim decision (e.g., determination of substantial equivalency of qualifications, clearance to complete an entry-to-practice examination, or approval of conditional registration for the purposes of completing supervised practice), and we will outline any additional requirements.

Our standard requirement upon review of documentation is a passing score on an entry-to-practice exam approved by ACSLPA. Results must be provided directly to ACSLPA by the testing agency; copies are not accepted.

Further information on the Entry to Practice Exam requirements. You are responsible for the cost of writing the examination, and the results are valid for up to five years from the date you successfully passed the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will be eligible for conditional registration, and must then submit:

NOTE: An approved supervisor must:

  • be a practicing member of ACSLPA,
  • have a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in their respective profession,
  • be of good character and reputation,
  • be in good standing with ACSLPA and not be subject to any complaints or investigations at the time of the supervision, and
  • be approved as a supervisor by the Registrar.

You will then be registered and issued a practice permit with the condition that you must practice under the supervision of an approved speech-language pathologist or audiologist for a minimum period of 450 hours. The purpose of the supervised practice is to ensure that the new registrant has the knowledge and skills required to practice their profession, while supporting and assisting them in becoming successful, independent practitioners in Alberta.

ACSLPA will give the approved supervisor their guidelines and reporting forms (Refer to the sample supervision forms for audiology and speech-language pathology)

NOTE: If you have difficulties finding a suitable supervisor for the supervised practice period, ACSLPA may be able to assist you, depending on your circumstance. Please contact ACSLPA’s Registrar if you need to discuss your situation in more depth, or if you need more information on how to find a supervisor.

We will process the applicable registration fee and you will receive information and instructions for completion of the jurisprudence education requirements of the College.

As a new regulated member, you will receive instructions for downloading and printing your annual practice permit (with the condition that you practice under supervision) and receipt.

After you successfully complete the period of supervised practice, the conditions are removed, and you will be issued a new practice permit valid for what remains of the registration/calendar year.

Click here to start the application process.

Important Information for Applicants

Coursework Requirements2023-04-28T14:41:32-06:00

ACSLPA has adopted the Academic Equivalency Framework (AEF), which was developed by a coalition of Canadian audiology and speech-language pathology regulators, as the minimum academic and supervised clinical practice requirements for entry-to-practice audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Alberta.

ACSLPA uses the Coursework Requirements Form (Form D) (included in the Registration Application Package) to check that applicants have met the academic requirements of the AEF. To complete the Coursework Requirements Form, applicants must review and summarize the courses from their program of study, and clearly identify how ACSLPA’s coursework requirements, as per the AEF, are covered in their program’s curriculum.

The following categories of applicants are required to submit a completed Coursework Requirement Form as part of their application for registration with ACSLPA:

  • Graduates of an audiology or speech-language pathology program outside of Canada or the US,
  • New graduates of a US ASHA accredited program,
  • Graduates of non-accredited Canadian and US programs, and
  • Applicants from American jurisdictions where application requirements are not substantially equivalent to ACSLPA’s.

NOTE:

  • There is a specific Coursework Requirements Form available for each of the professions: one for speech-language pathology, and one for audiology.
  • You may use both graduate and undergraduate university level coursework to demonstrate you have completed the academic coursework requirements in some In other categories, only graduate level courses are typically accepted. Undergraduate coursework may be considered if the content is determined to be “substantially equivalent”. This will be reviewed by the Registrar and the Registration Committee.
  • Clock hours means the total number of hours of course instruction. For example, a course that is scheduled for three hours per week over a 12-week period would be calculated as (3 hours/week x 12 weeks) = 36 clock hours.
  • Unless otherwise specified in course syllabi or other university documentation, ACSLPA will consider that each semester hour of recognized credit corresponds to 15 hours of lecture for theory based, “instructor-led” courses, which may include lectures, tutorials, seminars, or workshops.
  • 33% of “student-led” hours can be counted toward the required totals. These may include laboratory hours, problem-based learning hours, self-directed study hours, or guided learning hours.
  • You can separate your hours into different requirement areas, but you cannot count the same hours twice, in two different requirement areas. For example: you could put 75 of the 150 hours into one requirement area, and 75 into another, but you cannot count all 150 hours in two different requirement areas.

In accordance with the AEF, your program of study must include a minimum of the following hours:

Coursework
Category		 Courses Within Category Minimum
Requirements
Foundational
Knowledge
Specific to
Profession
  • Anatomical, physiological, and neurological basis of speech, language, and hearing function
    (i.e., anatomy and physiology, neurosciences, neuroanatomy, related to speech and hearing)

Speech-Language Pathology Majors

  • Fundamentals pertaining to the use of speech and language processes (i.e., linguistics, psycholinguistics, normal acquisition of speech and language, phonetics, phonology)

Audiology Majors

  • Physical basis and processes of the production and perceptual processes of hearing (i.e., hearing science, acoustics)
 135 clock hours
Basic Knowledge
from Related
Disciplines and
Professional
Practice Issues
  • Basic principles and methods involved in conducting research (i.e., statistics, research methods)
  • Psychological and social aspects of human development (i.e., psychology or education courses pertinent to communication disorders)
  • Professional practice/issues, administrative organization of programs (i.e., professional issues, principles of clinical practice)
 180 clock hours
Core
Professional
Area
(speech-language
pathology)		 Speech-Language Pathology Majors

  • Articulation/phonological disorders
  • Preschool/school-aged language development and literacy
  • Developmental language disorders
  • Acquired language disorders
  • Cognitive communication disorders
  • Voice and resonance/structurally related disorders
  • Fluency disorders
  • Neurologically based/motor speech disorders
  • Augmentative and alternative communication
  • Dysphagia
  • Professional practice issues specific to SLPs
 405 clock hours
Core
Professional
Area (audiology)		 Audiology Majors

  • Hearing measurement
  • Audiological assessment
  • Electrophysiological and other diagnostic measurements
  • Basic and advanced concepts in amplification (systems, selection, fitting, verification, and validation)
  • Implantable hearing devices
  • Calibration and maintenance of instrumentation
  • Auditory and vestibular disorders (peripheral and central)
  • Assessment and management of tinnitus, hyperacusis
  • Pediatric audiology
  • (Re)habilitation procedures applied to children, adults, the elderly, specific populations (developmental delay, occupational hearing loss)
  • Professional practice issues specific to audiology
 405 clock hours
Minor
Professional
Area		 Speech-Language Pathology Majors

  • Hearing disorders; screening procedures/basic audiometric testing; application of audiometric information to the speech-language assessment; (re)habilitation of speech-language in hearing impaired; use, care and maintenance of hearing aids, assistive listening devices and amplification systems

Audiology Majors

  • Speech and language development, delays, and disorders (screening/identification programs for speech, language, and hearing problems throughout the lifespan; potential impact of hearing loss on speech and language acquisition; screening procedures for speech-language delays and disorders)
 45 clock
hours
TOTAL HOURS IN ALL CATEGORIES 765 Clock Hours
Credentialing Agencies2023-04-28T14:42:00-06:00

Costs for credential assessment vary across the institutions listed, typically ranging anywhere from $200.00 to $250.00 Canadian. This does not include delivery fees or additional copies of documents. Access individual agency links for their specific information.
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

4th Floor, Sterling Place, 9940 – 106 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 2N2
Tel:  780-427-2655
Fax:  780-422-9734
Email: iqas@aecd.gov.ab.ca
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment.aspx

You will need to request the Specialized Assessment. Please complete the Release of Assessment Results to Other Institutions/Organizations section of the form so that they will send us a copy of the assessment report.
World Education Services

45 Charles Street East, Suite 700, Toronto, ON M4Y 1S2
Tel:  416-972-0070
Fax: 416-972-9004
Email:  canada@wes.org
Website: http://www.wes.org/ca

You will need to request the Comprehensive Course-by-Course Report.
Currency Hour Requirements2023-04-28T14:40:37-06:00

To either register or renew your registration, as per the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Profession Regulation you must give evidence that your professional practice is current by having:

  1. Graduated from an approved program not more than three years before applying, or
  2. Practiced as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist for at least 1250 hours in the five years immediately before applying[1], or
  3. Successfully completed approved, refresher[2] education courses in your profession within the previous three years.

NOTE:  Individuals seeking initial registration via Labour Mobility from another regulated province in Canada where they are currently registered in good standing in a fully practicing regulated membership category are assumed to meet these requirements, and hence are not expected to demonstrate currency.

[1] Currency hours obtained while working in other provinces or jurisdictions will be considered (verification may be required).
[2]A study course that is a review of previous education.

English Language Proficiency2023-05-25T14:20:58-06:00

English Language Proficiency

All applicants for registration as regulated members of ACSLPA must be sufficiently proficient in the English language to be able to provide professional services in English.

You must give evidence of English language proficiency through one of the following:

  • Graduation from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Canadian University Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CACUP).
  • Graduation from a university program in audiology or speech-language pathology from a non-CACUP accredited university program taught in the English language (this must include all didactic learning and clinical practice). This can be provided by submitting an academic credential assessment report from an academic credential agency recognized by the Registrar confirming the language of instruction and/or official attestation sent directly from the university to the Registrar in a sealed envelope.
  • Achievement of the required minimum score on an approved standardized English test, as listed below. All language categories required must be completed using the same test. The test must be completed within two years of receipt of the applicant’s complete application. Official test results must be sent directly from the testing agency to the Registrar.
Test TOEFL
(Internet based test (iBT)		 IELTS
(AV or GT)
Required minimum scores

Speaking: 26
Listening: 26
Reading: 22
Writing: 24

Speaking: 7.5
Listening: 8.0
Reading: 7.5
Writing: 7.5

Individuals who fall short of the required scores by

  • 5 on a maximum of two of the categories of speaking, reading, and/or writing on the IELTS (Ac or GT), or
  • 2 on a maximum of two of the categories of speaking, reading, and/or writing on the TOEFL,

may request that the exam requirement be placed in abeyance until their 450-hour supervised practice has been completed. If the request is approved, the supervised practice supervisor will be asked to comment on the applicant’s English language proficiency in the provision of professional services, as part of the midterm and final evaluations (i.e., specific questions in relation to English language proficiency will be included as part of the evaluations forms, which the supervisor will be asked to complete). Based on this input, an exemption from the standardized assessment may be granted.

Further information on the TOEFL is available at: http://www.toefl.org. You may use Code 7698 to have your results sent directly to ACSLPA.

Further information on the IELTS is available at: http://www.ielts.org.

NOTE:

  • ACSLPA recognizes the English language proficiency requirements in all other regulated Canadian jurisdictions. If you are a practicing regulated member in another Canadian jurisdiction you will not be required to provide further demonstration of English language proficiency if you have already demonstrated English language proficiency in the course of becoming registered in that other jurisdiction.
  • At the discretion of the Registrar, if you are an applicant who is a new graduate or you are a practicing regulated member in another regulated Canadian jurisdiction, you may have to demonstrate English language proficiency if you did not have to demonstrate English language proficiency prior to graduation or in the course of becoming registered in the other jurisdiction.
  • If you are a practicing regulated member in another regulated Canadian jurisdiction and you have met the French language proficiency requirement in that other jurisdiction, but you have not demonstrated English language proficiency, you may be registered with a condition that you may only provide professional services in the French language.
  • You are responsible for the cost of English language proficiency testing. Costs vary dependent on where the test is taken but typically run upwards of $300.00 CDN. The testing organization must send your results directly to ACSLPA. You must have completed any testing no more than two years before the date on your application for registration.
Entry to Practice Exam2023-04-28T14:43:15-06:00

♦  for audiology and speech-language pathology applicants from non-Canadian accredited programs, and
♦  for members who have not practiced for a period greater than five years.

Applicants trained outside of a Canadian accredited program seeking to become a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist (R.SLP) or Audiologist (R.Aud) in Alberta must pass an approved entry-to-practice examination. Regulated members who have not practiced for a period greater than five years must also successfully complete an approved entry-to-practice examination.

The examinations currently approved by ACSLPA for registration are:

  • The Praxis Examinations for Audiology (Praxis exam 5343 – minimum pass score is currently set at 160) and Speech-Language Pathology (Praxis exam 5331- minimum pass score is currently set at 159);
  • The Canadian Entry-to-Practice (CETP) Examinations for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, administered by Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) (minimum pass scores are determined in conjunction with each sitting of the exam); and
  • The SAC Certification Examination for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The SAC exams were retired in March 2020; however, ACSLPA will accept results from past sittings provided results were obtained within 5 years of the application for registration.

ACSLPA’s Registration Committee approved the Praxis Exams, administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) in September 2020, after a comprehensive suitability assessment process. See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below for more information about this process and considerations related to use of an American exam in a Canadian context.

ACSLPA’s Registration Committee approved the CETP exams, administered by SAC in January 2022. The decision to approve these exams was based on updated exam information that was provided by the administrator (SAC), including improved examination policies and procedures and examination data obtained from the two initial sittings of the CETP Exams.

Comparative information regarding the Praxis and CETP Exams is provided below:

Praxis Exams CETP Exams
  • Results are recognized internationally.
  • Results are recognized across Canada.
  • Scheduled almost daily throughout the year.
  • Scheduled 3 times per year.
  • Can be written at exam centres across Canada, the USA and internationally, and taken at home via online proctoring in Canada and the US.
  • Can be written at select exam centers in Canada and can also be taken at home via online proctoring internationally as long as there is a stable internet connection.
  • Fee is approximately $175 CAD per attempt.
  • Fee is $1135 CAD per attempt.
  • Available in English.
  • Available in English and French.
  • ETS offers preparation materials and practice exams are available for a fee.
  • SAC offers preparation materials and sample exam questions are available.
  • ETS has accommodation policies for individuals who have unique test-taking requirements.
  • SAC has accommodation policies for individuals who have unique test-taking requirements.

To access the ETS website to register for the Praxis Exams please click here.

Additional information is also available at this website regarding exam availability, costs, etc. Registration instructions are available here.

To access information, including registration instructions, regarding the CETP exam administered by SAC, click here.

Refer to the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below, for additional information regarding the entry to practice examinations.

Entry-to-Practice Exam FAQs

Who is ETS?2020-09-21T11:09:58-06:00

Educational Testing Service (ETS), is an experienced global leader in developing, administering, and scoring high-stakes entry-to-practice examinations, including the Praxis Exams for audiology and speech-language pathology that are written by thousands of applicants worldwide each year.

ETS is an American organization – will it be a problem for Alberta applicants to write the Praxis Exams, in terms of suitability?2020-09-21T15:21:59-06:00

No, this is not an issue for Alberta applicants. ACSLPA has conducted extensive due diligence to ensure suitability and fairness of the Praxis Exams. The process included assessing suitability with support from a psychometrician, cross referencing competency profiles that ACSLPA has accepted as core standards of practice with standards the Praxis Exams are based on, conducting score setting exercises with subject matter experts from each profession to determine appropriate Praxis passing scores for Canadian candidates, and other elements.

During the course of the exam you will encounter a small number of questions that touch on specific pieces of American legislation and/or professional practice concepts that are not relevant in the Canadian practice context (for example, questions might mention “Medicaid” or “Medicare”, or specific health insurance billing codes). While you are encouraged to do your best on all questions, the passing score for the exam has been adjusted by a panel of Canadian subject matter experts to ensure that you are not penalized for wrong answers on the questions that do not reflect Canadian legislation and/or professional practice concepts. Your knowledge of Alberta legislation and professional practice concepts will be demonstrated separately when you complete the jurisprudence component of your application process.

Who is SAC?2022-03-30T11:56:52-06:00

Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) is the national association supporting and representing speech-language pathologists, audiologists and communication health assistants in Canada.  They are the administrator of the Canadian Entry-to-Practice (CETP) examinations in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

How many attempts can one make to pass the entry-to-practice exam?2022-03-30T14:10:32-06:00

A maximum of three attempts at the exam will be allowed, after which a cooling off period of 6 months will be imposed during which the application will be placed on hold. You can make up to 3 attempts at the approved exams regardless of the exam or combination of exams you choose to attempt. For example, you attempt Exam A and fail on the first attempt. You have two remaining exam attempts. You can then attempt Exam B. Should you fail you now have one remaining exam attempt at either Exam A or Exam B.

The next examination result that will be considered for application must take place a minimum of 6 months from the date of the third consecutive failure. A 6 month cooling off period will be imposed for every subsequent failure to a maximum of two years from the date of the initial application, at which time the registration application will be denied.

Authorization of a fourth attempt at the entry exam without a cooling off period will be considered based on extenuating circumstances including illness, illness of an immediate family member, or sudden or unexpected changes to one’s personal circumstances. ACSLPA reserves the right to request verification in the form of a medical certificate or other supportive documentation as required.

Should it come to light that an applicant who passed the exam did so without following the prescribed attempt limits and cooling off periods, an additional period of supervised practice may be imposed by the Registration Committee for the purpose of confirming competence. This will be evaluated and documented on a case-by-case basis.

Does my choice of Exam affect my future ability to work in other provinces?2022-03-30T12:01:43-06:00

Writing either a Praxis Exam or the CEPT Exam should not affect your future ability to work in other provinces. While some provinces require the CETP Exam currently, all provinces and territories are signatories to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) which allows for inter-provincial labour mobility. The CFTA requires that workers registered in a regulated occupation in one jurisdiction be able to work anywhere in Canada without significant additional training, experience, examinations, or assessment.

As a graduate of a Canadian accredited university training program in SLP or audiology, do I also have to write an exam to be eligible for registration with ACSLPA?2021-04-07T14:19:40-06:00

At this time, Alberta continues to await amendments to the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Profession Regulation (SLPAPR), which are required prior to the implementation of an entry-to-practice exam for all applicants (including Canadian trained individuals). Until further notice, successful completion of the CETP Exam or the Praxis Exam is NOT an ACSLPA requirement for applicants who have graduated from Canadian accredited university programs.

What about SLPs and audiologists who are already registered in another province in Canada-are we required to write an exam if we want to obtain registration in Alberta?2021-04-07T14:19:54-06:00

As per inter-provincial mobility agreements, applicants to Alberta who are currently registered in good standing with another provincial SLP/Audiology regulatory body in Canada (BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NL, NS) will NOT be required to write the CETP or the Praxis Exams.

How does this affect me if I have previously attempted the SAC Clinical Certification Exam and was unsuccessful?2022-03-30T14:12:25-06:00

Individuals were typically allowed up to three attempts at the SAC Exam and were given a two-year timeframe in which to complete their registration. As the Praxis and the CETP are new exams, if you submit a new application and the Registration Committee approves it, you can make three regular attempts at the approved exams, regardless of the exam or combination of exams you choose to attempt. For example, you attempt Exam A and fail on the first attempt. You have two remaining exam attempts. You can then attempt Exam B. Should you fail you now have one remaining exam attempt at either Exam A or Exam B. All exam attempts must be completed within the original timeframe.

Fee Schedule2023-05-26T15:22:27-06:00

Fee Schedule

Application/Reinstatement

Application/Reinstatement Fees

For first-time registrants and reinstatement of former registrants.
The application fee is non-refundable.

*See ‘Other Fees‘ that may apply.

$220

Registration

Registration

When an application is approved for a new member and/or a reinstating member, the fee is:

    • $55 X the number of months remaining in the year of registration; must be registered for the month in which employment commences.

*See ‘Other Fees‘ that may apply.

Courtesy Registration

Some conditions and exemptions apply. Please refer to Courtesy Registration and review “Acceptable Purposes of a Courtesy Registration”.

    • Registration Purposes 1 through 4 – No Charge
    • Registration Purposes 5 through 9 – $200

*See ‘Other Fees‘ that may apply.

Renewal

General Registration Renewal

$650

A Practice Permit is issued and required for speech-language pathologists and audiologists working in clinical, administrative, teaching or research settings, including those volunteering in their profession in Alberta.

Must be renewed online prior to 11:59 PM MST December 31 of the renewal year *

It is against the law to work in Alberta without a current practice permit. If you miss the deadline of 11:59 PM MST on December 31, your registration will be suspended, you will be subject to the application/reinstatement fee, and you will be ineligible to practice in Alberta until you have a current practice permit.

*See ‘Other Fees‘ that may apply.

Non-Practicing Renewal

$175

For speech-language pathologists and audiologists who are not active in their practice
(example: maternity leave). These members do not hold a Practice Permit, and may not practice.

*See ‘Other Fees‘ that may apply.

Honourary Renewal**

No Charge

For speech-language pathologists and audiologists who are no longer active in their practice
(example: retired). These members do not hold a Practice Permit, and may not practice.

**For 2024 renewal, a fee of $50 will be implemented to renew as an Honourary Member**

Change of Status During the Registration Year

Non-Practicing to General Registration

For speech-language pathologists and audiologists who were non-practicing and want to return to practice and receive a practice permit for the remainder of the registration year. The fee is:

    • $40 X number of months remaining in the year of registration (in addition to the Non-Practicing Registration Fee paid during renewal); must have a Practice Permit for the month in which employment commences.

Note: 

    • Applications to change status must be made in advance.
    • Status change requests are made online through the Member Portal.
    • Allow a minimum of two weeks to process.
    • Non-practicing members must verify that they meet current qualification hours and PLI requirements to change to General Registration status.

*See ‘Other Fees‘ that may apply.

General Registration to Non-Practicing or Honourary

For speech-language pathologists and audiologists who no longer need a practice permit for the remainder of the registration year. Complete ACSLPA website forms to apply.

A refund may be available if you will not be returning to practice in Alberta for the remainder of the registration year:

      • If the request is received prior to March 31 of the registration year – $150 refund
      • If the request is received on April 1 to June 30 of the registration year – $75 refund
      • If the request is received after June 30 of the registration year – No refund

Other Fees

  • NSF cheque

$50

  • Payment Processing Fee (applies to any payments other than credit card or e-transfer).

$30

  • Payment change fee (to change payment card or method)

$30

  • Non-member documentation fee (up to 4 documents)

$50

  • Statutory Appeals and Reviews in accordance with the Health Professions Act
    (Fee will be refunded if the outcome of the statutory appeal or review overturns the original decision.)

$100

  • Display certificate

$10

Jurisprudence Education Requirements2023-05-25T10:39:01-06:00

New Applicants/New Regulated Members

Completion of jurisprudence education requirements is mandatory for new regulated members and a condition will be placed on their practice permit, stating that they must complete these requirements within 30 days of registration. These requirements include the modules related to the protection of patients from sexual abuse and sexual misconduct (PPSA).

ACSLPA will inform you of the jurisprudence education requirements and give you instructions to access the education materials. The training and examination should take approximately 1-3 hours to complete.

For additional questions, please contact the ACSLPA office directly.

Jurisprudence Education Requirements
and E-Course Modules

Name Changes2023-04-28T14:17:13-06:00

Applicants must submit original documents for a name change if the name used on your registration application form is different from the name stated on other documents in your application (e.g., official transcripts). Government-issued marriage, name change, or divorce certificates are all acceptable. ACSLPA will keep a copy on file, and we will return the original to you. We also accept notarized[1] copies.

[1] A notarized copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been certified by a notary public to be a true and accurate copy of the original documents. A notarized copy may also be referred to as a certified copy.

Police Information Check Requirements2023-04-28T14:42:51-06:00

Under ACSLPA policy, when applying for ACSLPA registration, you must submit a satisfactory Police Information Check (PIC), or equivalent, before you get your registration and practice permit.

This tells ACSLPA if you have a criminal record, and ultimately, whether we should be worried about the protection and safety of the public. Under the Health Professions Act and the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Profession Regulations, you must give evidence of having good character and reputation. Albertans generally agree that a criminal conviction may raise questions about a professional’s character and reputation.

Who Needs to Submit a PIC?

All applicants for registration must submit a current PIC at the time of their initial and any subsequent registration application.

What Needs to be Submitted to ACSLPA?

ACSLPA will only accept a current original or notarized[1] copy of a PIC. We will not accept faxed or photocopied documents. (We will take a copy of the document and return the original or notarized copy of the PIC to you upon request.)

We will also accept electronic documents from police services that can be accessed or verified by secure login site, or electronic documents that have verifiable digital signatures or reference numbers. Please make sure that signatures or reference numbers are clearly visible when scanned or emailed to ACSLPA.

A PIC is considered current for six months after the date of issue.

Where Can I Get a PIC?

You must get the PIC from the police service in the area in which you reside. Please note that we do not accept criminal record checks from private third-party providers (e.g., BackCheck).

When requesting a PIC, you must be sure that the search is made for your current and all previous, former, or maiden names that you’ve used.

You are responsible for any costs associated with getting the PIC. Costs are determined by the agency providing the PIC.

If you are an internationally educated applicant who has recently immigrated to Canada, we will accept a notarized copy of your Work Permit or Resident Card issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as evidence of clearance from another country, if the police check used to obtain your Canadian immigration document was issued within the previous six months.

NOTE:  Police services may require several weeks to process a PIC. It is your responsibility to see that your PIC is submitted to ACSLPA on time. Please contact the ACSLPA office if there is substantial delay involved in obtaining your PIC.

What Happens if a PIC Discloses a Criminal Record?

Having a previous criminal conviction does not automatically exclude you from registration with ACSLPA. If your PIC does show a criminal record, your application will need further review. You will be required to submit additional information, which may include:

  • A copy of any related court decision(s),
  • A copy of the police report(s) related to the incident, and/or
  • Any additional information that ACSLPA decides is necessary to determine whether you meet the requirements for good character and reputation.

You are responsible for any costs associated with getting the required documents.

The Registrar will review the details of any previous criminal conviction(s). Depending on the details of the criminal conviction(s), the Registrar may accept your application, or may send it to the Registration Committee, where they will consider:

  • The type and seriousness of the offence(s),
  • The relevance of the offence to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology,
  • The sentence you received, if any,
  • Whether or not you were given a pardon,
  • The amount of time since the occurrence,
  • Your behaviour and character after the offence, and
  • Any other important evidence about your character and reputation.

All information will be completely confidential.

Under ACSLPA policy and guidelines, the Registration Committee will determine whether the PIC is satisfactory, and therefore whether to accept or refuse your application for registration or renewal. You will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision.

Definitions

A Police Information Check is an official police document that gives a detailed criminal history and police information about you. This includes whether or not you have any criminal convictions where a pardon has not been granted, and possible charges in court. A Police Information Check may also indicate whether you have any absolute or conditional discharges, outstanding warrants or foreign charges, charges concluded by a finding that you were not criminally responsible, and/or other information in police records.

A Police Information Check may also be called a security clearance check, criminal record check, or police reference check.

Satisfactory PIC means a report that does not give any record of a criminal conviction(s), or a report that gives a record of a criminal conviction(s) that the Registrar and/or Registration Committee decides does not pose a risk to the safety of the public.

[1]A notarized copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been certified by a notary public to be a true and accurate copy of the original document. A notarized copy may also be referred to as a certified copy.

Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) Requirements2023-05-23T11:33:27-06:00

Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) Requirements

Requirements 

Under ACSLPA policy, as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist on the General Register, you must submit evidence of having a minimum of $2,000,000 (two million dollars) Professional Liability insurance (PLI) in order to obtain your registration and practice permit. Your policy must also include an extended reporting period of a minimum of two years (note: courtesy registration, including cross provincial practice registration, may be exempted from this requirement).

ACSLPA requires all members holding a practice permit, including those on the courtesy register providing a health service directly to the public, to hold their own PLI policy. Employer coverage is not acceptable.

You must provide ACSLPA with your current PLI information, including the policy provider, policy number and/or certificate number. You are not able to be registered, volunteer, or work as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist in Alberta without having PLI in place.

Where Can You Access Individual PLI Coverage?

Typical cost for PLI for an audiologist or speech-language pathologists ranges between $50 – $100 CDN annually.

Many insurance companies offer PLI coverage. When seeking coverage, be sure that you are covered to at least include the minimum requirements listed above.

If you are a member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) PLI plans are available. MyGroup Insurance Broker Limited, PROLINK Insurance, Zensurance, and HUB International Sinclair Cockburn Limited are other examples of companies that offer PLI to SLPs and audiologists. Information regarding these plans can be accessed at the following links:

SAC – https://www.sac.bmsgroup.com
MyGroup Insurance Broker Limited – E & O – MyGroup Insurance
PROLINK Insurance – prolink.insure/slpa
Zensurance – app.zensurance.com
HUB International Sinclair Cockburn Limited – email: slpa@hubinternational.com

What if you meet all requirements for registration with ACSLPA but you can’t obtain PLI because you are currently residing outside of Canada?

Our understanding from PLI providers whose policies meet our minimum requirements is that professionals are only eligible for coverage if they, and their clients, reside in Canada.

From time to time ACSLPA receives inquiries from applicants who continue to reside outside of Canada but have confirmed that they meet all of our registration requirements (i.e., no outstanding examination or supervision requirements). As they are unable to obtain the necessary PLI coverage until they move to Canada, we will consider conditional registration until such time as they reside in Canada and can obtain PLI. During this conditional registration period, they will not be eligible to practice in Alberta; proof of PLI that meets ACSLPA’s requirements is mandatory prior to initiating practice. Upon receipt of confirmation of PLI, the condition on the practice permit will be removed. If you find yourself in this situation, please use our Contact Us Form to send an email to the Senior Regulatory Coordinator.

Click here for information regarding the rationale for this policy change and for further information regarding PLI.

Questions? Feel free to contact the ACSLPA office using our Contact Us Form.

Summary of Clinical Practice Hours2023-05-25T10:37:04-06:00

ACSLPA has adopted the Academic Equivalency Framework (AEF), which was developed by a coalition of Canadian audiology and speech-language pathology regulators, as the minimum academic and supervised clinical practice requirements for entry-to-practice audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Alberta.

ACSLPA uses the Summary of Clinical Hours Form (included in the Registration Application Package) to check that applicants have met the supervised clinical practicum requirements of the AEF. All applicants from non-Canadian accredited programs must submit the Summary of Clinical Hours Form for application for registration with ACSLPA. The Summary of Clinical Practice Hours Form must be completed and signed by the Program Director of your Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology educational program. Your university must send the original, signed document directly to ACSLPA. We will not accept photocopies.

As an applicant you need a minimum total of 350 hours of university supervised clinical practice within your academic program of study. The clock hours you report must reflect the number of hours of client contact. In that 350-hour requirement, you also need a minimum of 20 hours of clinical practice in your minor professional area (i.e., in audiology for speech-language pathologists and in speech-language pathology for audiologists). You may not include observation hours in meeting ACSLPA clinical practice requirements.

In accordance with the AEF, your clinical practicum hours from your program of study must include the following:

Audiology Speech-Language Pathology
Must include:

  • Minimum 50 hours with children
  • Minimum 50 hours with adults
  • Minimum 100 hours assessment
  • Minimum 50 hours intervention

Must include the following activities:

  • Hearing measurement
  • Audiological assessment
  • Electrophysiological and other diagnostic measurements
  • Amplification (systems, selection, fitting, verification, and validation)
  • Implantable hearing devices

Should include the following activities:

  • Calibration and maintenance of instrumentation
  • Auditory and vestibular disorders involving both peripheral and central pathways of hearing
  • Assessment and management of tinnitus, including hyperacusis
  • Habilitation and rehabilitation procedures applied to children, adults, the elderly and specific populations (e.g., developmental delay, occupational hearing loss)
 Must include:

  • Minimum 50 hours with children
  • Minimum 50 hours with adults
  • Minimum 50 hours assessment
  • Minimum 100 hours intervention

Must include a variety of disorder types from the following:

  • Articulation/phonological disorders
  • Preschool/school-aged language development and literacy
  • Developmental language disorders
  • Acquired language disorders
  • Cognitive communication disorders
  • Voice disorders
  • Resonance disorders or structurally related disorders (e.g., cleft lip and palate)
  • Fluency disorders
  • Neurologically based speech disorders
  • Augmentative and alternative communication
  • Dysphagia
  • Prevention and identification activities
Must include exposure to speech-language pathology assessment, intervention and/or prevention activities (minimum of 20 hours) Must include exposure to audiology assessment, intervention and/or prevention (minimum of 20 hours)

NOTE:

  • If you anticipate difficulties meeting the clinical practice hours requirements above, please Contact ACSLPA to send an email to the Senior Regulatory Coordinator.
  • There is a specific Summary of Clinical Practice Hours Form for each of the professions: one for speech-language pathology, and one for audiology.
  • If you are short of hours in the minor professional area, you will be required to complete supervised practice to meet this requirement. The additional clinical hours may be completed as part of a 450-hour supervised practice if this is already part of your requirements for registration.
  • If you do not have to complete any additional supervised practice apart from in the minor area, you will need to complete at least* 4 hours of practice with the appropriate profession in order to address the minor hours deficiency, focusing on the following content:

For Audiologists:  Understanding of when to refer to an SLP, including warning signs that would suggest a referral is warranted and observational skills in relation to warning signs.

For Speech-Language Pathologists:  How to read an audiogram, how to screen hearing, and awareness of warning signs that would suggest a referral to an audiologist is warranted.

*The exact number of supervised hours will be stated as part of your registration requirements, but the minimum will be 4 hours.

Translation of Documents2023-04-28T14:42:12-06:00

You must also send us an official English translation for all documents not written in English.

ACSLPA will accept translations from:

  • The consulate, high commission, or embassy (in Canada) of the country that issued the documents.
  • A Canadian consulate, high commission, or embassy in the country from where you emigrated.
  • A translator accredited[1] by a professional association of translators in Canada.
  • A translator accredited by a federal, provincial, or municipal government in Canada.

All translations must be original and accompanied by the translator’s statement confirming:

  • That the translation is accurate and authentic.
  • That the translator belongs to one of the categories listed above (identification number and/or seal, name, address, and telephone number are required).
  • The full, printed name and signature of the translator.

NOTE:  You are responsible for the cost of getting your documents officially translated. Costs are at the discretion of the agencies who complete the work.

[1] Officially recognized as having the essential qualifications.

Title

#620, 4445 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5R7

Toll free: 1-800-537-0589 | Phone: 780-944-1609 | Fax: 780-408-3925 | Email:

Skip to content
Go to Top