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Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC) Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for an audiologist to sit for the Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC) exam?
An audiologist wishing to take the examination for PASC 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 (2,000 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 five hundred fifty (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 fifty (50) post-graduate hours of case management of pediatric cases within a two-year period during the past five (5) years. Case management may include:
    • involvement in team meetings,
    • school visits
    • interface 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 the PASC demonstrates to colleagues, other healthcare providers, patients, and employers that you have obtained a high level of knowledge in the area of pediatric audiology. 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 a PASC advertises 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 the PASC?
Specialty certification must be renewed every three (3) years.
Are there any continuing education requirements in order to maintain a current PASC?
All certificants must obtain sixty (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 sixty (60) hours of continuing education
  • Thirty (30) of the sixty (60) hours must be in pediatrics
  • Three (3) of the sixty (60) hours must be in ethics
  • Fifteen (15) of the sixty (60) hours must be at the Tier 1 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 in the Exam Content section of the ABA web site.
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 list is located under the specialty certification area of the web site.
Where can candidates get more information about the PASC?
Most information about the PASC, including eligibility requirements, examination preparation materials, application materials, and currently certified audiologists, may be viewed on this web site. 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.
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) and other regional locations. Upcoming exam locations and dates can be found on the Exam Schedule page of this web site.
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 based, therefore, on knowledge displayed, not on the performance of other candidates. Passing scores vary slightly for each version of the examination.
How soon will a candidate know whether he/she has passed the exam?
Candidates taking the exam in April of any given year should expect to receive results no earlier than June of the same year. Candidates taking subsequent examinations 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 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, a candidate 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 PASC separately from Board Certification?
Whenever an audiologist achieves PASC and already holds Board Certification, all efforts are made to adjust certification periods 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.

Public Questions

What does it take for someone to earn the PASC?
An audiologist achieving the PASC 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, proving 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 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 PASC 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 children identified with hearing loss. As part of this need, the ABA, other professional organizations, audiologists throughout the United States and abroad, and even state agencies, recognized a need for specialty certification in this area. Those who have dedicated themselves to achieving a high level of knowledge in this area now can 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 contains a listing of all audiologists who have earned the PASC. 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 the PASC. When you visit an audiologist who holds this certification, you know that he or she has met the highest 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?
It is probable 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. Whenever you visit an audiologist, you should ensure that he/she holds state licensure licensure (military and other federal agencies excepted). These audiologist are still held to certain standards of conduct, but have not demonstrated the high level of knowledge and high standards of professional education as those who do hold the PASC..
If someone has the PASC, does that mean he/she 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 the PASC has demonstrated a high level of knowledge in 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 a specialist who can.

Employer Questions

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 the PASC has demonstrated a high level of knowledge and continuing education in the area of pediatrics. Hiring only audiologists with the PASC helps to ensure that you will be hiring the individuals who you want treating patients in your facility.
How can an employer verify that an audiologist holds a current PASC?
The ABA maintains a current list of audiologists holding the PASC on its web site at www.boardofaudiology.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 Provider Questions

Why should I refer my patients to someone holding the PASC?
When you refer a patient for audiologic care, particularly a child, you want to ensure that the child will receive the best possible care. The PASC designation 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 holds specialty certification in pediatrics by visiting the ABA’s Find a Certified Audiologist page.