Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC) FAQ

What does it mean for an audiologist to have Specialty Certification in Pediatrics?

Obtaining Specialty Certification in Pediatrics means that an audiologist has demonstrated a high level of knowledge in the area of pediatric audiology. While a certification is not a guarantee of any particular skill or competency, an audiologist holding this certification has demonstrated the ability to pass a rigorous examination in pediatric audiology and has a minimum of two years of audiological practice (minimum of one year post-graduation).

Audiologist FAQs

What are the eligibility requirements for an audiologist to sit for the PASC exam?

An audiologist wishing to take the examination for specialty certification in pediatrics must meet the following requirements:

• graduated from an accredited audiology program
• hold current state licensure or registration as an audiologist – or – hold Board Certification in Audiology in the international category
• achieve one year (2000 hours) of licensed full-time clinical practice in pediatric audiology, mentored by a licensed audiologist (this requirement may be waived or modified on a case-by-case basis for international candidates).
• demonstrate 550 direct pediatric patient post-graduate contact hours within a two year period during the past five years. Direct patient contact may include the following areas: screening and diagnostic evaluation, counseling (patient and family) and habilitation/rehabilitation. The candidate must also demonstrate 50 post-graduate hours of case management of pediatric cases within a two year period during the past five years. Case management may include involvement in team meetings, school visits and interfacing with other agencies involved in pediatric patient care.
• two (2) letters from professionals (preferably supervisor(s) familiar with the candidate's work in the area of pediatric audiology) verifying the number of hours worked and eligibility for the specialty credential.

Why should an audiologist obtain PASC?

Holding specialty certification in pediatrics demonstrates to colleagues, other healthcare providers, patients, and employers that you have obtained a high level of knowledge in the area of pediatrics. When an employer is seeking to hire a pediatric audiologist, when another audiologist or other healthcare provider is looking to make a referral, or when a patient is seeking a pediatric audiologist, holding specialty certification in pediatrics will advertise that you are an expert in this area of audiology and are a primary referral destination for children with audio-vestibular disorders.

Will I receive notification of my eligibility prior to the exam?

Once it has been determined that a candidate has met the criteria described above ( see “What are the eligibility requirements for an audiologist to sit for the PASC exam?”), the candidate is notified of eligibility by the ABA. If you would like to verify that the ABA has received your credentials and other documentation prior to the exam, contact the ABA via telephone at 800.881.5410 or via e-mail to aba@audiology.org.

How often must I renew specialty certification in pediatrics?

Specialty certification must be renewed every three years. Every nine years, a certificant must sit for re-examination in order to maintain specialty certification in pediatrics.
If board certification is held, the renewal periods for specialty certification in pediatrics and board certification will be aligned according to ABA policy (see “I hold Board Certification in Audiology, but I am in the middle of my renewal period. Will I need to renew specialty certification separately from Board Certification?”).

Are there any continuing education requirements in order to maintain specialty certification in pediatrics?

All certificants must obtain 60 hours of continuing education in the following categories every three years. This is the case whether the certificant also holds board certification or not.

• A total of 60 hours of continuing education
• 30 of the 60 hours must be in pediatrics
• 3 of the 60 hours must be in ethics
• 15 of the 60 hours must be at the Tier One level (do not need to be in pediatrics)

What topics will be on the examination?

The examination has been written within subject areas defined by a group of nationally recognized experts in pediatric audiology. These are publicly available and are located on the ABA web site (www.americanboardofaudiology.org) under the specialty certification section.

Are there any materials that will help me prepare for the exam?

The ABA has published a list of references that may help you prepare for the examination. This is located on the web site (www.americanboardofaudiology.org) under the specialty certification area.

Where can candidates get more information about specialty certification in pediatrics?

Most information about specialty certification in pediatrics, including eligibility requirements, examination preparation materials, application materials, and currently certified audiologists may be viewed on the ABA web site at www.americanboardofaudiology.org. If you have any additional questions, would like a printed copy of the application, or need any personal assistance with your application, please contact the ABA offices at 800.881.5410 or via e-mail to aba@audiology.org.

What are the costs of obtaining the PASC?

Candidates for specialty certification in pediatrics must first complete an application. There is a $100 non-refundable application and all candidates must pay a $350 examination fee. Candidates must then pay ongoing certification fees annually.

When and where will the examination for the PASC be offered?

Examinations will be held annually at AudiologyNOW! (typically in April, see www.audiologynow.org for more information, including dates and locations). Other locations will be scheduled at various dates and times, as needed to increase accessibility of the examination to audiologists throughout the country. Visit the specialty certifications pages on the ABA web site (www.americanboardofaudiology.org) for a listing of upcoming dates and times.

What are the passing criteria for the exam?

The methodology used to set the minimum passing score is the Angoff method, one of the most widely used approaches to applying standards on examinations. In this method, a panel of experts rates each question according to how many competent examinees would typically choose the correct answer. These ratings are averaged and summed to create a cut score for each question.  Pass/fail score determination is therefore based on knowledge displayed, not on the performance of other candidates.  Thus passing scores vary slightly for each version of the examination. 

How soon will a candidate know whether he/she has passed the exam?

Due the additional analysis required of data from the initial examination, candidates taking the exam in April of 2010 should expect to receive results no earlier than June, 2010. Candidates taking subsequent examination should expect to receive results in 6 – 8 weeks following the examination date.

How many times may a candidate take the exam?

A candidate failing to pass the exam may re-take the exam at his or her discretion. If the exam is not passed on the second attempt, the candidate may be re-directed to conduct additional study in an area or areas identified as a weakness on the exam.  The ability to take subsequent examinations is at the discretion of the ABA. Each time the exam is taken, candidates must submit a new application with applicable fee and pay a new examination fee.

I hold Board Certification in Audiology, but I am in the middle of my renewal period. Will I need to renew specialty certification separately from Board Certification?

Whenever an audiologist achieves specialty certification and already holds Board Certification, all efforts are made to adjust certification periods so at to align renewal for both certifications. These adjustments are made on an individual basis. Current certificants will be notified by ABA staff as to adjusted renewal dates. If you would like to determine how specialty certification may affect your renewal of Board Certification, you are encouraged to contact the ABA offices.

Employer/ Public Questions

What does it take for someone to become specialty certified in pediatric audiology?

An audiologist obtaining specialty certification in pediatrics has demonstrated that he or she has achieved a high level of expertise in the area of pediatrics. This has been demonstrated by passing an examination, demonstrating a minimum level of professional practice, adherence to a strict code of ethics, and achieving the highest level of continuing education required by any licensing, membership, or certifying body in audiology.

Why did ABA decide to offer the PASC?

The ABA is dedicated to offering credentials for that identify those audiologists who wish to achieve and maintain a high standard of professional education and practice. In addition to board certification in audiology, the ABA created specialty certification in pediatrics. This specialty area was chosen because is it the most rapidly growing area of audiology. This is driven largely by significant strides in identification of hearing loss in infants and young children and subsequent efforts to achieve intervention at an early age. This movement, known as Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), has driven a need for many more audiologists to be available to care for these children identified with hearing loss. As part of this need, the ABA, other professional organizations, audiologists throughout the U.S. and abroad, and even state agencies, recognized a need for specialty certification in this area so that those who have dedicated themselves to achieving a high level of knowledge in this area may be identified through successful completion of a rigorous examination and adherence to high standards of ethics and continuing education.

How do I find audiologists who hold the PASC?

The ABA web site (www.americanboardofaudiology.org) contains a listing of all audiologists who have obtained specialty certification in pediatrics. The first group of certified audiologists should be posted mid-2010. You may also contact the ABA offices at 800.881.5410 or aba@audiology.org to have a list of pediatric certified audiologists sent to you.

Why should I see an audiologist holding specialty certification in pediatrics?

Simply put, because your child deserves it! Not all audiologists work with children regularly and not all audiologists who do can demonstrate the level of specialty knowledge of someone who holds specialty certification in pediatrics. By seeing an audiologist who holds this certification, you will help to ensure that the audiologist you visit has met high standards in pediatrics and is the best provider to treat and coordinate care for your child.

My child was not seen by someone with PASC. Should I be concerned?

The audiologist you visited has not demonstrated the high level of knowledge and high standards of professional education as those who do hold specialty certification in pediatrics. The audiologist you visited must hold state licensure (military and other federal agencies excepted) and is still held to certain standards of conduct. It is possible that your child has received very good, appropriate care, however you do not have the assurance that your audiologist has undergone the rigorous process of examination and review by her/his peers.

If someone has the PASC, does that mean they will be able to take care of all my child’s audiologic needs?

No! It is important to realize that pediatrics is a broad field and many audiologists will specialize in specific areas of diagnosis and treatment (such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, surgical monitoring, evaluation with ABR, educational audiology, and others). However, it is important to recognize that an audiologist holding specialty certification in pediatrics has demonstrated a high level of knowledge throughout the field of pediatric audiology. If the first audiologist you see is not able to meet all of your child’s needs, he or she should be able to direct you to another specialist who can.

What are the advantages to hiring an audiologist who holds the PASC?

As an employer in a pediatric facility, you need to be concerned about whether a new employee will be capable of providing clinical services right away, as well the time until that audiologist becomes a productive member of your team. An audiologist holding specialty certification in pediatrics has demonstrated a high level of knowledge and continuing education in the area of pediatrics. Hiring only audiologists with specialty certification in pediatrics helps to ensure that you will be hiring the individuals that you want treating patients in your facility.

How may an employer verify that an audiologist hold current specialty certification in pediatrics?

The ABA maintains a current list of audiologists holding specialty certification in pediatrics on its web site at www.americanboardofaudiology.org. You may also contact the ABA to request a list at 800.881.5410 or via e-mail to: aba@audiology.org.

Other Healthcare Providers

Why should I refer my patients to someone holding specialty certification in pediatrics?

When you refer a patient for audiologic care – particularly a child, you want to ensure that the child will receive the best possible care that may be provided. Specialty certification in pediatrics is the only way that you can ensure the audiologists to whom you refer have met the high standards of knowledge and education required of those obtaining this certification. By doing so, you will help to ensure that your pediatric patients are receiving the best possible audiologic care.

How do I know if someone holds the PASC?

You may verify whether any audiologist hold specialty certification in pediatrics by checking with the ABA in one of the following ways:

• Visit the ABA web site at and click on specialty certifications
• Contact the ABA via telephone at 800.881.5410
• Contact the ABA via e-mail