The present invention provides a production method for a PAS comprising step (I), performing polymerization, step (II), separating and collecting a polymer, step (III), washing a slurry, and step (IV), collecting the polymer after washing, wherein an aqueous medium is sprayed onto a PAS floating on the surface of the aqueous washing solution in the upper part of the inside of the washing vessel in step (III) (step (IIIa), washing a slurry using a counter current, and/or step (IIIb), treating a slurry with acid using a counter current, or the like); and a production apparatus for a PAS comprising a washing device (counter current washing device and/or a counter current contact/acid treatment device or the like) having an aqueous medium spray means.