How To Pass the SLLA 6990 | Frequently Asked Questions

This assessment will measure the level of standards-aligned knowledge and skills that you have to perform as a competent and effective school leader.

*The SLLA 6990 is run by Educational Testing Service (ETS®).

A total of four 240 minutes (4 hours):

• Section 1: 120 selected-response questions (165 minutes).
• Section 2: 4 constructed-response questions (75 minutes).

The test has two areas, one with selected response (multiple choice) and one with constructed response (the written part). 

Section 1 contains 120 selected response questions that cover the first six categories.

Section 2 includes scenarios, documents, and/or graphs that you will analyze to provide your best decision using a school leader mentality.

Each participating state has its own requirements.

Click on the image above to enlarge it and see the participating states.

Click on the link below to find your state requirements:

SLLA 6990 State Requirements

All tests are taken at a test center via computer. These locations include Prometric® test centers, universities and other locations. Click on the link below to find a test center near you.

***UPDATE: Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the test can be now taken from home through a remote proctor.

As per ETS: “The SLS tests at home are a safe and convenient option for test takers who live in the United States, its territories or in Canada. They’re identical to tests taken at a test center and are taken on your own computer at home or another secure location. All at home tests are monitored by a human proctor online. At home testing is available 7 days a week.”

You can take the test during a number of different test “windows” throughout the year, so there’s plenty of opportunity to take the exam.

Click on the link below to find the available Testing Location dates and the At-Home testing dates:

https://www.ets.org/sls/where-to-test.html

YES!

If you want to change the test center, test date, or test time, you must do so at least three days before your original test date, not including the day of your test, or your fees will be forfeited.

If you cancel your original test by the appropriate deadline, you may be eligible for a refund of 50% of your test fees. 

To reschedule or cancel your test, you can do it inside your SLS account or call ETS Customer Service at 1-800-772-9476 (U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Canada) or 1-609-771-7395 (all other locations).

You can also do it via ETS chat during business hours: https://ets.custhelp.com/app/chat/praxis/chat_launch/

Arrive at your testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time. First, you will have to sign a confidentiality agreement and the test center log, undergo identification verification, among other test security protocols.

If you wear eyeglasses, they may be inspected to ensure they do not have a camera, microphone, or earphones to avoid copying the exam materials and any type of communication with the exterior. You may be asked to empty your pockets for inspection.

If you are taking the test at home, see below the Environment and Testing Space Requirements:

Privacy

• You must be alone in a room with no one else entering during the test.
• You must close all doors in the room before beginning the test.
• You can’t take the test in a public space such as a park, internet café or restaurant.

Tabletop and Seating

• Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or other tabletop surface.
• The tabletop and surrounding area must be clear of all items not approved for use during the test, including cell phones (except when used for check in), cameras, notes and study materials. The furniture and décor in the room do not need to be modified or removed.
• You must sit in a standard chair; you can’t sit or lie on a bed, couch or overstuffed chair.
• Food and drink are NOT allowed during the test.

Clothing and Appearance

• Your ears must remain visible throughout the test, not covered by hair, a hat or other items.
• Face masks may not be worn during check-in or any part of the at home testing session.
• Dress appropriately for your test. You will be monitored via camera by the proctor.
• Avoid wearing items such as jewelry, tie clips, cuff links, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands and other hair accessories.
• If you wear eyeglasses you will be asked to show them to the camera so the proctor checks them prior to starting. You will show your eyeglasses from all angles to make sure they do not have a camera or earphones.

Note-Taking Materials

• You may NOT take notes on regular paper, for security purposes.
• You may use one of the following to take notes:
  • One small desktop whiteboard with erasable marker.
  • One sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker.
  • You will be asked to erase all notes in view of the proctor at the end of the test.

Restroom Break

• You can take a short, unscheduled restroom break after you complete Section 1. Just tell the proctor. He can hear you!

BE AWARE THAT THE PROCTOR WILL BE MONITORING YOU AT ALL TIMES THROUGH THE CAMERA.

In case you believe that your SLLA 6990 scores have been reported incorrectly or do not accurately represent your performance, you can request a score review for a fee, but only for the constructed-response section as a score review for selected-response questions are not available because they are already verified and scored by ETS before being reported. 

To request a score review, you need to download and fill out the Score Review Request Form (PDF)(opens in a new tab) and submit it to ETS along with the fee.

*Please note that you need to make the request within 3 months of your test date.

Click here to learn how to apply for accommodations: 

https://www.ets.org/sls/register/disability-accommodations.html(opens in a new tab)

Resources for Test Takers with Disabilities and Health-Related Needs:

https://www.ets.org/disabilities/test-takers.html

Below is the qualifying score for each state.

*Click on your state to see the requirements.

If you test in Arkansas, District of Columbia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, or Virginia, your scores will automatically be sent to that state’s credentialing agency for school principals. For each test date, your scores will be sent to up to four score recipients (including yourself).

To know your score reporting date visit:

https://www.ets.org/sls/scores/reports

*This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. Failure to follow this policy will result in the cancellation of scores from your retest, and you will not receive a refund.