PRAXISCode: 5343Audiology🏥 ASHA National ExamDoctoral Level
Praxis® Audiology (5343)
Practice Test & Study Guide
Comprehensive preparation for the ASHA national examination in audiology — covering all 5 official content categories from Foundations through Professional and Ethical Responsibilities.
120
Questions
2h 30m
Time limit
~162
Passing score*
5
Content areas
$146
Exam fee
4.9 · 12,400
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ASHA National Examination in Audiology. The Praxis Audiology (5343) is recognized as the national exam in audiology and is one of several requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Some states also use it as part of the audiology licensure procedure. Full certification and licensure information is available at asha.org.
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Source: All exam details are drawn from the official ETS Praxis Audiology (5343) Study Companion. Passing scores vary by state — always confirm at ets.org/praxis/states.
Free Praxis Audiology (5343) Sample Quiz
1 / 2A child with bilateral severe-to-profound hearing loss receives cochlear implants at age 18 months. Which factor MOST strongly predicts favorable spoken language outcomes?
Praxis Audiology (5343) — Test at a Glance
Key facts directly from the official ETS test specifications.
TEST NAME
Audiology
Praxis Subject Assessment
TEST CODE
5343
Computer-delivered
TOTAL QUESTIONS
120
All selected-response
TIME LIMIT
2 hrs
120 minutes
ASHA CCC-A
Required
National audiology exam
REGISTRATION FEE
$146
Paid to ETS at registration
TYPICAL PASSING SCORE
~162
Scaled; varies by state
SCORE REPORTING
~5 wks
After test date
About the Praxis Audiology (5343) Exam
What you need to know before you register — including what makes this exam distinct from other Praxis assessments.
The Praxis Audiology (5343) measures knowledge important for independent practice as an audiologist in all primary employment settings — including schools, hospitals, clinics, private practice, and industry/conservation settings. The exam is typically taken by individuals who are in or have completed a doctoral degree program that prepares them to enter professional practice.
Unlike most other Praxis exams, the Audiology (5343) is not primarily a teacher certification test. It is recognized as the national examination in audiology and is one of several requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Some states also use the exam as part of their audiology licensure procedure.
The 120 selected-response questions focus on content related to the major practice areas of prevention, identification, assessment, and intervention — together with foundational knowledge and professional practice standards. Application of knowledge is tested in the context of clinical case studies, research results, and results of assessments (physiologic, behavioral, and other types). This means the exam tests clinical reasoning and application, not just memorized facts.
The test content is based on a practice and curriculum analysis commissioned by ASHA — a national survey of audiologists in both clinical and educational settings. This ensures the exam reflects real-world professional competencies rather than purely academic content.
Official Exam Blueprint: 5 Content Categories
The official ETS blueprint defines 5 content categories with specific question weights. Assessment is the largest section at 35% — nearly double any other category.
Category I
Foundations of Audiology
Acoustics and psychoacoustics; anatomy, physiology, and behavior across the life span; pathophysiology (genetics, syndromes, ototoxicity); psychometrics and instrumentation calibration.
20%
24 questions
Category II
Prevention and Screening
Education about causes and prevention of auditory/balance disorders; exposure assessment; hearing protection devices; newborn hearing screening programs; audiometric and balance monitoring; screening and risk identification; program performance monitoring.
10%
12 questions
Category III
Assessment
Clinical preparation; behavioral audiological evaluation; physiologic evaluation (tympanometry, OAEs, ABR, ASSR); balance and vestibular assessment (VNG, ENG, VEMP, vHIT, posturography); tinnitus assessment; sound tolerance evaluation; integrating assessment results; documentation and communication.
35%
42 questions
Category IV
Intervention
Treatment planning; hearing aid and cochlear implant device selection; hearing assistive technology (HATS); device verification and validation (real ear measures); audiological (re)habilitation; tinnitus management (CBT, sound therapy); decreased sound tolerance; vestibular rehabilitation; counseling; IEP/IFSP participation; documentation.
25%
30 questions
Category V
Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
Service delivery models (hospital, clinic, school, private practice); management and billing; ASHA Code of Ethics; HIPAA and patient privacy rights; IDEA and educational legislation; evidence-based practice; interprofessional communication; supervision and mentoring.
10%
12 questions
Key Topics by Content Category
Focus your study on these specific competencies — drawn directly from the official ETS content specifications.
I
Foundations of Audiology
~24 questions · 20%Physics of sound and acoustics; sound measurement; relationship between SPL and HL; fundamental frequency and harmonics
Physiological and psychological acoustics; speech perception and acoustics; speech frequencies and intensities
Anatomy and physiology of the auditory system; function of outer, middle, and inner ear; hair cells (inner and outer); cochlear fluids
Vestibular system anatomy and physiology; balance mechanisms; neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
Embryology and development of hearing; normal auditory behavior across the life span; language and speech development
Age-related changes in auditory and vestibular systems (presbycusis types); effects of hearing loss on learning and social function
Genetics and associated syndromes: Usher, Waardenburg, Treacher Collins, Marfan, Goldenhar — characteristics and hearing/balance implications
Pathophysiology: otitis media, otosclerosis, nongenetic systemic health conditions, infectious pathologies
Pharmacology, ototoxicity, and vestibulotoxicity — identifying ototoxic pharmaceuticals and their effects on hearing and balance
Psychometrics: validity, reliability, and factors affecting assessment reliability; psychophysical methods
Calibration: function and use of measurement equipment; biological calibration of audiometers and middle-ear analyzers
Etiologies of congenital hearing loss; pre- vs. postlinguistically deafened children — differences in speech and language development
II
Prevention and Screening
~12 questions · 10%Education about causes, effects, and prevention of auditory and balance disorders
Exposure assessment and noise measurement; OSHA standards for workplace noise exposure (90 dBA time-weighted average)
Selecting and fitting hearing protection devices; noise controls; standard threshold shift (STS) and time-weighted average
Audiometric and balance monitoring programs; baseline audiograms; value and procedure for monitoring
Newborn hearing screening: Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) recommendations; timing and screening requirements
Screening tools: OAEs vs. ABRs in newborn screening — pros and cons of each; follow-up procedures for failures
Screening protocols for adults and children; differences between adult and pediatric approaches
Infection control: disinfection vs. sterilization; when sterilization is required; discarding disposables and infectious waste
Screening for cognitive deficits, speech-language disorders, and conditions compromising communication or quality of life
Self-report measures in screening; selecting and interpreting patient-reported outcomes
Monitoring effectiveness of prevention and screening programs; program performance indicators
Identifying falling risk factors; vestibular screening considerations across the life span
III
Assessment
~42 questions · 35%Clinical preparation: gathering referral and background information; selecting assessment procedures based on age, developmental level, cultural/linguistic diversity, and sensory/cognitive abilities
Pure-tone air and bone conduction testing; masking procedures and function; headphone options; sound-field testing and warble tones
Speech audiometry: SAT, SRT, MCL, UCL procedures; word recognition tests; phonetically balanced word lists; live-voice vs. recorded speech
Specialized tests for organic and nonorganic hearing loss; developmentally appropriate tests for infants and children (BOA, VRA, play audiometry)
Immittance testing: tympanometry types and interpretation; acoustic reflex testing; wideband acoustic immittance; pressure-equalizing tubes
Otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing: what absent vs. present OAEs indicate; clinical applications
Auditory evoked potentials: electrocochleography (ECOG), ABR threshold testing, ABR neurodiagnostic evaluation, ASSR — when each is indicated
Balance and vestibular assessment: VNG/ENG procedures (caloric testing, eye-movement tracking); rotary chair; VEMP; vHIT; posturography
Otoscopy: technique; identifying conditions of the ear canal and tympanic membrane; scope of audiologist's diagnostic role
Tinnitus assessment: pitch and loudness matching; impact questionnaires; psychoacoustic testing
Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD): gap detection, dichotic listening, speech-in-noise testing, spatial testing, temporal processing
Integrating assessment results: determining type and severity of hearing and balance impairment; developing recommendations; documentation and communication
IV
Intervention
~30 questions · 25%Treatment planning: integrating assessment results; selecting and modifying treatment for age, cultural background, and patient preferences; short- and long-term goals
Hearing aid selection: evaluating speech recognition in noise; earmold modifications, dome selection, venting; features and processing strategies (noise reduction, directionality, compression)
Hearing aid types: BTE vs. CIC advantages/disadvantages; dynamic range; functional gain; tubing modifications; real ear measurement; verification and validation
Cochlear implants: candidacy criteria; FDA minimum age; mapping process; pre- vs. postlinguistic deafening effects on outcomes; benefits and limitations
Hearing assistive technology systems (HATS): personal and group amplification; alerting devices; determining candidacy; compatibility with other devices
Device verification and validation: electroacoustic analysis; real ear measures (RECD for children); confirming function of features; outcome measures
Audiological (re)habilitation: auditory-verbal therapy; auditory training; communication strategies; facilitating auditory learning across the life span
IEP and IFSP participation for children with hearing loss; classroom acoustics standards (noise level and reverberation time)
Tinnitus management: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT); sound-based therapy (hearing aids, combination instruments); self-management education
Decreased sound tolerance: hyperacusis and misophonia treatment; sound desensitization procedures by severity level
Vestibular rehabilitation: BPPV treatment; candidacy determination; monitoring peripheral and central vestibular disorder treatment
Counseling: informational counseling about hearing/balance; addressing psychosocial, educational, and vocational implications; peer pressure, stigma, and self-advocacy
V
Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
~12 questions · 10%Service delivery models: hospital-based, community-based, private practice, school-based, industry/conservation settings; roles of audiology techs and aides
Management and business practices: financial planning, budgeting, coding and billing for diagnosis, reimbursement, risk management, patient management
ASHA Code of Ethics: ethical principles and decision making; confidentiality of patient records; reporting unethical conduct to licensing boards
Patient rights and privacy: HIPAA requirements; protecting personal health information; informed consent procedures
Educational legislation: IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) — provisions affecting audiologic practice; role of audiologist on IEP team
Infection control: cleaning/disinfection/sterilization of equipment; discarding disposables; glove and protective apparel requirements
Evidence-based practice: applying translational research findings; research design principles; statistical significance; dependent vs. independent variables; generalizability
Interprofessional practice: roles and responsibilities of audiologists and related professionals; interprofessional communication; when to refer to SLP, otolaryngologist, or other specialists
Supervision and mentoring: supervising students, other professionals, and support personnel; documentation requirements
Calibration standards: using instrumentation to current standards; equipment specifications and biological calibration schedules
Scope of practice: advocacy for individuals served and the profession; legislative and regulatory mandates; activities outside scope of audiologic practice
Patient record retention requirements; standards for documentation of evaluation and intervention; communicating outcomes to interprofessional teams
Registration, Test Day & Scoring
Everything you need to know before and on exam day.
Registration
Where to registerpraxis.ets.org
Exam fee$146
Testing formatsIn-person or remote
ID required2 forms of valid ID
Arrive (in-person)30 min early
Scoring
Score typeScaled score
Raw score basisCorrect answers only
Typical passing score~162 (varies by state)
ASHA CCC-A requirementYes (one of several)
Results available~5 weeks post-test
In-Person Testing
Test centersPrometric locations
Personal itemsStored in locker
Scratch paperProvided at station
Admission ticketPrint from ETS account
Remote Testing
Browser requiredETS Secure Test Browser
Equipment neededWebcam, mic, speakers
Check-in processRoom scan required
Proctor typeLive remote proctor
Passing Score and ASHA Certification Requirements
The Praxis Audiology (5343) serves two purposes — state licensure and ASHA national certification — each with different score requirements.
Passing score: Most states require a minimum scaled score of approximately 162, though requirements vary by state or licensing agency. Always verify your state's specific requirement at ets.org/praxis/states before registering.
ASHA CCC-A: The Praxis Audiology (5343) is one of several requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A). Passing the exam alone does not confer certification — additional requirements (supervised clinical hours, degree completion, etc.) apply. Full information is available at asha.org.
Your raw score (correct answers) is converted to a scaled score. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so always answer every question. The exam may contain unscored pretest items that do not count toward your score — treat every question equally.
How to Prepare for the Praxis Audiology Exam
Strategies aligned to the exam's clinical case-based question format and its unique position as the ASHA national examination.
Assessment is 35% of the exam — it's the largest section by far. With ~42 questions, Category III covers the entire range of audiological evaluation: behavioral testing, physiologic testing (tympanometry, OAEs, ABR, ASSR), balance and vestibular assessment, tinnitus evaluation, CAPD assessment, and integration of findings. No other single category comes close to this weight. Prioritize it in your study plan.
Study clinical case reasoning, not just facts. The exam specifically tests application of knowledge in the context of clinical case studies and research results. For each assessment and intervention topic, practice not just knowing the procedure but knowing when to use it, what results to expect for different conditions, and when to refer to another specialist.
Know the full range of hearing aid and cochlear implant technology and criteria. Intervention (IV, 25%) heavily tests device selection, verification, and validation. Know the differences between hearing aid types, how real ear measures work, how to interpret electroacoustic analysis, cochlear implant candidacy criteria, and when HATS devices are appropriate. Real ear measurement (REM) and RECD procedures are frequently tested.
Master the vestibular assessment battery. VNG, ENG, VEMP, vHIT, rotary chair, and posturography all appear in the Assessment category. Know what each test measures, the procedures involved (e.g., caloric testing with cold water in VNG/ENG), what the results indicate, and when each is clinically appropriate.
Know ASHA ethics, HIPAA, and IDEA inside out. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities (V, 10%) is worth 12 questions — all memorizable. The ASHA Code of Ethics, HIPAA requirements for patient record confidentiality and privacy rights, and IDEA provisions affecting audiologic practice (IEP team role, FAPE) are standard test material. Study these systematically.
Review newborn hearing screening protocols from the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH). The JCIH 1-3-6 guidelines (screen by 1 month, diagnose by 3 months, enroll in intervention by 6 months) appear consistently in Prevention and Screening questions. Know the differences between OAE and ABR screening methods, and the appropriate follow-up protocols.
Download the official ETS Study Companion and use its discussion questions. The free PDF includes content topics for all 5 categories plus discussion area questions that test clinical application — the same level of thinking required on the actual exam. Working through these questions with a study partner or mentor is the most effective preparation method, especially for the assessment and intervention sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers sourced from the official ETS Praxis Audiology (5343) Study Companion and test preparation resources.
How many questions are on the Praxis Audiology (5343)?+
The exam contains 120 selected-response questions with a 2-hour time limit. Questions span 5 content categories: Foundations of Audiology (24 questions, 20%), Prevention and Screening (12 questions, 10%), Assessment (42 questions, 35%), Intervention (30 questions, 25%), and Professional and Ethical Responsibilities (12 questions, 10%). The exam may contain unscored pretest items.
Is the Praxis Audiology exam required for ASHA certification?+
Yes. The Praxis Audiology (5343) is recognized as the national examination in audiology and is one of several requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) issued by ASHA. Some states also use it for audiology licensure. Passing the exam alone does not confer certification — additional requirements apply. Full information is at asha.org.
What is the passing score for the Praxis Audiology (5343)?+
Most states require a minimum scaled score of approximately 162, though the exact requirement varies by state or licensing agency. Always verify your specific state requirement at ets.org/praxis/states before registering.
How much does the Praxis Audiology exam cost?+
The registration fee is $146, paid directly to ETS at praxis.ets.org. This is higher than the standard $130 Praxis fee for many subject assessments.
What content categories are on the Praxis Audiology (5343)?+
The exam covers 5 official content categories: (I) Foundations of Audiology — 20%, 24 questions; (II) Prevention and Screening — 10%, 12 questions; (III) Assessment — 35%, 42 questions; (IV) Intervention — 25%, 30 questions; and (V) Professional and Ethical Responsibilities — 10%, 12 questions.
What level of degree is the Praxis Audiology exam designed for?+
The exam is typically taken by individuals who are in or have completed a doctoral degree program that prepares them to enter professional practice as an audiologist. The test measures knowledge important for independent practice across all primary employment settings — schools, hospitals, clinics, private practice, and industry/conservation.
How is the Praxis Audiology exam different from other Praxis tests?+
Unlike most other Praxis exams, the Audiology (5343) is not primarily a teacher certification test. It is the national examination in audiology used for ASHA CCC-A certification and state licensure. Questions are based on a national survey of practicing audiologists and are tested in the context of clinical case studies and assessment results — emphasizing real-world clinical application rather than academic recall.
When will I receive my Praxis Audiology scores?+
Official score reports are typically available approximately five weeks after your test date. Scores are posted to your ETS account and sent to any institutions you designated at registration.
Ready to Start Practicing?
Adaptive questions aligned to all 5 official ETS content categories. Domain-level analytics so you know exactly where to focus before test day.
Get Free Access — No Credit Card NeededSources: ETS Praxis Audiology (5343) Study Companion (official PDF, praxis.ets.org); ETS Praxis Test Schedule 2025–26; American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) — asha.org. Praxis® is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS). This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS or ASHA. Passing score requirements vary by state — always verify at ets.org/praxis/states.
Last Updated: May 10, 2026