SLPA Practice Exam Questions

The following are sample questions for your review and study purposes only; they are an example of the types of questions that appear on the ASHA Assistants Certification Exam. Answers to the sample questions appear at the bottom of the page. Sample questions are not representative of the breadth of the material or the capability of candidates sitting for the exam. Please review the SLPA Exam Blueprint [PDF] and the resource listing for exam preparation.

Sample Questions

1. When self-identifying to families, staff, clients/patients, or students, what is the appropriate terminology?

1. speech-language pathology advisor
2. speech-language pathology aide
3. speech-language pathology apprentice
4. speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA)

2. As related to HIPAA regulations, what does the acronym PII stand for?

1. personally identifiable information
2. personal identity information
3. personal information identity
4. personal information identification

3. Inquiries related to changes to the treatment plan must be

1. approved by the building administrator.
2. directed to the speech-language pathologist (SLP).
3. responded to in writing by the SLPA.
4. reviewed by the clinic director.

4. SLPAs are allowed to

1. administer speech screenings without interpretation.
2. complete speech evaluations.
3. interpret language screening results.
4. interpret standardized test scores.

5. After completing a speech screening, the SLPA will

1. consult with the client/patient or student.
2. report findings to the SLP.
3. share findings with the facility staff.
4. suggest next steps to patients.

6. During a developmental screening, an SLPA observes a mother spoon-feeding yogurt to her 5-year-old child. Which of the following statements would the SLPA document for the SLP?

1. The child was unable to self-feed pureed foods.
2. The child's culture encourages dependence on the mother.
3. The mother spoon-fed yogurt to the child.
4. The mother's behavior is discouraging the child's development of self-help skills.

7. The "velum" refers to this part of the body.

1. jaw
2. lips
3. soft palate
4. teeth

8. SLPAs should only act as translators/interpreters in an IEP meeting if they

1. have been trained and are fluent in the client's/patient's or student's native language.
2. have established rapport with the client's/patient's or student's family.
3. have some knowledge of special education regulations.
4. have taken college-level courses in the client's/patient's or student's native language.

9. The dog has goned missing yesterday. This sentence provides an example of which type of error?

1. articulation
2. pragmatics
3. semantics
4. syntax

10. The patient arrives for the therapy session appearing fatigued and distracted. What options are available to modify the treatment activities for the patient?

1. Treatment activities cannot be modified by the SLPA.
2. Document the patient's status and adapt the activity.
3. Cancel the session and reschedule.
4. Take data on the patient's status and determine the cause.

11. A patient was referred to the speech-language clinic after receiving an evaluation indicating the need for an AAC device. What is one of the first things to consider for programming?

1. the intellectual abilities of the patient
2. the operational competence of the patient
3. the stimulability of the patient
4. the motor development of the patient

12. Client/patient or student records

1. must be electronic.
2. must be reviewed.
3. must be secured.
4. must be written in ink.

13. Which of the following is an example of an expendable supply?

1. articulation test
2. audiometer
3. construction paper
4. mirror

14. According to the ASHA Scope of Practice for the SLPA, how often should the SLP have direct contact with each client/patient or student?

1. at least every 15 days
2. at least every 45 days
3. at least every 60 days
4. at least every 90 days

15. What alternative communication strategy should a first responder use to communicate with an adult who is deaf or hard of hearing?

1. a speech-generating device
2. a louder voice
3. a translating app
4. written communication

Answer Key

1. d
2. a
3. b
4. a
5. b
6. c
7. c
8. a
9. d
10. b
11. b
12. c
13. c
14. c
15. d