Speech-Language Pathology Exam (0330/5330) Content

Content Categories/Approximate Number of Questions/Approximate Percentage of Examination
Basic Human Communication Processes/20/17%
Phonological and Language Disorders/23/19%
Speech Disorders/15/13%
Neurogenic Disorders/23/19%
Audiology/Hearing/6/5%
Clinical Management/23/19%
Professional Issues/Psychometrics/Research/10/8%

Topics Covered

The following list represents the topics covered on the Speech Language Pathology Exam that is currently being administered. These topics are consistent with standards for clinical certification set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Basic Human Communication Processes

Language acquisition and learning theory

normal development of speech and language
developmental norms in phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics
theoretical models of learning related to language and cognition
behavior management and modification
cognitive development
developmental, motor, and linguistic processes

Language science

the structure of language
the phonetic and phonological representations of speech sounds
phonological theory as it relates to normal development
grammatical categories
morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, as these fields relate to normal language processing and production

Learning theory

theoretical models of learning related to language and the effective treatment of disorders
models of behavior management and modification
theories of cognitive development

Multicultural awareness

applications of theoretical models of language in society to a variety of linguistic and cultural groups
cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence speech and language
communicative differences between speakers of the same language, including idiolectal and dialectal distinctions
differentiation between first language/dialect interference and speech/language disorders
cultural differences in the use of nonverbal communication

Speech science

speech perception
physiological phonetics
acoustic phonetics
anatomy and physiology, as related to the production, reception, and processing of speech, language, and hearing
neural bases of speech and hearing

Phonological and Language Disorders Assessment and Treatment

Phonological disorders

articulation disorders as influenced by anomalous, oral-motor, dental, learning, or behavioral factors
phonological process disorders

Language disorders

developmental, motor, and linguistic processes
differentiation of normal, delayed, and disordered language development
the nature of expressive and receptive language disorders
treatment of language delays and language disorders

Speech Disorders: Identification, Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention

Fluency disorders

theories of fluency
neurological and psychological factors
assessment, treatment, and prevention of fluency disorders

Resonance disorders

resonance, as influenced by congenital anomalies, neuralgic disorders, disease, trauma, and behavioral factors
assessment, treatment, and prevention of resonance disorders

Voice disorders

phonation, as influenced by respiratory, laryngeal, and airway problems resulting from malformations, neuralgia, disease, trauma, and behavioral factors
alaryngeal speech
assessment, treatment, and prevention of voice disorders

Neurogenic Disorders

Neurological disorders

aphasia
progressive disorders
motor speech disorders
traumatic brain injury
cognitive communication disorders

Dysphagia

the process of swallowing
causes and effects of swallowing disorders
assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders

Audiology/Hearing

Hearing science

principles of hearing
anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism
congenital and acquired hearing loss in children and adults

Audiological assessment

hearing screening for clients of all ages
interpretation of audiograms and tympanograms
referrals to appropriate professionals

Auditory habilitation and rehabilitation

management of clients with hearing loss
issues of intervention relevant to the practice of speech-language pathology

Clinical Management

Alternative/augmentative communication

assessment and use of alternative/augmentative communication devices
determining candidacy for alternative/augmentative devices

Counseling

communicating assessment and treatment plans, progress, and results to clients and appropriate professionals
interpersonal communication and counseling techniques

Documentation and monitoring client progress

collecting and using information from other agencies
communicating to other professionals concerning the client's history
data gathering and interpretation
determining termination criteria based on prognosis, progress, and motivation
procedures for referral and follow-up
writing professional reports

Efficacy

demonstration of results of clinical services in relation to speech, language, and hearing
determining and communicating information about the outcomes of assessment and treatment

Instrumentation

instrumentation used in speech and language analysis
the purpose, use, and applications of technological developments with respect to assessment and treatment of speech and language disorders

Speech-language assessment

establishing clients' past and present status
formulating recommendations, including impact of life conditions, type of treatment, and service-delivery models
identifying individuals at risk for communication disorders
interviewing techniques and interpersonal skills
procedures for screening clients of all ages
selection and administration of standardized evaluation procedures, such as formal tests
selection and administration of non-standardized procedures, such as language samples and behavioral observations

Speech-language intervention

diagnostic intervention
selecting activities appropriate to the client's age, sociocultural membership, and disorder
implementing remediation methods and strategies for disorders

Syndromes and genetics

basic principles of genetics
syndromic and nonsyndromic inherited and developmental conditions
influence of syndromic and nonsyndromic conditions on hearing, speech and language development, production, and processing

Professional Issues/Psychometrics/Research

Ethical practices

understanding standards for professional conduct
making referrals, obtaining permissions, keeping and using client records
ensuring client privacy
handling staffing issues in a professional and legally prudent manner

Research methodology/psychometrics

criteria for selection of test materials
determining the reliability of assessment procedures
models of research design
test construction principles

Standards and laws
- designing appropriate assessment and treatment through knowledge of governmental regulations and professional standards
- federal laws and regulations impacting delivery of services
- reporting requirements of governmental agencies