Taking the Praxis SLP at Home: Rules, Setup, and What to Expect

At-home Praxis testing has been a permanent option since 2020, and for SLP candidates it's a real time-saver — no driving to a Prometric center, no waiting rooms. But the proctoring rules are stricter than most candidates expect, and violations can void your test (and your $146 fee). Here's exactly what to expect.

Technical requirements

• Computer: Windows or Mac desktop/laptop. Chromebooks, tablets, phones, and touchscreen-only devices are not allowed.
• Webcam: External or built-in. The proctor must be able to see you and your workspace.
• Microphone & speakers: Required and tested before launch. No headphones or earbuds during the exam.
• Internet: Wired connection strongly preferred. Minimum ~1 Mbps up/down, but stability matters more than speed.
• Browser: ETS Browser must be installed and run a system check ahead of time.

Room setup — what proctors check

Before the exam starts, you'll do a 360° room scan with your webcam. The proctor is looking for:

• A private, enclosed room. No other people may enter, including family or roommates.
• Cleared desk. No papers, books, sticky notes, second monitors, or electronics other than your testing computer.
• Walls visible — anything posted within view of the webcam may be flagged.
• No food. A clear, label-free water bottle is allowed at the proctor's discretion.
• Phones must be visibly placed out of reach (not in your pocket, not face-down on the desk).

What you cannot have on you or wear

• Smartwatches, fitness trackers, earbuds, hearing aids with Bluetooth.
• Hats and head coverings (religious head coverings allowed; plan to be inspected).
• Heavy jewelry, hair accessories that could conceal a device.
• Hoodies up, scarves, or anything covering the ears during the exam.

Identification

You need one government-issued photo ID with your name matching your ETS registration exactly. Most common acceptable IDs:

• Driver's license
• Passport
• State-issued non-driver ID
• Military ID

A school ID does not count. If your registration says "Sarah J. Smith" and your license says "Sarah Smith," contact ETS to update registration before test day — proctors do not have authority to override mismatches.

During the exam

• You may not leave the camera frame — including for any reason.
• You may not speak aloud, mouth questions, or read out loud.
• Whiteboard scratchwork: ETS provides a digital whiteboard. No paper allowed.
• Bathroom breaks: only during the scheduled break (if your test offers one). Mid-section breaks generally void the test.

What happens if your tech fails

If you lose connection mid-exam, the system attempts to restore your session at the question you left off. If the disconnect is brief and you can reconnect, you'll usually finish the test. If hardware fails entirely, contact ETS immediately — documented technical failures from their end are typically resolved with a free retest, but candidate-side failures (your Wi-Fi died) are not.

Should you test at home or at a center?

• At-home pros: familiar environment, no commute, more availability.
• At-home cons: stricter proctoring, technical risk, family/pet interruptions can void your test.
• Test center pros: controlled environment, no tech setup, proctor handles issues.
• Test center cons: commute, less availability in rural areas, less flexibility.

If you live alone in a quiet space and have stable wired internet, at-home is excellent. If you have a busy household, take the trip to a center. Either way, confirm the score-report timeline and 162 cutoff before you book.