CCC Practice Test

Candidates seeking ASHA certification in speech-language pathology or audiology can use this page to prepare for the associated Praxis exam. Choose practice sets, review explanations for sample questions, and compare the verified exam requirements for CCC-SLP and CCC-A. These practice questions are written with AI tools for study; they are not real exam questions. Use them alongside official ASHA certification information and ETS Praxis materials.

CCC Exam at a Glance

What changed for CCC in 2026

• Oct 27, 2026: Time limit (CCC-A (Praxis 5343)) changed to 2 hours (120 minutes) (previously 2 hours).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Retake policy changed to Wait at least 28 days between Praxis attempts; exam must be passed within 2-year application period (previously Retake after at least 28 days; must pass within the 2-year application period).^[6]
• Oct 27, 2026: Validity changed to Praxis scores valid for 5 years prior to application submission (previously Praxis scores valid 5 years for initial certification).^[4]
• Oct 27, 2026: Renewal changed to 30 PDHs every 3-year interval plus annual dues/fees (previously 30 PDHs every 3 years + annual dues/fee).^[7]

What the CCC is and how it works

According to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “The 120 selected-response test questions focus on content related to the major practice areas of prevention, identification, assessment, and intervention, together with foundational knowledge and knowledge of standards of professional practice.”^[1]

The Praxis exams covered here are associated with ASHA certification in speech-language pathology and audiology. Passing the exam should not be treated as confirmation that your certification application is approved. Consult the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s certification pages for the requirements that apply to your application.

For CCC-SLP, Praxis 5331 contains 132 selected-response questions and allows 150 minutes. For CCC-A, Praxis 5343 contains 120 selected-response questions and allows 120 minutes. ASHA’s passing score is 162 on a 100–200 scale for either exam. This is a scaled score, so do not interpret it as a required percentage of correct answers on these practice sets.

Testing is offered throughout the year. ETS lists at-home online testing or a test center; check the relevant ETS test page when arranging your appointment. You may view unofficial scores at the end of the test, while the official report appears in your Praxis account on the score reporting date.

Allow at least 28 days between attempts, and pass within the 2-year application period. The exam costs $146 per attempt. Check ETS’s appointment policy and ASHA’s certification information before planning a retake or submitting an application.

Worked examples: how to reason through CCC questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: The vocal folds are housed within which structure of the larynx?

1. Epiglottis
2. Thyroid cartilage
3. Cricoid cartilage
4. Arytenoid cartilages

Answer: B. Thyroid cartilage

Explanation:

Thyroid cartilage is the best answer among these options. It forms the anterior and lateral walls of the larynx, surrounding and protecting the region containing the vocal folds. The wording “housed within” describes that protective framework; it does not mean the folds lie inside cartilage tissue. The epiglottis helps protect the airway during swallowing rather than housing the folds. The cricoid cartilage supports the larynx below the thyroid cartilage. The arytenoid cartilages provide attachment and movement for the vocal folds rather than enclosing them. Remember the distinction between the protective framework of the larynx and the structures that move its folds.

Example 2

Question: Which cranial nerve provides primary motor innervation to the intrinsic muscles of the larynx?

1. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
2. CN X (Vagus) via the recurrent laryngeal branch
3. CN VII (Facial)
4. CN XII (Hypoglossal)

Answer: B. CN X (Vagus) via the recurrent laryngeal branch

Explanation:

CN X, the vagus nerve, via its recurrent laryngeal branch is correct. That branch supplies motor innervation to most intrinsic laryngeal muscles. The exception matters: the cricothyroid receives its motor supply through the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, which also comes from the vagus. CN IX, the glossopharyngeal nerve, does not provide the primary motor supply to the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. CN VII, the facial nerve, primarily controls muscles of facial expression. CN XII, the hypoglossal nerve, primarily controls tongue movement. Remember the vagus for laryngeal motor function, while keeping the cricothyroid exception separate from the usual recurrent laryngeal pattern.

Example 3

Question: What must speech-language pathologists do to maintain ASHA certification?

1. Renew certification without completing continuing education
2. Complete continuing education requirements
3. Ignore new research developments
4. Operate without following state licensure laws

Answer: B. Complete continuing education requirements

Explanation:

Complete continuing education requirements is the correct answer. ASHA certification maintenance requires professional development as well as annual dues or fees. Renewing without continuing education therefore leaves a maintenance requirement unmet. Ignoring new research developments does not satisfy the requirement to undertake professional development. Operating without following state licensure laws also does not describe an ASHA certification maintenance requirement and is not a substitute for continuing education. The general rule is to distinguish earning a credential from maintaining it: certification brings ongoing obligations. This question tests recognition of that obligation; use ASHA’s certification maintenance information to check the applicable requirements.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official ETS material for your intended exam: Speech-Language Pathology 5331 or Audiology 5343. Use its outline to identify relevant topics. The practice-set titles below are study categories on this site, not a verified official exam blueprint.

Choose a set that addresses a gap in your knowledge. Use Anatomy & Physiology of Communication for structure and function, or Evaluation & Diagnostic Techniques to practise assessment reasoning. Before reading an explanation, state why your chosen answer fits and why the alternatives do not.

Keep notes on errors and uncertain guesses. Label the underlying issue, such as confusing a structure with its function or missing an exception. Check the point against official preparation material or your course references, then revisit related questions.

Extend your review with Treatment Planning & Intervention, Ethical & Professional Standards, and Research & Evidence-Based Practice where relevant to your exam. Before test day, check your ETS appointment details and practise pacing against your exam’s verified time limit. Treat practice results as feedback on what to review, not a prediction of your Praxis score.

Sources & last verified

1. praxis.ets.org — number of questions, time limit (official source). “The 120 selected-response test questions focus on content related to the major practice areas of prevention, identification, assessment, and intervention, together with foundational knowledge and…” Verified Oct 27, 2026.
2. praxis.ets.org — number of questions, time limit, retake fee, exam fee (official source). “The 132 selected-response test questions assess foundational knowledge, knowledge of professional practice, and specialized knowledge as it is applied across practice ranging from screening and…” Verified Oct 27, 2026.
3. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association — passing score (official source). “The passing score for purposes of ASHA certification and the state boards of examiners on the new scale (100–200) is 162.” Verified Oct 27, 2026.
4. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association — passing score, validity (official source). “The current passing score for purposes of ASHA certification is 162 (on a 100–200 scale).” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 20, 2026.
5. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association — exam fee (official source). “Certification and ASHA Membership: $490 For individuals who are not eligible for the NSSLHA Conversion.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 27, 2026.
6. praxis.ets.org — retake policy (official source). “If you’ve already taken a Praxis test and want to retake it, you must wait at least 28 days before scheduling a new appointment for…” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
7. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association — renewal (official source). “All certificate holders (CCC-A and CCC-SLP) must accumulate 30 professional development hours (PDHs) during each 3-year certification maintenance interval in order to maintain their ASHA…” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 27, 2026.
8. praxis.ets.org — score release (official source). “Praxis tests that include only selected-response questions will offer you an opportunity to view unofficial scores at the end of your testing session.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
9. praxis.ets.org — testing window (official source). “All tests are delivered by computer, except for Braille Proficiency (0633), and are offered throughout the year.” Verified Oct 27, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.