Certification/Renewal

No. The LSVT BIG Training and Certification Course is only offered to physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) professionals and students. LSVT BIG includes not only exercises, but also functional task training of activities of daily living, and mobility, which lie within the specialized knowledge, training, and skill-specific to PT and OT professions. LSVT BIG is considered a skilled one-on-one treatment intervention that is reimbursable under therapy insurance billing codes.

Similarly, the LSVT LOUD Training and Certification Course is only offered to speech-language pathology/speech therapy professionals, assistants, and students. The LSVT LOUD treatment protocol requires modeling and shaping of healthy voice quality to ensure that the voice is produced without strain and includes functional communication training. LSVT LOUD is considered a skilled one-on-one treatment intervention that is reimbursable under speech therapy billing codes.

Can therapy assistants (SLPAs, PTAs, OTAs) get certified in LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG?

Absolutely! LSVT BIG Training and Certification is open to physical therapist assistants (PTAs), and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and LSVT LOUD Training and Certification is open to speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs).

In terms of delivery of the LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD treatment, assistants may carry out the treatment after an LSVT Certified Clinician has evaluated the patient and established the treatment goals and plan specific to either LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD. All therapy/therapist assistants will continue to follow the regulations set forth by each state’s and/or country’s professional organizations when it comes to the level of supervision required and frequency of contact made by the supervising therapist.

Can an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) provide the entire protocol alone?

Either a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) can provide the full LSVT BIG protocol. You may also find that your needs are most comprehensively addressed when both PT and OT provide LSVT BIG as a team. This might be the case when you have difficulties, for example, with fine motor tasks such as buttoning or writing or activities of daily living in addition to difficulties with balance, walking, and posture. An open discussion with your doctor and therapists will help you make the decision that is right for you.

Why is LSVT Certification Renewal required?

Certification renewal helps ensure that implementation of LSVT protocols is accurate and consistent among clinicians thereby facilitating optimal patient outcomes. Certification renewal reinforces clinical knowledge needed to effectively treat patients with LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD and provides research updates related to LSVT.

LSVT Certification Renewal is required once every two years. We offer a brief Online LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD Certification Renewal Course or the opportunity to retake the full LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD Training and Certification Course (online or live) for a significantly discounted price.

Do I have to take the entire course over again to renew?

No. The online LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG Certification Renewal Courses are short courses designed to update and reinforce your knowledge. If your certification has lapsed for more than five years, we do highly recommend retaking the entire course (live or online), as our instruction and training continuously evolve. Previously certified clinicians have found great value in retaking the entire course again, which is deeply discounted for previously certified clinicians.

Are the LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG Certification Renewal Courses approved for continuing education units (CEU's)?

Yes, our certification renewal courses are approved for CEU’s. To learn more on specifics for each course please login to your Clinician Account and navigate to the section called “Renewal Courses”.

What is the renewal process?

  1. Register for the Online LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD Certification Renewal Course and pay the renewal fee.
  2. Complete the entire course within a 60-day period, which begins on the date of purchase.
  3. Complete the Certification Renewal Exam with an 80% score required to receive certification renewal. If a participant does not pass the examination, there will be an opportunity to re-take the exam
  4. Provide updated contact information for listing in the LSVT Clinician Directory

What happens if I don’t complete the Certification Renewal on time?

You will be notified 90, 60, 30, and 7 days in advance of your certification expiration to complete your renewal. If renewal is not completed, your Certified Clinician status will change from active to inactive. Inactive status removes your listing from the LSVT Global Certified Clinician directory and you will no longer have access to the free webinars, resources, and treatment materials in your Clinician Account.

Can I renew if my LSVT certification lapses?

Yes. If LSVT Global inactivates your account, we will promptly reactivate it upon completion of the LSVT Certification Renewal Course. This means we will put your listing back on the LSVT Certified Clinician directory, and grant you access to the free webinars, resources and treatment materials in your Clinician Account.

Will I be notified when I am due?

Yes, LSVT Global will contact you by email at 90, 60, 30, and 7 days before your certification expiration provided you have a correct email address in your clinician account.

Are LSVT Certified Clinicians required to practice a certain number of hours delivering LSVT to maintain certification?

No. However, if you have not treated many LSVT clients when you are due for certification renewal you may consider taking the entire LSVT Training and Certification Course (online or live) again to brush up on your LSVT skills and knowledge.