Applying for certified RCSLT membership under the Mutual Recognition Agreement

Subject to some provisos, the RCSLT, ASHA, CASLPA and SPA have equivalent credentials. It is therefore possible for certified members of one professional association to become recognised by the others.

The MRA is not one of reciprocal recognition of qualifications. It is not extended to state, province, or country licensing/registration, nor does it assure immigration or employment in the new country.

Anyone interested in working in a specific state, province, territory or country will still need to apply to any licensing or registration authority for that area. The relevant professional associations can refer applicants to the relevant licensing or registration authorities.

To apply for certified RCSLT membership under the MRA, applicants must hold current certification with their own association.

Applicants should note that UK certification is granted initially for one year. Certification after the initial year will depend on evidence of satisfactory completion of a year of monitored practice in the UK.

Should aspects of practice not meet the standard of competence expected after the year of monitored practice, the applicant will be offered an opportunity to undertake additional supervision, education or assessment, which must be satisfactorily completed or passed in order to meet the requirements for continued certification.

ASHA CCC holding applicants must:

• Complete the application form for certified RCSLT membership under the Mutual Recognition of Credentials Agreement.
• Request that ASHA send RCSLT a letter of good standing, confirming current certification.
• Provide evidence of recency of practice - 1,000 hours of clinical practice and/or conducting clinical research and/or college/university teaching within the previous five years.

CASLPA Certified Speech-Language Pathologists applicants must:

• Complete the application form for certified RCSLT membership under the Mutual Recognition of Credentials Agreement.
• Request that CASLPA send RCSLT a letter of good standing, confirming current certification.
• Provide documented evidence of having completed a year of clinical practice in the country of certification. (A year of clinical practice is defined as a calendar year of continuous employment in clinical practice in the country of certification with a minimum of 18 hours worked per week).
• Provide evidence of recency of practice - 1000 hours of clinical practice and/or conducting clinical research and/or college/university teaching within the previous five years.

Speech Pathology Australia CPSP Member applying must:

• Complete the application form for certified RCSLT membership under the Mutual Recognition of Credentials Agreement.
• Request that Speech Pathology Australia send RCSLT a letter of good standing, confirming current certification.
• Provide documented evidence of having completed a year of clinical practice in the country of certification. (A year of clinical practice is defined as a calendar year of continuous employment in clinical practice in the country of certification with a minimum of 18 hours worked per week).

The application fee is £50 (GBP) provided the application is complete. Applicants can expect to receive a decision regarding the outcome of their application within one month of receipt of the letter of good standing. Successful applicants will be required to pay the annual subscription fee for certified membership (LINK).

For further enquiries write to: The Membership and Information Manager, RCSLT, 2 White Hart Yard, London SE1 1NX, email: Sharon Silvera, tel: 00 44 207 378 3011.