Praxis Exam Preparation

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

Preparing 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.

Praxis Preparation Resources

Audiology

• ETS provides a variety of preparation materials for Audiology (5343) for exam candidates.
• All test takers are encouraged to take the new Praxis Audiology (5343) test.
• ASHA will continue to accept a passing score on the Praxis test (both the 5342 and 0342 test codes) if this version is required by your state’s licensing agency.

Speech-Language Pathology

• ETS provides a variety of preparation materials for Speech-Language Pathology (5331) for exam candidates.
• National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH) review course in preparation for the Praxis exam in Speech-Language Pathology.

General Information

The Examinee Score Report [PDF] 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.

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, to better ensure that they have the knowledge base to pass the Praxis exam. Applicants should also take into consideration any state licensing requirements regarding completion of the exam.

Unfamiliarity with Test Content

The Praxis exam is not an IQ test that assesses 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 to take a credentialing exam than a new graduate student.