Praxis 5331 vs. Clinical Fellowship: How They Fit Together

The Praxis 5331 and the Clinical Fellowship (CF) are two of the three requirements for the ASHA CCC-SLP — and candidates constantly mix them up. They test different things, happen in a specific sequence, and only one of them is a test you can study for. Here's exactly how they fit together.

The three-part ASHA CCC-SLP requirement

1. Graduate degree from a CAA-accredited SLP program.
2. Praxis 5331 passing score (162 nationally).
3. Clinical Fellowship (CF) — a 36-week paid, supervised clinical experience post-graduation.

You need all three to receive the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. Missing any one blocks certification.

Praxis 5331 vs. CF at a glance

Do I need to pass the Praxis before starting my CF?

No — not in most states. You can start your CF as long as you hold a qualifying master's degree and your state issues you a temporary/CF license. But you must pass the Praxis before ASHA will award your CCC-SLP at the end of the CF year. In practice, most candidates take the Praxis in their last semester of grad school so it's out of the way before CF begins.

A few states require Praxis passage before they'll issue the CF/temp license — check your state requirements page for the exact rule where you'll practice.

Which is harder?

They're hard in different ways. The Praxis is a knowledge test you can study for in 4–8 weeks. The CF is a 9-month professional performance review — you're being evaluated on caseload management, documentation, ethics, and clinical decision-making in real time.

• Praxis: ~85% national pass rate. Failing means a $146 retake and a 28-day wait. See our difficulty breakdown.
• CF: Almost everyone completes it, but not always on time. Poor supervisor fit, caseload issues, or extended leave can stretch it beyond 36 weeks. Failing to complete blocks CCC-SLP entirely.

Common confusion points

• "CF replaces the Praxis." It does not. The two are independent requirements.
• "I need to finish CF before I can take the Praxis."Wrong direction — most candidates take it before or during their final semester.
• "My grad program's comprehensive exam counts." No. Comps are program-internal; only the ETS Praxis 5331 satisfies ASHA and state licensure.
• "I'm CCC-SLP, so I don't need the Praxis to move states."Usually correct — most states waive the Praxis for ASHA-certified applicants. Check your state page.

Best sequence for most candidates

1. Final semester of grad school: schedule and pass the Praxis 5331.
2. Graduate; apply for your state's CF/temporary license.
3. Start CF; submit ASHA application (transcript + Praxis score + CF plan).
4. Complete CF; supervisor signs off; ASHA awards CCC-SLP.
5. Apply for full state license and any additional state reciprocity.