The School
Leaders Licensure Assessment is computer-delivered, and consists of 120
selected-response questions and 4 constructed-response questions. Some of these questions may not count toward your score.
You will be given 4 hours to complete the exam.
Examinees
who have condition covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act that
require special testing accommodations, may make this request in writing.
Extra time,
breaks that do not lessen your testing time, the ability to choose background
and foreground colors, a reader, paper and pencil exams, a separate room for
testing, adjustable height table, ergonomic keyboard, anti-glare screen, screen
magnifier, Braille, large-print test book, large-print answer sheet, and Jaws
and Dragon software, are some of the accommodations that can be provided.
What categories and topics are covered on this exam?
- Strategic Leadership – 13%
- Instructional Leadership – 17%
- Climate and Cultural Leadership – 13%
- Ethical Leadership – 12%
- Organizational Leadership – 10%
- Community Engagement Leadership – 10%
- Analysis (for constructed-response questions) – 25%
Strategic Leadership
This category addresses the topics of mission, vision, goals, & core values, commitments for the implementation of vision and goals, and improvement for vision and goals.
Instructional Leadership
This category addresses the topics of professional development and the capacity of building, curriculum and instruction, and assessment and accountability.
Climate and Cultural Leadership
This category addresses the topics of care and support for teachers, cultural and equity responsiveness, and care and support for students.
Ethical Leadership
This category addresses the topics of legal and ethical behavior and ethical values and beliefs.
Organizational Leadership
This category addresses the topics of the management of operational systems, sourcing and acquiring fiscal and human resources, and ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Community Engagement Leadership
This category addresses the topics of collaborating with families and the community, awareness of the needs and interests of the community, and making the most of community resources.
Analysis
This category addresses the topics of mission, vision, goals, & core values, commitments for the implementation of vision and goals, and improvement for vision and goals, curriculum and instruction, cultural and equity responsiveness, and care and support for students, and legal and ethical behavior and ethical values and beliefs.
What is the most convenient way to register?
Apply and pay for your exam online.
You also have the options of registering and paying by mail and over the phone.What is the cost of taking the subtest of this exam?
The cost of taking the SLLA is $425.
What are the testing dates and locations?
The testing windows for this exam are:
There are various testing sites throughout the world that include official testing centers and higher education institutions.
What should I do the day of the exam?
Report to the testing center at least 30 minutes early. You may not be admitted to the assessment if you arrive late.
Bring a form of identification that includes your name, signature, and photo. Be sure to also bring your exam admission ticket.
This test does not require a calculator, nor are you allowed to bring one. Personal items such as a cell phone, jewelry other than engagement/wedding rings, and jackets are also prohibited from the testing area.
Can I take a break during the exam?
You will be given a 10-minute break between the multiple choice and constructed-response portions of the assessment. Additional breaks are only allowed if you have requested and been approved for this special accommodation.
What happens after I take the exam?
Approximately 15-16 days after your testing window closes, you will be able to access your official score report online. Your score report will also be sent to the institutions you designated when registering for the exam.
What is the minimum passing score on this exam?
Each state sets the passing score. Your score report will indicate whether or not you have passed.
What happens if I don’t pass the exam?
You are allowed to re-take the exam once every 21 days. This does not include your initial testing date.
How Can I Prepare for the SLLA Test?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!