November 2022 Advisor’s Corner

Perfecting the PRAXIS®

If you are actively making plans to take the audiology PRAXIS® then first of all – kudos to you for taking the time to look for information and prepare. Between the SAA webpage and PRAXIS® webpage, the internet is practically oozing with preparation materials. For example, did you know that the Educational Testing Services (ETS®) provides a study companion and study plan that specifically outlines the five sections of the audiology PRAXIS®? Or that you can take a practice test (for a small fee)? Or maybe you saw the SAA Externship Blog Series with study tips. The internet is a great place to find resources.

But don’t forget about “people” resources, too! By plugging into your network and talking to people who have already studied for or even already taken the PRAXIS®, you can hear more about their real life experience. The search doesn’t have to go too far – right in your own SAA chapter you have an advisor who has already been through this process and would be happy to answer your questions.

But for today, I’m plugging you into my network (and therefore your extended network) to see what advice my colleagues have for your test-taking experience:

“I took my PRAXIS® virtually in April 2022 and was only allowed to have a whiteboard and dry-erase marker (instead of pen and paper). Make sure you know the rules ahead of time!”

Megan Dorfler, current audiology extern

“I had a lot of math problems on my PRAXIS® that I was not expecting. There were a lot of conversions and standards to know – make sure to check the prep materials and prepare for math!”

Kayli Silverstein, current audiology extern

“I know you will feel like you don’t have time to do anything but study – but make sure to do some form of decompression (e.g. guided meditation or exercise) the morning of your test.”

Corey Stoelb, AuD

“I took the exam in person. My testing center allowed me to take breaks and step away from the computer, which I found very helpful about halfway through the test. This gave me a moment to clear my head and take a breather before finishing out the second half. I also found it very helpful that I took the PRAXIS® exam shortly after I took my comprehensive exams for my AuD program. This made my study plan less intimidating as I was already prepared for many different topics!”

Leah Margaret Markos, AuD

“I studied a few categories really hard but just skimmed other information, for example occupational audiology. When it came time to take the test – my version was heavy in occupational audiology. Prepare for everything equally!”

Megan Wernsman Pease, AuD

“At the end of the test, your total score shows up but it’s really small in the upper right hand corner. I had a lot of peers who missed it, and then had to wait for their official score.”

Megan Dorfler, current audiology extern

“I would also plan when you are going to take the PRAXIS® ahead of time because they have limited dates for virtual vs in person testing (at least during the time I took it). I decided to take it in person [March 2022] so I could have a testing environment and be in the mindset of taking a standardized test. This test is different from the tests we take in grad school, so being able to be in that type of environment really helped my mind focus more!”

Kayli Silverstein, current audiology extern

As you continue to prepare, don’t forget to check out the rest of SAA’s online learning and study resources. And while you’re at it, check out this month’s President Corner with more information on the PRAXIS®. Good luck, test takers!

Sarah Ostlie, AuD, CH-AP
SAA Advisory Committee Chair