What Is the SLP Praxis Exam?
The Praxis Speech Pathology exam, also called the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology (5331) exam, is one of the Praxis Subject Assessments utilized by states in the teacher certification process. The Speech Praxis test is designed specifically to test the knowledge and skills of those aspiring to work as an independent practice speech-language pathologist. Typically, test takers for this exam have a master's degree in the field. The Praxis Speech Pathology exam is the national assessment used in the field. It is also one of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence requirements. In addition, many states use this exam to test the skills of aspiring speech-language pathologists wishing to work in a school setting.
If test takers pass the exam, states award the appropriate license to work as a speech-language pathologist in a school. Test takers should be sure to carefully examine the additional requirements for their state for becoming a speech-language pathologist, as well as what to do when certification expires. We'll cover these requirements and everything else you need to know below.
The SLP Praxis is a computer-based exam that consists of 132 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions. Test takers have 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours, to complete the exam. This time limit is cumulative and not broken up across the different content areas. Therefore, test-takers will need to pace themselves and monitor the clock.
| Test Name |
Questions |
Time Allotted |
| Praxis Speech-Language Pathology (5331) |
132 |
2.5 Hours |
SLP Praxis Exam Content Areas
The SLP Praxis exam is designed to test candidates' skills and abilities as a speech-language pathologist in a wide range of settings. Within the exam, test takers will be asked questions from a range of topics that fall into three different content categories:
- Foundations and Professional Practice
- Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
- Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment
These sections help ensure that test-takers know the role and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists and the methods and techniques these professionals use while working with clients. Below, we will discuss the specific topics and concepts tested in each content category.
| Competency Area |
Questions |
Percent of Exam |
| Foundations and Professional Practice |
44 |
33.3% |
| Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis |
44 |
33.3% |
| Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment |
44 |
33.3% |
Foundations and Professional Practice
The first content area of the exam, Foundations and Professional Practice, consists of 44 questions and makes up around 33.3% of the exam. This section of the exam is designed to test candidates' knowledge of the role of a speech-language pathologist and issues of professionalism. The subcategory of foundations focuses on some of the main concepts in speech-language pathology. Test takers will need to understand the normal development and performance of the mouth, speech, and language across the human lifespan. They will also need to know the different things that affect how people eat, communicate, and swallow. This section will test candidates' knowledge of different swallowing and communication disorders.
The subcategory on professional practice will examine topics such as ethics, research-based practice, and research methods in the field. Test takers will need to understand prevention concepts and how to document interactions with clients properly. Questions may ask about different delivery service methods for differences in culture. Finally, test takers should know about client advocacy and legislation pertaining to the field.
Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
The Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis content category also has around 44 questions to make up about 33.3% of the total exam. This section gets into some of the details of how speech-language pathologists evaluate and diagnose issues their clients are having. It is broken up into four different subcategories:
- Screening
- Approaches to assessment and evaluation
- Assessment procedures and assessment
- Etiology
The screening subcategory tests candidates' knowledge and understanding of swallowing, feeding, and communication disorders. The assessment and evaluation subcategory approaches ensure that test-takers understand how to take a client's history, choose the correct methods for assessment, and then perform the appropriate assessment for anatomy, physiology, or other factors affecting communication. The assessment procedures and assessment subcategory examines test takers' understanding of essential assessment procedures in the field about factors like hearing, swallowing, feeding, motor speech, social aspects of communication, and more. The final subcategory, etiology, looks at some causes affecting different issues, such as genetics, diseases, and development.
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment
The final content area, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment, makes up the final 33.3% of the exam with about 44 questions. This section is dedicated to testing candidates' knowledge of the treatment process for their clients. It is broken up into three subcategories:
- Treatment planning
- Treatment evaluation
- Treatment
The treatment planning subcategory may ask questions about finding factors that could affect a client's treatment and developing appropriate treatment goals. This section will test candidates' understanding of developing a prognosis, creating treatment procedures, and communicating their ideas with the client. The treatment evaluation subcategory will look at the methods candidates need to put in place to monitor a client's progress and evaluate treatment. It also asks about any post-treatment and follow-up procedures. The treatment subcategory will ask about different procedures for treating factors such as swallowing, feeding, speech sound production, and more. This section may also cover topics in hearing and aural rehabilitation.
Praxis Speech Pathology Registration
Once candidates know that they need to take the Speech Praxis test, they'll need to register for the Praxis test. Testers can register through the mail but need to allow up to three weeks to receive the voucher needed to complete registration. Those planning on testing within the United States can also register via phone, which costs an additional Praxis registration fee of $35. Online registration is one of the easiest registration methods, as test-takers can register for and schedule their exam through their Praxis account.
After candidates have verified their email, they can select the Praxis Speech Pathology exam and schedule their Praxis test day. SLP Praxis test dates are available all week throughout the year; the ETS website offers a 'Find a Test Date' tool that allows test takers to choose their exam and sift through available test dates. This tool also shows test takers' expected Praxis score report dates, based on their chosen test date.
Testers will also need to decide if they would like to take the exam in-person at a Praxis testing center or online at home. Those who wish to test in person can also use the ETS's 'Find a Test Center' tool to find a test center nearby. Candidates can search by zip code or city name and see the available options.
Candidates who need to request Praxis test accommodations must apply and be approved by the ETS. To do this, they need to fill out the form on the Bulletin Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-Related Needs before scheduling their Praxis test. The ETS offers a wide range of testing accommodations.
Test-takers will need to pay the necessary Praxis test fees to complete the registration process. The fees will need to be paid each time the exam is taken. Test takers are allowed as many retakes as they need to pass, but before retaking a Praxis test, they must wait at least 28 days in between test dates.
How Much Does the SLP Praxis Cost?
Many candidates wonder, 'How much does the SLP Praxis cost?' The SLP Praxis exam costs $146 each time it's taken (initial test date and any retakes). Some test takers may need to pay additional Praxis test fees, such as $40 to change a test date or location or an additional $50 for another Praxis score report. Candidates that wish to have their score reviewed will need to pay $65.
SLP Praxis Exam Prep
As of 2021, all states requiring the Speech Pathology test require a SLP Praxis passing score of 162 or higher. To achieve this passing Praxis score as quickly as possible, test takers should study and properly prepare for their Praxis test day.
Candidates may want to start their Praxis test prep by learning about the format and content of the exam. This can be done using an SLP Praxis study guide. These study guides generally explain the computer-based exam format and go into detail about the different content areas and subcategories of the Praxis exam. Test takers can use these guides to evaluate their personal strengths and weaknesses with the content to form a study plan.
SLP Praxis Practice Test
While studying, test takers may want to collect any textbooks, library books, or other study materials to review the content. Flashcards can also be helpful to review facts, concepts, and vocabulary. After test takers have studied for a while, they may consider using an SLP Praxis practice test to monitor their progress with the material. These Praxis practice exams also benefit students by simulating the actual exam in length and time constraints. Some practice exams, such as the one offered by the ETS for a fee, may include explanations of the correct answers. These explanations can also serve as a learning and studying tool.
On test day, test takers should be sure to bring their admission ticket and valid ID to the Praxis testing center. The Praxis Speech Pathology exam does not require a calculator, and candidates should be sure to leave any personal items at home or in their car.
Expert Contributor
Bryan McMahon
Bryan McMahon, M.A. is a high school biology and special education teacher in New Jersey with over 14 years of experience. He has hundreds of hours of experience tutoring aspiring teachers to take the CSET/CBEST exam suite. He has successfully passed the science and special education Praxis exams. Bryan completed a B.S. in Education from Seton Hall University and an M.A. in Teaching from Mangrove College.
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Test takers can take the SLP Praxis exam as many times as needed to pass. However, they must wait 28 days between tests.
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Each state determines its own passing scores for Praxis exams, including its own SLP Praxis passing score. However, as of 2021, all of the states that require the SLP Praxis have a passing score of 162 or higher.
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The Praxis Speech Pathology exam consists of 132 selected-response questions. Test takers have 150 minutes to complete these questions on the computer.
