What is the Praxis 5331?
The Praxis Speech-Language Pathology test (5331) is one requirement for ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). State licensing and credentialing agencies set their own requirements. Passing the exam alone does not grant certification or a license. ASHA: exam and credential requirements.
ASHA recommends taking it during the final year of study. Discuss timing with your program and check application deadlines before choosing a date. ASHA: registration and timing.
Our study tools use original educational questions. They do not reproduce secure ETS exam items and cannot tell you which questions will appear on your test.
Format, length, and timing
ETS lists a computer-delivered exam with selected-response questions. The standard testing time is shown below; approved accommodations may differ. ETS 5331 Study Companion, test at a glance (PDF).
132
Selected-response questions
150 min
Total testing time
~68 sec
Per question on average
The 5331 Study Companion's sample directions ask for one best answer from four choices. Most of our questions follow that format; we also offer supplemental multi-response practice. Our mix is not an official format quota. Read the directions on your actual test. ETS sample directions (PDF).
About 68 seconds per question is a calculation from 150 minutes divided by 132, not a limit on each item. Our suggestion: practise moving on from a difficult question and returning if time remains, using the test's review controls.
Scoring and the 162 cut score
The score is reported on a 100–200 scale. ASHA lists 162 as the passing score for the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology test for CCC-SLP certification and directs test takers to confirm any additional state or agency requirements before test day. ASHA: passing score and state differences.
A scaled score is not percent correct. Correct answers contribute raw points that are converted to a scale accounting for question difficulty. ASHA: how scoring works. Some items may be unscored. ETS test overview (PDF). Do not convert a practice percentage into 162 or use a fixed number correct as a guaranteed pass. Our practice results are study signals, not official score estimates.
ETS says selected-response-only Praxis tests usually offer an opportunity to view an unofficial score at the end of the session, though some forms may require additional analysis before that score is shown. Your official score report posts to your Praxis account on ETS's scheduled reporting date. Check that date against your program and application deadlines. ETS score reporting calendar.
The 3 content categories
ETS publishes three content categories, each with approximately 44 questions and 33⅓% of the exam. These are blueprint approximations. ETS content categories (PDF).
Foundations and Professional Practice
Anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy, normal speech and language development, professional ethics (ASHA Code of Ethics), evidence-based practice, multicultural and linguistic diversity, IDEA, HIPAA, Medicare, and SLP scope of practice.
Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
Standardized and dynamic assessment, screening protocols, differential diagnosis, interpretation of standard scores and percentiles, instrumental assessment (videofluoroscopy, FEES, nasoendoscopy), case history, and clinical observation across the lifespan.
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment
Goal writing, treatment selection, evidence-based interventions, dosage and frequency, progress monitoring, counseling, family education, collaboration with other professionals, and treatment across pediatric and adult populations.
The Big Nine areas
The Big Nine are areas of practice covered across the content categories. The labels below help you navigate our study tools; professional practice topics can span multiple areas. ETS scope of the nine areas (PDF).
- Speech sound productionArticulation and phonology
- FluencyStuttering, cluttering
- Voice, resonance, and motor speechPhonation, resonance balance, and motor speech disorders
- Receptive and expressive languageSpoken and written language across the lifespan
- Pragmatics and social cognition
- Cognitive communicationTBI, dementia, executive function
- AACAugmentative and alternative communication
- HearingAural rehab, hearing screening
- Feeding and swallowingDysphagia
ETS gives approximate weights for the three content categories, not guaranteed question counts for individual Big Nine areas. Our internal planning weights are study heuristics, not official exam allocations. Read our deep-dive on each Big Nine area →
Before you book: a registration checklist
These links describe the ETS process checked in September 2026. For a 2027 appointment, start with the ASHA transition notice above and confirm the provider's current process.
- 1. Confirm the test and deadlines. Check 5331 against your program, ASHA application and state licensing requirements. Include time for official scores and a possible retake. ASHA requirements · ETS score dates.
- 2. Match your registration name to your ID. Use acceptable, valid physical identification. Rules depend on citizenship and testing location; resolve a name mismatch or ID concern before registering. ETS identification requirements.
- 3. Request accommodations before scheduling. ETS requires approval before the test is scheduled; accommodations cannot be added to an already scheduled test. Start early and review documentation requirements with ETS Disability Services. 2026–27 accommodations supplement (PDF).
- 4. Choose your setting and appointment. Check available test centers or at-home eligibility, equipment and room requirements before paying. Review the appointment's date, time zone, fees and change rules. ETS registration steps · At-home requirements.
- 5. Choose score recipients deliberately. For ASHA certification, results must go directly from ETS to ASHA; ASHA lists recipient code 5031. Check your graduate program and state board recipients too. Save your confirmation and verify those selections in your account. ASHA score recipient guidance.
Test-day essentials
At a test center: confirm your location, bring the required ID, and review permitted items. ETS asks you to arrive 30 minutes early and allow up to an extra hour beyond testing time for the visit. ETS test-center checklist.
At home: run the required equipment checks and prepare your room, camera, ID and check-in instructions in advance. ETS at-home setup. The 2026–27 bulletin specifically prohibits scheduled and unscheduled breaks during remote-proctored 5331 testing; a break can invalidate the test. Discuss disability or health-related needs with the provider before scheduling. ETS 5331 break rule, pages 19–20 (PDF).
If your plans change: check the current cancellation, rescheduling and retake rules before acting. The 2026–27 ETS bulletin requires at least 28 days between test attempts, including when previous scores were canceled. ETS retake policy, page 14 (PDF) · Manage an ETS appointment. Recheck these policies for PSI appointments in 2027.
How long to study for the Praxis 5331
Start from your available time, coursework and recurring gaps. There is no validated number of weeks or daily question quota for this platform. The outline below is an example to adapt, including if your exam is sooner. Use your program's guidance and the ETS study-plan template (PDF).
Begin with your calendar
Choose a realistic exam window and a few repeatable study blocks. Check the booking and accommodations steps now.
Build broad coverage
Review the three categories and all nine areas. Pick a focused concept, explain it, and try a small question set.
Revisit and adjust
Return to earlier material after a delay. Look for recurring errors across sessions and add paced practice when useful.
Final week
Balance targeted review, any manageable remaining gaps and rest. Confirm ID, appointment, equipment or travel, and score recipients.
Build your study routine
These suggestions apply general learning principles to study planning. The IES learning practice guide supports spaced review, retrieval and explanatory questions. It does not establish this platform's effectiveness or a Praxis passing probability.
Choose one starting topic
Use coursework, an explanation you could not give, or the optional short placement quiz. Twelve questions provide a small sample, not a reliable ranking of every area or a passing-score prediction.
Keep all three categories in view
Give extra time to gaps that recur across several practice sessions, while keeping broad coverage. Our Big Nine planning weights are study heuristics; they cannot tell you how many questions a weakness will cost on your exam.
Learn, explain, then try a question
Read a focused outline or concept lesson. Close it and explain the idea in your own words, then try a question and compare your reasoning with the explanation. Return to the concept on another day.
Check what stays with you
After a delay, try unfamiliar questions on the concept you reviewed. Look for better reasoning and accuracy across several sessions, not just a remembered answer. Give recurring gaps more study time while continuing to sample all three exam categories.
Rehearse pacing when useful
A timed practice session can help you plan your time. If a full 132-question, 150-minute simulation fits your schedule, leave time afterward to review it. Practice accuracy is not an official scaled score.
Adjust the final week to your needs
Review recurring misses, close a manageable content gap if needed, and confirm test-day arrangements. Choose a workload that leaves time for rest; there is no universal last-week rule or required question quota.
Common mistakes to avoid
Treating a practice percentage or a short placement quiz as a scaled score or pass prediction.
Counting a remembered answer as proof you can explain or apply the concept in a new case.
Reviewing only comfortable topics and leaving entire content categories untouched.
Using unofficial Big Nine estimates as guaranteed exam question counts.
Assuming that general Praxis break rules also apply to remote 5331 testing.
Your next step
Already studying here? Resume your plan or choose one concept to review. New here? The optional free placement quiz: 12 questions, about 6 to 7 minutes can suggest a starting point from a small sample. You can also choose a topic yourself; the placement quiz is not required.
Keep the official sources close
Last checked September 10, 2026. Use these pages to confirm details before booking; provider policies and dates can change.