Steps to Apply for
the SLP Advanced Diagnostics Certification
through the Lavi Institute
This certificate program will provide you with all the required content needed to gain advanced knowledge in the area of assessment of communication disorders. Gain clinical confidence in advanced assessment related topics. Learn how to conduct language and literacy based independent evaluations. Requirements include 50-hours of professional development courses (may be taken via CEU SmartHub or via another organization, 2 comprehensive case studies, as well as a final examination)
Who is it for?
This coursework is designed for professionals who would like to gain advanced knowledge and ability in conducting comprehensive assessments of preschool, school-aged and adolescent students. We cover everything, so even if you don't have a solid background in literacy related aspects of speech-pathology, you'll be able to learn thoroughly and effectively. The certificate is open to SLPs who are interested in gaining in-depth knowledge in the areas of assessment of children with language and literacy disorders. This certification offers not just continuing education hours in the advanced practices pertaining to the assessment and treatment of literacy, but also a final examination and 2 lengthy in-depth projects requiring professionals to appropriately and comprehensively design assessment for clients with confirmed or suspected language and literacy impairments.
We make sure every class is easily understood, and that all students reach the same level of expertise needed for today’s high expectations in the area of special education.
Prerequisite: 50 hours of advanced language and literacy coursework
Language: Completion of courses in the areas of assessment of semantic flexibility, metacognition, metalinguistics, narratives, discourse, etc.
Literacy: Completion of courses in the areas of assessment of phonemic awareness, synthetic phonics, orthographic competence, morphological awareness, semantic knowledge, reading fluency, reading comprehension, spelling, and writing
Coursework includes presentations on working with special populations (FASD, trauma, ASD, etc.) controversial diagnoses (APD) and practices in literacy (Balanced Literacy)
Note: This Program fee doesn't not include access to the CEU SmartHub
2 case studies
completion of 2 detailed case-studies to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of assessment of language and literacy
Certification Requirements
- MA or equivalent (from other countries) in speech pathology.
- A minimum of 3 years of professional experience.
- Relevant licensure (state), country (e.g., CASLPO) or ASHA certification (CCC), etc.
- 50 hours of intermediate and advanced professional development specific to language and literacy assessment (Note: the cost of courses is NOT included in the SOR program fee)
- Successful completion of 2 case study projects on assessment and intervention (discussed below)
- Demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge in the area of literacy assessment
- Successful completion of a final written exam
Interested but have more questions?
Watch Program Orientation Video
This is a recording of the program orientation that explains all certification requirements, final project details and reviews FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Professionals’ names will be placed in a national professional directory accessible to parents, advocates, as well as special education attorneys seeking professionals to conduct comprehensive language and literacy assessments
- Professionals will be hired by parents, school districts, and attorneys as consultants on complex literacy cases to conduct independent evaluations
- By becoming better informed regarding the evidence-based literacy assessment process, professionals will become highly effective evaluators
Upon receipt of the certificate, you will be ready for a number of thoughtful professional changes.
- Perform rigorous independent comprehensive language and literacy assessments and consultations
- Collaborate with Advocates and SPED attorneys on literacy-related client cases (assessment and review)
- Perform program observations to determine the appropriateness of delivered interventions based on assessment findings
12 months from the start date.
Yes, provided we receive the request in writing which explains the extenuating circumstances why the applicant was unable to complete the certification in the allotted time period. A $75 processing fee will be charged at the time of extension acceptance.
Currently, the programming recommendation is to split up the time rather equally between language and literacy assessment (~20 hours in language and 20 in literacy).
Yes, in order to satisfy the course requirements a variation of the following coursework is required (samples of courses/not exhaustive/ subject to change):
- Appropriate selection of psychometrically sound standardized language and literacy instruments
- Clinical assessment of language disorders in speech-language pathology
- Clinical assessment of literacy for SLPs
- Standardized test application: strength and limitations interpretation
- Narrative/discourse assessment, interpretation, and treatment
- Contextualized intervention therapy
- Assessment and treatment of phonological awareness
- Assessment and treatment of orthographic knowledge
- Assessment and treatment of reading fluency and comprehension
- Assessment and treatment of morphological competence
- Assessment and treatment of spelling
- Assessment and treatment of writing
Since we are not a degree-granting program, it is not necessary for us to go through the accreditation process at this juncture. The Lavi Institute, however, is an ASHA approved ASHA CEU provider and all of the currently offered CEU Smart Hub course content is presently approved by ASHA for ASHA CEUs.
Yes, provided that the SLP is a paid member of a CEU Smart Hub since we will need proof of course attendance (certificates of attendance, ASHA CEUs, etc.).
Yes, some (but not all) of the courses will be counted toward the requirement. Coursework will be reviewed and relevant courses will be counted.
That is not necessary. The 50 hours of coursework can be obtained from any relevant educational organization (e.g., IDA), if not obtained through the CEU Smart Hub. If it is obtained from another organization, the following information is required to be listed for each taken language/literacy course as proof of coursework. Please note that there is a $100 processing fee to review coursework documentation.
- Organization name through which the course was taken
- Course Title
- Course Description
- Learning Objectives
- Number of hours/CEUs obtained
- Confirmation of successful completion (proof of completion/attendance)
Yes, maintenance requires a yearly completion of 10 hours of required language and literacy coursework. Courses can be accessed through the CEU Smart Hub or obtained through other organizations (a processing fee of $25 will apply for course review). The cost of yearly certification maintenance is a $50 processing fee.
YES, as long as they can provide appropriate documentation of their credentials and can meet all other certificate requirements.
The certificate is open to SLPs who are interested in gaining in-depth knowledge in the areas of assessment of children with language and literacy disorders. This certification offers not just continuing education hours in the advanced practices pertaining to the assessment of literacy but also a final examination and 2 lengthy in-depth projects requiring professionals to appropriately and comprehensively design assessment plans for children with language and literacy impairments.
How to Apply
-
Pay a $200 non-refundable processing fee.
*Please note that as compared to other certifications which cost thousands of dollars and are far less vigorous, we offer not only a fair and a highly competitive fee but also highly practical application of gained skills and knowledge - Complete 50 hours of required language and literacy coursework (can be accessed through the Lavi Institute online professional development library - CEU Smart Hub- *Separate fee will apply)
- Submit letter of intent online at the CEU Smart Hub which includes detailed description of how you approach assessment with respect to evidence based practices
- Complete 2 detailed case study projects on assessment and intervention
- Pass written final exam
Yearly Maintenance of Literacy Certification
- Complete 10 hours of required language and literacy coursework yearly (can be accessed through the Lavi Institute online professional development library - CEU Smart Hub. * Separate fee will apply)
- $50 processing fee
List of Required Core Coursework
1. Becoming a Highly Credible Expert by Lenore Boyarin, Esq. (2 hours)
2. Understanding Psychometric Properties of Standardized Tests by Dr. Elena Plante (2 hours)
3. Clinical Assessment of Narrative Skills by Tatyana Elleseff (2 hours)
4. Background History Collection Matters by Tatyana Elleseff (.5 hours)
5. Test Selection for Comprehensive Assessments by Tatyana Elleseff (1 hour)
6. Thinking about Thinking: Assessing Foundations for Social-Emotional Development by Dr. Carol Westby (2 hours)
7. Central Auditory Processing Disorder Controversy by Dr. Andrew Vermiglio (2 hours)
8. Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Practice by Dr. Patrick Finn (2 hours)
9. Assessing Functional and Pretend Play in Young Children: Foundations for Language, Social-Emotional, and Literacy Development by Dr. Carol Westby (2 hours)
10. Targeted Pragmatic Assessments of School-Aged Children with Psychiatric Diagnoses Tatyana Elleseff, MA, CCC-SLP (2 hours)
11. Assessment of Cluttering Dr. Kathy Scaler Scott (2 hours)
12. Assessment of Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing Dr. Kristina Blaiser (2 hours)
13. Spelling Assessment: A Multi-linguistic Approach by Dr. Kenn Apel (2 hours)
14. Morphological Use and Awareness: What’s the Difference and How do I Assess Them? by Dr. Victoria Henbest, CCC-SLP (2 hours)
15. High-Leverage Writing Assessment Practices for the Busy Educator by Dr. Gary Troia (2 hours)
16. Language Assessment in Adolescents: Implications for Intervention by Dr. Marylin Nippold (2 hours)
17. Components of Comprehensive Preschool Evaluations by Tatyana Elleseff, MS, CCC-SLP (2 hours)
18. Stuttering Assessment: Focus on Multicultural Considerations Dr. Rosalee Shenker (2 hours)
19. Differential Diagnosis of CAS, Dysarthria, and Phonological Disorders Dr. Ruth Stoekel (2 hours)
20. Strategies for Monolingual SLPs Assessing Bilingual Children Tatyana Elleseff MA CCC-SLP (1.5 hours)
21. Assessment, IDEA and Eligibility Dr. Elena Plante (2 hours)
22. Perceptual and Acoustic Evaluation of Pediatric Voice Maia Braden MS CCC SLP (2 hours)
23. Differential Diagnosis of ADHD in Speech Language Pathology: Focus on Assessment Tatyana Elleseff MA CCC-SLP (1.5 hours)
24. Synthetic Phonics Assessment By Lauren Thompson MA CAS (2 hours)
25. Clinical Assessment of Grade-Level Reading Abilities: Focus on Fluency and Comprehension By Tatyana Elleseff MA CCC-SLP (1.5 hours)
26. How Language Affects Reading: What Parents and Professionals Need to Know By Tatyana Elleseff MA CCC-SLP (1.5 hours)
27. Measurement and Interpretation of Standardized Reading Assessments for Professionals and Parents By Tatyana Elleseff MA CCC-SLP (1.5 hours)
28. Central Auditory Processing Dx Controversy Tatyana Elleseff MA CCC-SLP (1.5 hours)
29. Neuropsychological or Language/Literacy Assessment: Which One is Right for the Student? By Tatyana Elleseff MA CCC-SLP (1.5 hours)
30. Analyzing Writing Samples by Anthony Koutsoftas PhD (2 hours)
31. How to Deal with Challenging Personalities through Emotional Competency Victoria Simeone, MSW, LSW (2 hours)
32. The Role of Pragmatic Language in Reading Comprehension and Written Expression: Focus on Assessment by Tatyana Elleseff MA CCC-SLP (2 hours)