Listening and Spoken Language Specialist® Certification

The Academy currently offers Listening and Spoken Language Specialist® Certfication (LSLS Cert AVT® and LSLS Cert AVEd®). LSLS Cert AVT® and LSLS Cert AVEd® are recognized as providing a high level of service to families wishing to utilize listening and spoken language for their child who is deaf or profoundly hard of hearing.

Interested in Becoming a LSLS Cert. AVT® or LSLS Cert. AVEd®?
Please refer to the application packets (below) for more information. These packets contain:

Download Application Packets
Please click here to fill out a registration form and we will e-mail you with a link to download the application packet or packets that you request. This registration will ensure that you receive critical program updates and new publications as they become available.

Download Candidate Handbook
The Candidate Handbook contains important information about eligibility requirements, application procedures, test administration policies, exam preparation resources and other topics. Click here to download the:

LSLS Cert. AVT Candidate Handbook

LSLS Cert. AVEd Candidate Handbook

Find a Test Site
For information on test sites, dates and application deadlines, please see the LSLS Written Test Schedule.

Do You Need a Mentor?
For information on how to find a mentor please visit the Academy's How to Find a Mentor page.

Unsure of the Application Process?
To review the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the application process, please refer to Application Process FAQs.

Note that authorization to sit for the exam is contingent upon the candidate fulfilling all of the eligibility requirements discussed in the application packets.

Need Help Preparing for the Exam?
Download the Academy's Certification Programs Core Competencies
This is an outline that shows the content areas of the LSLS Written Test and the relative weights of each section. The relative weight, shown as a percentage, represents the portion of the exam that is devoted to that domain. The same outline also represents the knowledge and core competencies necessary for a listening and spoken language specialist to be successful.

Download the Recommended Reading List for LSLS Candidates
This is a list of reference publications that may be used in preparation for the LSLS examination. Appropriate references for study are not limited to those listed below, nor will reading these references guarantee that an applicant will pass the LSLS test. These books, articles and websites are meant to provide some guidance regarding the content of the examination.

Already a LSLS Cert. AVT® and need re-certification information?
If you are already a certified LSLS please click here to find more information about renewal requirements or download the Certification Renewal Policy Packet .

Additional Resources

Code of conduct: The AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language is dedicated to the purpose of promoting the delivery of comprehensive services to children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing through certification of professionals involved with enabling and assisting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen and speak. Establishing the highest standards of professional integrity based on accepted ethical principles and practice is vital to the fulfillment of this purpose. Please click here to read the Academy's Code of Conduct and Principles of Professional Behavior.

Retest Scheduling Request Form: If your application has previously been accepted and you want to schedule an appointment for a retest or reschedule a deferred test date, please submit a Retest Scheduling Request Form.