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SAC Certification Program

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SAC Certification Program Description

The SAC Certification Program is a voluntary program that recognizes professional commitment and engagement for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. While regulatory bodies oversee title protection and licensing across the provinces, being part of the SAC Certification Program serves as a professional distinction, demonstrating a commitment to professional development, ongoing education and dedication to best practices in the field.

Eligibility Requirements

All of the following criteria must be met.

1. Membership Requirements

Must have an active SAC membership in good standing.

Eligible SAC Membership Types: Full, Reduced-Hours and *New Practitioner membership type.

  • *New Practitioners who have completed the registration process and have active registration with their regulatory body are eligible. This does not include those who are in the registration process under categories such as “Initial,” “Conditional,” or equivalent, unless the category permits independent practice as defined by the respective provincial regulatory body.
  • Retired from active practice? While the SAC Certification Program is not available to those with a Retired Associate membership, we recognize that transitions can be complex. If you are in the process of retiring or have questions about your eligibility or options, please contact membership@sac-oac.ca.

Ineligible SAC Membership Types: All Associates categories – Affiliate Associates, Student Associates, Retired Associates.

Communication Health Assistants (CHAs) and New Practitioner CHAs are not currently eligible under the 2025 SAC Certification Program.

2. Education Requirements

Hold a post-graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology from an accredited Canadian program, or a program deemed equivalent by the regulatory body in the respective province.

3. Regulatory Requirements

Be registered as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in a province or authorized to practice in a territorial jurisdiction in one of the following categories.

Examples of Registration Categories: Regular, Full, General, Active, Practicing, Non-Practicing, Academic, etc.

(Disclaimer: These reflect the general terminology used by regulators across jurisdictions as of 2025. Registration categories, names, and eligibility criteria vary by province and may be subject to change.)

For information on the pathway to certification for those not registered with a provincial regulator, please contact certification@sac-oac.ca.

4. Exam Requirements

2025 graduates and beyond

Must have successfully completed the Canadian Entry-to-Practice (CETP) exam as determined by the regulatory body in the respective province or territory.

Graduates who completed their education before 2025 may be eligible for certification through one of the following legacy pathways:

  • Successful completion of the Canadian Entry-to-Practice (CETP)
  • SAC (formerly CASLPA) Clinical Certification Exam (before April 1, 2020)
  • Other regulatory-approved exam

5. Continuing Education Requirements

Commit to ongoing professional development by completing a minimum of 15 Continuing Education Equivalents (CEE) credits annually (January 1 to December 31).

6. Code of Ethics Requirements

Must attest to and uphold SAC’s Code of Ethics, which outlines the fundamental principles, values and standards which guide SAC members and associates in the responsible practice of their professions.

Program Enrollment, Renewal, & Compliance

Enrollment Requirements

  • The SAC Certification Program runs on an annual cycle aligned with SAC membership renewal. Members interested in enrolling in the program must complete the Certification Enrollment Form during the annual SAC Membership Renewal period: November 1 to mid-January.
  • Forms are available through your Member Account Centre during the renewal process.
  • Members who do not submit the required form by the deadline will not be listed as certified for that membership year.

Annual Maintenance Requirements

  • Maintain active SAC membership (Full, Reduced-Hours and *New Practitioner membership type).
  • Commit to ongoing professional development by completing a minimum of 15 Continuing Education Equivalents (CEE) credits between January 1 and December 31.
  • Abide by the SAC Code of Ethics.
  • Maintain registration as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in a province or authorized to practice in a territorial jurisdiction.
  • Complete and submit the required annual Certification Attestation Form during membership renewal. This form serves as an active declaration confirming continued eligibility, completion of the required CEEs, and provides SAC with a record of the participant’s commitment to the program.

Failure to submit the Annual Attestation will result in de-certification, and the member will no longer be eligible to use the (C) designation.

SAC conducts a random audit each spring (April–May) to verify compliance with the SAC Certification Program requirements. Members selected for audit must provide documentation confirming completion of CEEs.

In some cases, SAC may request additional verification of current regulatory registration.

CEE Categories Calculating CEEs Maximum CEEs
A Education Activities

e.g. attending a conference, attending a workshop, webinar or webcast, etc. specific or related to your professional practice

 		1 hour = 1 CEE No maximum
B University / College Courses

e.g. taking a full or part-time university or college course specific or related to your professional practice

 		1 course = 10 CEEs No maximum
C Practice Networks / Interest Groups

e.g. participating in a member practice network, special interest group, community of practice, etc. specific or related to your professional practice

 		1 meeting = 1.5 CEEs No maximum
D Independent Study

e.g. reading a journal article, etc. specific or related to your professional practice

 		1 hour = 1 CEE Maximum = 5
E Industry Presentations

e.g. attending an in-person or virtual presentation by a manufacturer specific or related to your professional practice

 		1 hour = 1 CEE No maximum
F University / College Course Instruction

e.g. serving as an instructor for a course

 		1 course = 10 CEEs No maximum
G Presentations Given

e.g. presentations at conferences, staff meetings, in-services, guest lectures etc. Presentations can be to students, professionals, parents, community groups, etc.

 		1 presentation = 5 CEEs No maximum
H Supervision of Students / International Clinicians

e.g. Supervision of a university or college clinical placement (1 week or longer) or of international clinicians completing required hours for Canadian registration. Each distinct placement may be counted separately, even if placements occur at different times during the year.

• 1 student/international clinical placement
= 8 CEEs

• Paired or group clinical placement
= 12 CEEs

• Other clinical placements (eg. part of regulatory requirements for individuals trained outside of Canada)
= 5 hours/ 5 CEEs

Maximum = 15
I Mentorship

e.g. being a mentor or mentee in a program offered through a professional association or regulatory body.

 		1 hour = 1 CEE

 		Maximum = 15
J Committee / Working Group Participation

e.g. any activity related to your profession, inter-professional team, workplace, community, with an association or regulatory body, etc.

 		1 hour = 1 CEE Maximum = 15
K Advocacy / Promotion and Awareness Raising of the Professions

e.g. Speech and Hearing Month activities, raising awareness of communication health issues in your community, communicating with decision makers on issues facing the professions, etc.

 		Time spent directly participating in advocacy activities (e.g., presentations, meetings, events) may be counted.
1 hour = 1 CEE 		No maximum
L Peer-Reviewed Professional Publications

e.g. serving as an author for an article in a peer-reviewed journal.

 		1 publication = 10 CEEs No maximum
M Other Publications Relating to Professional Practice

e.g. blog posts, website content, newspaper articles/letters to the editor, workplace practice guidelines or protocols etc.

 		1 publication/ review = 5 CEEs No maximum
N Volunteerism Relating to Professional Practice

e.g. serving as a peer reviewer for a journal article, completing surveys related to the professions, participating as a moderator or taking a leadership role in communities of practice and online forums, providing work experience to high school or undergrad students, etc.

 		1 hour = 1 CEE No maximum

Use of SAC Certification Designations

Professionals who are part of the SAC Certification Program are entitled to use the following designations to indicate their status:

  • English: S-LP(C), Aud(C)
  • French: O(C), Aud(C)

Important Notes

  • These designations are trademarked certification marks owned by Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC).
  • Please ensure they are displayed correctly.
    • No space before the opening bracket.
    • Use a hyphen in S-LP [i.e., S-LP(C), not SLP (C)].
  • Please ensure that the designation is displayed in accordance with regulatory requirements. Many regulatory bodies have protected their provincial registered designations and titles in legislation, so these titles cannot be altered or used by anyone who is not registered in that province. These designations are unique to each province and are not portable.
  • The (C) designation may only be used while you are actively enrolled in the SAC Certification Program. If your certification is not renewed, lapses, or you no longer meet the program’s eligibility requirements, you must remove the designation.

FAQs

No, the SAC Certification Program is not required to practice in Canada. Licensing and title protection are managed by provincial regulatory bodies. Participation in the program reflects a voluntary commitment to ongoing professional development.

No, these membership types are not  currently eligible to participate in the SAC Certification Program.

Yes. If you are working in an unregulated jurisdiction, alternative eligibility options may be available. SAC is committed to providing equitable access to the program for practitioners in these regions. In many cases, employers may require you to register with a provincial regulator or meet other practice requirements. Please contact certification@sac-oac.ca for more information.

Yes, if you meet the program's eligibility requirements, including education, regulatory registration, membership, and continuing education.

Yes. If you are an internationally trained professional, you may be eligible to join the SAC Certification Program, provided you meet all program requirements.

Please note
  • The SAC Certification Program does not grant the right to practice. You must still be registered with a regulatory body in the province of your choosing in an eligible category.
  • You must also hold a post-graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology.
  • You must maintain active SAC membership in good standing under a qualifying type (Full, Reduced-Hours, or New Practitioner).
  • You must agree to SAC’s Code of Ethics and complete at least 15 CEEs annually.

For any questions regarding the SAC Certification Program, please contact certification@sac-oac.ca.

  • Last modified:
  • 2026-01-27

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