Praxis Exam Preparation

It is important that you should be aware of the unique requirements of preparing for the Praxis exam, because taking the Praxis exam is different from taking university exams.

How do I prepare for the exam?

• Become familiar with the format and content of the exam.
• Develop a study plan based on the exam content and your knowledge in each topic area.
• Take advantage of available test preparation materials and practice questions.
• Most importantly, studying for the exam is essential.

What preparation materials are available?

ETS provides a variety of resources for exam candidates. Several can be downloaded free from the Praxis website:

• Test at a Glance (TAAG)
  This free guide includes test-taking strategies and sample questions in each content area with a rationale for the best answers.
  Test at a Glance for Audiology (0341) [PDF]
  Test at a Glance for Speech-Language Pathology (0330) [PDF]
• General Information and Study Tips [PDF]
• Reducing Test Anxiety [PDF]
• Examinee Score Report
  This score report is received by each test-taker and provides information about performance in each of the topic areas included in the Praxis exam. Topic category scores identify strengths and weaknesses and provide guidance for developing a study plan should a candidate need to retake the exam.
• Praxis e-Books: Digital Study Guides and Practice Tests
  ETS has been converting its printed Study Guides into digital versions known as e-Books, which can be downloaded electronically for a fee versus purchasing the print copy. The SLP study guide is available in digital form now. The Audiology study guide will be available at a later date. Visit the ETS website for more information.
• New Praxis Workshop Series [PDF, 3MB]
  ETS has developed a series of workshops to prepare teacher candidates for the Praxis tests. Separate full-day training sessions are available for faculty of teacher candidates and candidates themselves.

Other Resources

• An Advanced Review of Speech-Language Pathology, 2nd Edition, by Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin and M.N. Hegde, 2006. Available for purchase from ASHA's Online Store.
• How to Prepare for the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology by Kay T. Payne, 2001. Available for purchase from Thomson Delmar Learning.
• How to Prepare for the Praxis Examination in Audiology by Kay T. Payne, 2001. Available for purchase from Thomson Delmar Learning.
• The National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH) sponsors an annual review course in preparation for the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in conjunction with its annual convention.
• U.S.C. Praxis Prep Workshop for Speech-Language Pathology is a self study activity in DVD format from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders of the University of South Carolina.

What are the top reasons for low scores and possible remedies?

Ineffective Time Management
Many individuals have not learned how to pace themselves while taking an examination. When they realize they are running out of time, they may panic and skip over some questions without answering them. Only correct answers count toward the score. Therefore, it is better to guess than to leave an answer blank. Enhance your time management through completion of practice tests.

Test Anxiety
Some test-takers become overly anxious, causing them to forget content, guess wildly, or lose concentration. Individuals who have high levels of test anxiety might benefit from taking a test prep course to prepare for the actual testing situation and/or completing timed practice tests.

Taking the Praxis Exam Too Early in Graduate School
Many individuals either misunderstand, or are led to erroneous beliefs about when to take the exam. It is recommended that individuals register and take the Praxis exam no earlier than the completion of their graduate coursework and graduate clinical practicum or during their first year of clinical practice following graduation. This will better ensure that they have the knowledge base to pass the Praxis exam.

Unfamiliarity with Test Content
The Praxis exam is not an IQ test that assesses one's innate intelligence. The exam covers a field of study that, like all complicated subjects, builds from the fundamentals to a greater level of complexity. A student at the end of his or her academic and clinical preparation is better suited than is a new graduate student to take a credentialing exam.