What Does A Child Speech Pathologist Do
Its clear that a pediatric speech pathologists goal is to improve communication abilities in children, but exactly what do pediatric speech pathologists do? First, they perform an initial screening and assessment, then they diagnose the disorder and begin the management, intervention, and treatment of the disorder based on the diagnosis.
So, the three primary tasks they perform daily are:
Earn A Bachelors Degree In Slp Or A Related Field
The first step to becoming a pediatric SLP is to pursue a pediatric speech pathologist education. While someone interested in becoming a speech pathologist could earn a bachelors degree in speech pathology or communication sciences, other acceptable majors in the sciences include anatomy, biology, linguistics, neurology, primary education, or psychology.
Slp Praxis Exam Format
The SLP Praxis is a computer-based exam that consists of 132 selected-response questions. Test takers have 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours, to complete the exam. This time limit is cumulative and not broken up across the different content areas. Therefore, test-takers will need to pace themselves and monitor the clock.
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2.5 Hours |
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Speech Pathology Praxis Pass Rate
The average pass rate for the speech pathology praxis is approximately 70%. This means that 7 out of 10 people who take the exam will pass. The praxis is important for speech pathologists because it is required for certification in most states.
Speech-language pathologist services are provided to children and adults who are unable to communicate effectively. If you want to work in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, you must pass the Praxis test. The exam consists of 132 questions and can take up to 150 minutes to complete. The exam consists of three sections, each of which accounts for one-third of the total. The ASHA Certificate as well as some state boards and agencies require the Praxis test for Speech-Language Pathology. You should schedule the exam at least three months ahead of time so that you have plenty of time to study. An explanation of concepts to others, forming study groups, and taking practice tests are just a few of the methods used for studying.
What Is The Slp Praxis Exam

The Praxis Speech Pathology exam, also called the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam, is one of the Praxis Subject Assessments utilized by states in the teacher certification process. The Speech Praxis test is designed specifically to test the knowledge and skills of those aspiring to work as an independent practice speech-language pathologist. Typically, test takers for this exam have a master’s degree in the field. The Praxis Speech Pathology exam is the national assessment used in the field. It is also one of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competence requirements. In addition, many states use this exam to test the skills of aspiring speech-language pathologists wishing to work in a school setting.
If test takers pass the exam, states award the appropriate license to work as a speech-language pathologist in a school. Test takers should be sure to carefully examine the additional requirements for their state for becoming a speech-language pathologist, as well as what to do when certification expires. We’ll cover these requirements and everything else you need to know below.
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Screening Assessment Evaluation And Diagnosis
The Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis content category also has around 44 questions to make up about 33.3% of the total exam. This section gets into some of the details of how speech-language pathologists evaluate and diagnose issues their clients are having. It is broken up into four different subcategories:
- Approaches to assessment and evaluation
- Assessment procedures and assessment
The screening subcategory tests candidates’ knowledge and understanding of swallowing, feeding, and communication disorders. The assessment and evaluation subcategory approaches ensure that test-takers understand how to take a client’s history, choose the correct methods for assessment, and then perform the appropriate assessment for anatomy, physiology, or other factors affecting communication. The assessment procedures and assessment subcategory examines test takers’ understanding of essential assessment procedures in the field about factors like hearing, swallowing, feeding, motor speech, social aspects of communication, and more. The final subcategory, etiology, looks at some causes affecting different issues, such as genetics, diseases, and development.
What You Need To Know Ahead Of Taking The Praxis Ccc
ReferenceEducational Testing Service . . Praxis Study Companion: Speech-Language Pathology. Author.
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What I Didnt Worry About
Having everything memorized. There is no way to hold alllll of the information related to speech-language pathology in your head all at once. There is a reason SLPs often specialize in specific fields!
Questions I didnt know. There are some questions that you will just not know. Whether it be test-taking anxiety or concepts/terms that simply werent covered in your graduate courses, there are going to be questions you dont know. I vividly remember there being a question about Van Ripers Stuttering Modification Therapy, a topic I thought I knew front to back, without a multiple choice option that fit what I knew. I was a little frustrated but I guessed an answer and moved on.
Passing the SLP Praxis on my first try. Getting your CCCs does not require you to pass the exam on your first try. You can take the test when 28 days have passed since you last took it. While I was able to pass it when I took it initially, its not necessary. That helped relieve some of my nerves best-case scenario was I passed, worst-case scenario I would try again next month. I reminded myself of this over and over again.
Exam Purpose And Background
The Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam assesses your readiness as you prepare for an independent practice as a speech-language pathologist in the complete range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practice, schools and more.
Normally those who sit for the exam have either completed their masters degree or are in the process of pursuing it. Successful completion of the exam is also one of the steps needed to receive the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
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How To Prepare For The Slp Praxis Exam
What amount of time should I invest to prepare for the Praxis SLP®? Students spend 4-8 weeks working diligently to prepare for the exam, which is typically accomplished in a consistent, organized manner. However, studying for the exam should be a part of every graduate students routine. As your courses are completed, keep track of your study and review materials.
How Much Does A Speech Pathologist Make
The field of speech pathology is broad, with specialists working with a wide range of patient populations and a variety of disorders. Some SLPs work in skilled nursing homes while others are pediatric speech pathologists in schools, some have private practices and others work for public hospitals. Just as with the wide range of the field, theres also a wide range of salaries. The national median salary comes in at $80,480 a year, with the top ten percent make more than $122,790. Cost of living in different cities also factors into the kind of salaries speech pathologists earn, as is usually the case with any profession. An SLP in New York City may makes an average of $107,080, while in Dallas its just over $69,000. Either way, a career in speech pathology is a rewarding one, both financially and personally.
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Creating Your Study Schedule
Many students develop a study plan during the semester break prior to their final semester of graduate school and plan to take the exam during the final semester. Identify the test date that works best for you. Take practice tests to determine on which content areas to focus your efforts. Once the topics are narrowed down, develop a study plan. Work back from the preferred test date.
Short study sessions several times per week generally work better for the retention of material. The study plan should identify what materials will be reviewed and if practice tests will be taken to monitor progress. Study groups can be very beneficial for explaining concepts, supporting each other, and building confidence. Groups of 3-6 people are usually effective in having sufficient knowledge across all members, as well as maintaining focus and efficiency in studying.
Study Planner For The Praxis Test For Slps

To help students make their study schedule, Speech@Baylor created a study progress tracker that includes topics typically covered on the Praxis 5331. ETS recommends that test-takers understand the key characteristics of each major topic, recognize the minor topics, and have some familiarity with the subtopics, according to The Praxis Study Companion for Speech-Language Pathology .
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Where To Send Scores
Scores must be sent to these 3 agencies:
*When registering for a testing date, ETS allows you to select 4 score recipients that are included in the registration fee, however, if you select a recipient anytime later than 48 hours before your exam, ETS charges $50 for EACH score report.
What Is A Pediatric Speech Pathologist
A pediatric speech pathologist works with children to improve their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Clinicians in pediatric speech pathology work to prevent, evaluate, diagnose, and treat these communication-related disorders affecting children.
So then, what is pediatric speech pathology? Pediatric speech pathology is the field of expertise that includes the study and treatment of communication disorders, voice disorders, and swallowing disorders in children. Not every issue involves speech. Some patients need help with social communication difficulties, literacy impairments, or cognitive impairments, among others.
Pediatric SLPs help young patients overcome and manage these disorders, contributing to a higher quality of life for these children. A pediatric SLP will also play an integral role in diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders.
Whats it like being a speech pathologist? Pursuing a child speech pathologist career is perfect for someone who wants to make positive and lasting impacts on childrens lives while enjoying rewarding, flexible, high-growth, and well-paying profession. Pediatric speech language pathologists will often work in schools, hospitals, clinics, or private practices and address a variety of language and speech disorders that may be caused by things like neurodevelopmental conditions, developmental delays, muscular disorders, or brain damage.
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How Important Is It That I Take This Exam
This is a very important exam for professionals interested in speech pathology. The exam is used by several agencies to help determine competency and licensure.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association requires candidates to take the exam in order to receive its Certificate of Clinical Competence. State boards and agencies that license speech-language pathologists also require the test.
Planning Implementation And Evaluation Of Treatment
The final content area, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment, makes up the final 33.3% of the exam with about 44 questions. This section is dedicated to testing candidates’ knowledge of the treatment process for their clients. It is broken up into three subcategories:
- Treatment planning
- Treatment evaluation
The treatment planning subcategory may ask questions about finding factors that could affect a client’s treatment and developing appropriate treatment goals. This section will test candidates’ understanding of developing a prognosis, creating treatment procedures, and communicating their ideas with the client. The treatment evaluation subcategory will look at the methods candidates need to put in place to monitor a client’s progress and evaluate treatment. It also asks about any post-treatment and follow-up procedures. The treatment subcategory will ask about different procedures for treating factors such as swallowing, feeding, speech sound production, and more. This section may also cover topics in hearing and aural rehabilitation.
Practice tests give you a better idea of the topics you have mastered and those you should keep studying.
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Overview Of Praxis Exam For Speech Language Pathologists
Resources that may be Beneficial to Use when Studying for the Test:An Advanced Review of Speech-Language Pathology Mosby’s Review Questions for the Speech-Language Pathology PRAXIS ExaminationHow to Prepare for the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
- Praactical AAC. SLP Praxis Review. Retrieved November 21, 2012 from
- 240 Tutoring. Praxis Speech Language Pathology Ultimate Guide and Practice Test. Retrieved on May 4, 2020 from
- Licensure Exams, Inc. SLP Exam. Retrieved September 14, 2010, from
- Mometrix Media LLC. Praxis II Speech-Language Pathology Secrets Study Guide. Retrieved September 14, 2010,
- The Praxis What you Need to Know SpeechyMusings.com. Retrieved February 15, 2015 from
- Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology Comprehensive Examination Study Guide: Revised December 2009.
- TherapyEd’s National Speech-Language Pathology Examination Review & Study Guide by by Gregory Lof, PhD, CCC-SLP, FASHA and Alex Johnson, PhD, CCC-SLP, FASHA. Retrieved on May 4, 2020 from
- ETS. Preparation Materials. Retrieved on May 4, 2020 from
PDF Documents
Top 5 Things To Know About The Slp Praxis Exam
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Consider Earning A Doctorate In Communication Sciences And Disorders
This step is optional. A masters degree is one of the pediatric speech therapy education requirements, although many pediatric SLPs choose to go on to earn a clinical doctorate in speech-language pathology , or a doctoral degree with a focus on research or professional development, such as a PhD or EdD.
Slp Praxis Practice Test

While studying, test takers may want to collect any textbooks, library books, or other study materials to review the content. Flashcards can also be helpful to review facts, concepts, and vocabulary. After test takers have studied for a while, they may consider using an SLP Praxis practice test to monitor their progress with the material. These Praxis practice exams also benefit students by simulating the actual exam in length and time constraints. Some practice exams, such as the one offered by the ETS for a fee, may include explanations of the correct answers. These explanations can also serve as a learning and studying tool.
On test day, test takers should be sure to bring their admission ticket and valid ID to the Praxis testing center. The Praxis Speech Pathology exam does not require a calculator, and candidates should be sure to leave any personal items at home or in their car.
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How Much Do You Need To Study For The Slp Praxis
Most students spend 4-8 weeks of steady, consistent, organized effort to prepare for the exam. However, studying for the exam should be an ongoing strategy throughout graduate school. Organize study and review materials as courses are completed. Continue to review course content as clinical application is encountered during practicum/externship experiences.
Assessment Procedures And Assessment
Take a look at these testable concepts.
Stuttering versus Cluttering
Disfluencies occur in all speakers. The deciding factor in determining a person who stutters is the type and frequency
of the disfluency. Part word repetitions, , prolongations , and blocks are typically considered stuttering-like disfluencies. Normal disfluent behaviors include interjections and revisions.
Cluttering is also a fluency disorder. However, excessive speaking rate, abnormal pauses, and language/phonological errors differentiate the disorder from stuttering. A person who clutters will often coarticulate or omit a syllable .
Tympanogram
A tympanogram is the visual representation of the correlation between tympanic membrane movement and pressure in the ear canal. Tympanometry gives clinicians important information regarding the mobility and condition of the eardrum. The figure below represents the different possible types of tympanograms.
Type A = WFL
Type As = middle ear is stiff
Type Ad = middle ear is floppy
Type B = possible perforation of eardrum
Type C = middle ear retracted
For more information on the common types of tympanograms, check out this resource.
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