November 2022
President’s Corner

If you are like me, you are not the biggest fan of standardized tests. Maybe you thought you were done after taking your GRE® (some of us more than once) and that was the end of that. And now, you’re completely overwhelmed because you have to complete another standardized test while also balancing clinic and graduate school. So, now what? And what is the PRAXIS® exam?

Well, for starters, let’s talk about what the PRAXIS® Exam is. The PRAXIS® is an integral component of obtaining audiological licensure in most states. Over the past few years, the exam has changed its format to include the following topics: Foundations of Audiology, Prevention and Screening, Assessment, Intervention, and Professional and Ethical Responsibilities. The exam consists of 120 questions and you will have two hours to complete the exam. If you need additional time for accommodation purposes, make sure to visit ETS®.

The exam is scored on a scale from 100-200. Currently, the passing score is 162 and you may take the exam multiple times if needed. When I took the exam earlier in 2022, there was the option to take it online or in person at a testing center due to COVID-19 concerns. If you prefer to take the exam at home, look up testing preferences when you sign up for the exam!

So, now what? You’ve signed up for the PRAXIS® and have no idea where to even begin studying. Well, my first suggestion is to look at the resources you already have. Do you have practice PRAXIS® exams from previous cohorts? Do you and your cohort have a place where you keep shared notes regarding certain courses, such as in a shared Google Drive folder? If your school administers comprehensive exams (like mine does), have you started studying/have you already taken that exam? When I took my PRAXIS®, I took it immediately after my second comprehensive exam that was required by my AuD program, so most of the material I had studied was fresh in my mind.

ETS® also has an interactive practice test you can use to help time yourself and see where you stand in terms of preparation. There are additional test prep materials through the link that can help get you better organized and in a better mindset for beginning your study endeavors. Check out the PRAXIS® online Audiology Praxis Study Companion for additional resources and suggestions!

Finally, I would highly recommend checking out SAA’s Externship Blog Series: Study for the Praxis® for even more tips and information resources. The SAA website also provides additional exam resources that are free. Also, outreach to your cohort or previous cohorts to form study groups! The more you are actively thinking about the exam, the better.

I will leave you with this statement: you WILL be ok and get through the PRAXIS®! Take it as early as you can and if you have the stamina, try and take it around the time of a comprehensive exam from your program so you can “fill two needs with one deed”.

Resources

1. https://www.asha.org/certification/praxis/about-the-audiology-praxis-exam/
2. https://www.asha.org/certification/praxis/aud_content/
3. https://saa.audiology.org/externship-blog-series-studying-for-the-praxis/