The Praxis School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) 6990 is a comprehensive professional certification designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of aspiring school administrators.
This assessment is a critical milestone for educators seeking to transition into leadership roles, such as principals or assistant principals, by demonstrating their readiness to lead academic institutions effectively.
The exam aligns with national standards for educational leadership and ensures that candidates possess the pedagogical and managerial expertise required to foster a positive school culture and improve student outcomes.
The Praxis 6990 assessment covers six major content domains that reflect the multifaceted responsibilities of modern school leaders.
Aspiring leaders are tested on Strategic Leadership, which focuses on developing and implementing a shared vision for school improvement.
Instructional Leadership is another core component, emphasizing the supervision of curriculum, instruction, and professional development to enhance student learning.
Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in Ethics and Professional Norms, ensuring they can lead with integrity and advocate for the well-being of every student.
The exam further explores Community and External Relationships, along with Equity and Cultural Responsiveness, to prepare leaders for engaging diverse stakeholders.
Finally, Management and Operations details are tested to ensure candidates can oversee the physical, financial, and human resources of a school building.
The final SLLA 6990 exam is a computer-administered test that lasts approximately four hours.
The test structure is divided into two main sections: Section I consists of 120 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions, accounting for 75% of the total score.
Section II features four integrated inquiry (constructed-response) questions, which require candidates to provide written analyses of leadership scenarios, accounting for the remaining 25% of the score.
Candidates are given 2 hours and 20 minutes for the multiple-choice section and 1 hour and 40 minutes for the written responses.
Passing score requirements vary significantly by state, but many jurisdictions set the benchmark at or around a scaled score of 151.
Specific rules include the prohibition of outside study materials and electronic devices during the proctored session.
Preparation for the Praxis 6990 should begin with a thorough review of the official ETS Study Companion and a diagnostic practice test to identify knowledge gaps.
Actionable strategies include focusing on the "Constructed Response" section, as these written answers often require the most practice in time management and application of leadership theory.
Candidates should utilize flashcards for legal terminology and ethical standards while engaging in collaborative study groups to discuss real-world school leadership scenarios.
The exam can be taken at various authorized physical testing centers, typically managed by Prometric, or through specific authorized schools and universities.
Additionally, ETS offers a "Praxis at Home" option, allowing candidates to take the exam via a secure online portal under the supervision of a remote proctor.
Registration for all formats is managed directly through the official ETS website.
Earning the Praxis SLLA 6990 certification unlocks a variety of high-impact leadership roles within the K-12 education system.
Common career paths include:
School Principal (Elementary, Middle, or High School)
Assistant or Vice Principal
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
District-Level Administrator or Supervisor
Educational Consultant
Department Head or Lead Teacher
Instructional Coach or Program Coordinator
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