Beginning in the year 2007, all applicants must have earned an Au. D. from a regionally accredited college or university. Certificants have achieved a score of 600 or higher on the national examination in audiology as required by the American Board of Audiology. Audiologists certified by the ABA must also have demonstrated that they have completed a minimum of 2000 hours of mentored professional practice in a two-year period. The mentor must be a state licensed or ABA certified audiologist.
Certification is valid for a period of three years.
Applicants for renewal must demonstrate that they have earned 45 hours of approved continuing education within the three-year period. Licensure is granted by individual states, and is typically valid within that state alone. ABA certification is a voluntary, nationally recognized standard that is not tied to membership in any professional organization. ABA certification is voluntary, and was developed to meet the needs of audiologists who asked for a national certification not tied to membership in any organization. ABA certification was developed by and designed exclusively for audiologists.