Praxis 5331 Score Percentiles: What Your Scaled Score Means

The Praxis 5331 is reported on a 100–200 scaled score. The national passing score is 162. But most candidates want to know more than pass/fail — they want to know how their score compares to everyone else. Here's how percentiles work on the Praxis SLP, what a "good" score looks like, and when it actually matters.

Scaled score vs. percentile — what's the difference?

• Scaled score: Your 100–200 number. It's calibrated so the same scaled score means the same skill level across every test form. This is the only number reported to state boards and ASHA.
• Percentile: The percentage of test takers who scored below you. A 75th percentile means you outperformed 75% of candidates. ETS publishes these in the Praxis Interpretive Guide.

Approximate Praxis 5331 percentiles

Based on ETS-published SLP performance data (percentiles shift slightly year to year, but the ranges are stable):

Curious what a specific raw-to-scaled conversion looks like? Try our Praxis Score Calculator — it maps approximate raw questions correct → scaled score.

What counts as a "good" Praxis 5331 score?

• 162+: Passing everywhere. That's the ASHA and every state's minimum.
• 170+: A comfortable pass. You're clearly above threshold; no one will second-guess your competence.
• 180+: Strong score. Worth mentioning on a CV or grad school portfolio if you're applying to competitive positions.
• 190+: Top 5%. Rare — usually only well-prepared candidates coming out of strong programs.

Does the percentile actually matter?

For licensure and ASHA CCC-SLP, no. A 162 and a 200 grant identical certifications. State boards check for "≥162"; they don't rank candidates.

Where it can matter:

• PhD program applications: Competitive doctoral SLP programs sometimes look at Praxis scores as part of the file.
• Awards / honors: Some grad programs give an "outstanding Praxis performance" award — usually the top scorer in the graduating class.
• Personal benchmarking: A high score confirms strong content mastery entering your Clinical Fellowship.
• Self-efficacy: For candidates who felt shaky, a scaled score comfortably above 162 is a real morale boost.

Common percentile questions

"Is a 162 a bad pass?"

No. It's a pass. State boards and employers treat every passing score equally. Nobody in your career will ever ask what you scored.

"Do I need a specific percentile for CCC-SLP?"

No. ASHA requires only that your scaled score meets or exceeds 162.

"Do I need a higher score in some states?"

Every state currently uses the 162 national cut score. If you scored 162+, you can be licensed anywhere. See our passing score by state guide.

"Can I retake to raise my percentile?"

Yes — ETS allows retakes after 28 days. But since scores above 162 don't affect licensure, retaking a passing score is rarely worth the $146 and prep time. See the retake policy guide.