Which credential is issued to individuals who can provide independent clinical services in speech or language disorders?

• A. Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A)
• B. Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
• C. Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SPL)
• D. Cochlear Implant Specialty Certification (CISC)

Answer: (C)

Independent clinical services in speech or language disorders require a credential that certifies entry‑level competence in that field. The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology is the credential issued for this purpose. It signals that the clinician has completed the required master’s education, supervised clinical experiences, a clinical fellowship year, and the certification process, demonstrating they’re ready to provide direct, unsupervised patient care (subject to state licensure). The other options do not represent this general credential for independent practice in speech‑language pathology: one relates to audiology, one is a doctoral degree, and another is a subspecialty certification, not the standard credential for independent SLP practice.