If you are pursuing the position of a speech-language pathologist, then you may have heard of the Praxis exam from your professors, classmates, or even from a late-night internet search when stress decides to visit you. It is a big deal and it is completely normal to feel a little bit anxious about it. But here’s the thing: the Praxis is not some kind of nightmarish beast that can’t be beaten. It’s a step—an important one—that proves you are prepared to practice in the real world.
The last exam you will take is the Praxis, and this exam is a culmination of all the blood, sweat, and tears you have put into this profession: all the classes you have taken, all the clinical rotations you have done, all your late nights reading about phonological processes or swallowing disorders. The good news is that when you know what the Praxis is, what it entails, how it is broken up, and what it will be testing you on, it suddenly becomes not so scary. With the right mindset and a good game plan, you will be able to walk into that test knowing that you have what it takes.
Purpose of the Praxis Exam
As you have gathered by now, the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology is not just another test. It is one of the last boxes that you have to check to start your career as a certified and licensed SLP in the United States. This exam was developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in partnership with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to work independently and ethically as a speech-language pathologist. While not every state requires passing the Praxis Exam, many do and if you want to get ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) you will need to pass the Praxis. In other words, it’s the credentialing world’s way of saying, “Yep, you’re ready.”
Exam Structure and Content
The Praxis exam for speech-language pathology (ETS test code 5331) is a completely computer-based standardized test in the form of a selected-response multiple-choice test. The time limit for this test is 150 minutes, and there are 132 questions. These questions are equally distributed among three major content areas: Foundations and Professional Practice, Screening and Assessment, and Planning and Treatment. All of these categories capture the entire practice of speech-language pathology, from development to anatomy, to diagnosis, and therapy. The Foundations section includes topics such as: Typical communication development; Characteristics of communication disorders; And principles of professional practice. The domain of Assessment includes knowledge of screening procedures, diagnostic tools, and the interpretation of the results for speech, language, voice, fluency, AAC, hearing and swallowing. The Treatment section is on the use of evidence-based therapy, tracking progress, and altering care plans accordingly. The exam also measures your knowledge of etiology and the various factors that cause communication disorders.
The exam is to mimic the actual duties of an SLP and the problems it solves include not only random facts but also the ability to solve clinical cases. This may involve the need to assess patients’ histories, the audiograms, or figure out what to do next in a therapy plan. The Praxis is not just a test of definitions; it is a test of clinical reasoning.
Scoring and Score Reporting
The scoring system is simple: you earn points for every correct answer, and there’s no penalty for guessing. So if you’re stumped on a question, take a deep breath and make your best guess. It can only help you.
Your raw score—the number of questions you got right—is converted to a scaled score between 100 and 200. To pass, you’ll need at least a 162. That’s the current requirement set by ASHA, and most states stick with that standard. Still, it’s smart to double-check with the state where you plan to work, just in case they have their own cut-off.
Right after you finish the exam, you’ll usually see your unofficial score pop up on the screen. That moment can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also a relief to get an early peek. Your official score will be available about two weeks later, and ETS will send it to the institutions and boards you selected during registration. Your score report will also show how you performed in each content area, which is super helpful if you need to retake the test—though many people pass on the first try.
Registration and Testing Formats
The process of signing up for the Praxis is rather simple. First, you have to register on the ETS website, where you can choose the test, the date for the test, and pay the fee for the exam (which is $146 at the moment). You will also be required to choose between taking the test in a testing center or from the comfort of your home with the help of an online proctor.
If you choose to take the in-person option, you will arrive at a Prometric testing center, arrive early and present your ID, and then take the exam in a quiet and closed-off environment. If you select the at-home option, you need to have a stable internet connection, a quiet and private space, and a computer that meets the technology requirements set by ETS. A remote proctor will help you through the check-in process and will be monitoring you throughout the entire exam.
Both the formats provide the same experience of the test that is the time, questions and interface. Select the one that makes you feel safer.
In terms of time, most students schedule the Praxis for the last semester of grad school or immediately after. This way, all the learning and all the coursework and clinical practice are still active in your mind. Some programs also provide practice tests or review sessions that will help you perform well in the exam.
Role in Certification and Licensure
Passing the Praxis is a milestone; it is the key to your professional future. It is one of the last steps toward fulfilling the ASHA CCC-SLP, which proves that you are among the best in the profession. To get that certification, however, you will also need to finish your master’s degree, do a supervised clinical fellowship, and send your application to ASHA. The Praxis is generally required to be passed in order for states to issue a license allowing you to practice. This applies whether you are working in a healthcare setting, private practice, or school. The good news? You can typically use one passing score to meet all of these requirements; just make sure to ensure that your scores are sent to the appropriate places during registration.
How to Prepare for the Praxis Exam
Nobody wants to get ready for that big test. But with the right strategy, the Praxis doesn’t have to be nasty or overwhelming. First, choose your test date and then work back from there to establish a study timetable. It is better to space out the review for several weeks or months than to cram for the last few days. As for the tools, use your grad school materials. Your class notes, textbooks, and clinic experiences are some of your strongest assets.
Beyond your own resources, another useful strategy is to look for a Praxis prep book or guide. A good place to start with the ETS Praxis Study Companion. It is free and contains information on what areas will be tested. Sample questions and complete practice exams are very beneficial for entering the examination mode. They help to prepare you for the type and number of questions that can be asked in the real exam.
Studying doesn’t have to be a lonely activity. You can team up with your classmates or find other people, who are also in the same situation as you, in other classes or even online. Sharing ideas, solving problems, or even just talking about how annoying it is can help. If you are a visual learner, you can review videos or flashcards; if you like routine, make the same time for learning and make it like a class.
In the final week before the exam, change the intensity from high to medium. The main tasks at this time should be to refresh the knowledge, which means that you should focus on the aspects that you know and the most important topics. Learn the structure of the test and how much time you should spend on each question. It may also be useful to remember that rest is also productive. Enough sleep and a clear mind are valuable assets that can improve your performance.
On the day of the exam, believe in your preparation. If a question stumps you, don’t worry. Mark it, move on, and return to it if there is time. The most important thing is to pass the test, and you definitely can!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take the Praxis exam?
Nobody wants to get ready for that big test. But with the right strategy, the Praxis doesn’t have to be nasty or overwhelming. First, choose your test date and then work back from there to establish a study timetable. It is better to space out the review for several weeks or months than to cram for the last few days. As for the tools, use your grad school materials. Your class notes, textbooks, and clinic experiences are some of your strongest assets.
Beyond your own resources, another useful strategy is to look for a Praxis prep book or guide. A good place to start with the ETS Praxis Study Companion. It is free and contains information on what areas will be tested. Sample questions and complete practice exams are very beneficial for entering the examination mode. They help to prepare you for the type and number of questions that can be asked in the real exam.
Studying doesn’t have to be a lonely activity. You can team up with your classmates or find other people, who are also in the same situation as you, in other classes or even online. Sharing ideas, solving problems, or even just talking about how annoying it is can help. If you are a visual learner, you can review videos or flashcards; if you like routine, make the same time for learning and make it like a class.
In the final week before the exam, change the intensity from high to medium. The main tasks at this time should be to refresh the knowledge, which means that you should focus on the aspects that you know and the most important topics. Learn the structure of the test and how much time you should spend on each question. It may also be useful to remember that rest is also productive. Enough sleep and a clear mind are valuable assets that can improve your performance.
On the day of the exam, believe in your preparation. If a question stumps you, don’t worry. Mark it, move on, and return to it if there is time. The most important thing is to pass the test, and you definitely can!
Is the Praxis exam difficult?
Nobody wants to get ready for that big test. But with the right strategy, the Praxis doesn’t have to be nasty or overwhelming. First, choose your test date and then work back from there to establish a study timetable. It is better to space out the review for several weeks or months than to cram for the last few days. As for the tools, use your grad school materials. Your class notes, textbooks, and clinic experiences are some of your strongest assets.
Beyond your own resources, another useful strategy is to look for a Praxis prep book or guide. A good place to start with the ETS Praxis Study Companion. It is free and contains information on what areas will be tested. Sample questions and complete practice exams are very beneficial for entering the examination mode. They help to prepare you for the type and number of questions that can be asked in the real exam.
Studying doesn’t have to be a lonely activity. You can team up with your classmates or find other people, who are also in the same situation as you, in other classes or even online. Sharing ideas, solving problems, or even just talking about how annoying it is can help. If you are a visual learner, you can review videos or flashcards; if you like routine, make the same time for learning and make it like a class.
In the final week before the exam, change the intensity from high to medium. The main tasks at this time should be to refresh the knowledge, which means that you should focus on the aspects that you know and the most important topics. Learn the structure of the test and how much time you should spend on each question. It may also be useful to remember that rest is also productive. Enough sleep and a clear mind are valuable assets that can improve your performance.
On the day of the exam, believe in your preparation. If a question stumps you, don’t worry. Mark it, move on, and return to it if there is time. The most important thing is to pass the test, and you definitely can!
What happens if I don’t pass the Praxis on my first try?
You’re allowed to retake the exam after a 28-day waiting period. There’s no limit to how many times you can take it for ASHA certification, though you’ll need to pay the registration fee each time. If you don’t pass, don’t panic—many SLPs have needed more than one attempt. Use your score report to identify which areas need more attention and adjust your study strategy before trying again.
How do I send my scores to ASHA and my state licensing board?
Nobody wants to get ready for that big test. But with the right strategy, the Praxis doesn’t have to be nasty or overwhelming. First, choose your test date and then work back from there to establish a study timetable. It is better to space out the review for several weeks or months than to cram for the last few days. As for the tools, use your grad school materials. Your class notes, textbooks, and clinic experiences are some of your strongest assets.
Beyond your own resources, another useful strategy is to look for a Praxis prep book or guide. A good place to start with the ETS Praxis Study Companion. It is free and contains information on what areas will be tested. Sample questions and complete practice exams are very beneficial for entering the examination mode. They help to prepare you for the type and number of questions that can be asked in the real exam.
Studying doesn’t have to be a lonely activity. You can team up with your classmates or find other people, who are also in the same situation as you, in other classes or even online. Sharing ideas, solving problems, or even just talking about how annoying it is can help. If you are a visual learner, you can review videos or flashcards; if you like routine, make the same time for learning and make it like a class.
In the final week before the exam, change the intensity from high to medium. The main tasks at this time should be to refresh the knowledge, which means that you should focus on the aspects that you know and the most important topics. Learn the structure of the test and how much time you should spend on each question. It may also be useful to remember that rest is also productive. Enough sleep and a clear mind are valuable assets that can improve your performance.
On the day of the exam, believe in your preparation. If a question stumps you, don’t worry. Mark it, move on, and return to it if there is time. The most important thing is to pass the test, and you definitely can!
Can I take the Praxis exam from home?
Yes, ETS offers an at-home version of the Praxis using secure remote proctoring. It’s the same format, content, and timing as the in-person version, but you’ll take it on your own computer in a quiet, private room. Make sure your computer and internet meet ETS’s technical requirements and that you’re comfortable with the online testing process before scheduling.
Final Thoughts
At this moment the Praxis may seem like a mountain to climb but it is one that you are more than capable of climbing. You’ve put in the work—consecutive years of classes, clinical hours, and late nights. It is simply your chance to demonstrate to everyone including yourself that you are prepared to enter the profession with a clear mind.
You are not the only one here. Thousands of SLPs have been in your position and have moved forward. They had doubts too. They were concerned about their score, or not being able to remember anything on the day of the test. But they studied, they believed in themselves, and they passed the exam and so will you!
