How to Register for the Praxis SLP (5331): Step-by-Step (2026)

Registering for the SLP Praxis (test code 5331) takes about 15 minutes online through ETS, but the piece most candidates get wrong is when to register — not how. Book your seat before you finalize your study plan, not after. Here's the step-by-step, plus the timing rules that keep you out of trouble.

Step-by-step: register for the Praxis 5331

1. Create or sign into your ETS account at ets.org/praxis. Use the exact legal name that appears on the ID you'll bring to the test — mismatched names are the #1 cause of same-day admission denials.
2. Select test 5331 — "Speech-Language Pathology." Don't confuse it with 5372 (Communication Sciences and Disorders Content Knowledge) or the retired 0330.
3. Choose test-center or at-home. Test-center offers more date flexibility; at-home requires a private room, a webcam, and the ProctorU software running smoothly (do the equipment check the day before).
4. Pick a date and time. The 5331 is offered continuously (not in windows), so you can typically find a seat within 2–3 weeks. Popular test centers in metros book 4–6 weeks out — check availability before committing to a target date.
5. Add score recipients. You get 4 free score reports if you designate them at registration. Add ASHA (recipient code R5031) plus your state licensing board(s). Adding recipients later costs about $40 per report.
6. Pay the $146 fee. Credit card at checkout. ETS also accepts a fee waiver for candidates meeting income criteria — apply before registering, not after.
7. Print or save your admission ticket. You'll receive it by email; also keep it in your ETS dashboard.

When should I actually take the exam?

There's no single right answer, but three timing rules matter:

Rule 1: 6–12 weeks of dedicated prep is the sweet spot

Under 4 weeks and most candidates score below their potential. Over 16 weeks and you'll forget as much as you learn. Book your date 8 weeks out, plan with our 8-week study plan, and keep the date fixed as your forcing function.

Rule 2: Take it before, not after, your Clinical Fellowship starts

ASHA requires a passing 5331 to award the CCC-SLP. You can start the CF without a passing score, but many state provisional licenses require the score to convert to full licensure at the end of the CF. Testing before graduation or in the first month of CF keeps you off the "score pending" holdup that delays licensure.

Rule 3: Avoid the ETS 21-day retake window trap

ETS enforces a 21-day wait between retakes. Don't book your first attempt for the last week of your CF start window — if you fail, the earliest retake pushes past every state's licensure deadline. Give yourself at least 6 weeks of retake runway between your test date and your must-be-licensed-by date.

How much does it cost?

• Test fee: $146 (current ETS list price)
• Adding a score recipient after registration: ~$40 each
• Rescheduling: ~$40 if you change your date within 3 days
• Retake: full $146 fee each attempt

Full cost breakdown at our Praxis 5331 cost page.

What ID do I need?

One government-issued photo ID with your full name matching your ETS registration exactly. Acceptable: US or foreign passport, driver's license, state ID card, national ID card, or military ID. Not acceptable: student ID, credit card, or expired ID.

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Yes, but read the deadline: no fee if you cancel 4+ days before your test date; ~$40 if you reschedule within 4 days; no refund and no reschedule inside 24 hours (you forfeit the fee).