SLPA Licensure Exam and IEP Team Roles (Latest 2026/2027 Update) | Supervision, Scope of Practice, Ethics, and Responsibilities for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants | Complete Exam Questions and Verified Answers | A+ Graded | 100% Correct (Verified So

INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD — This comprehensive EXAM resource for the Texas Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Licensure Exam and Professional Practice covers all competency domains for the 2026/2027 examination cycle, including supervision requirements, scope of practice, ethical guidelines, and the SLPA's role as a member of the IEP team in school-based settings . It features exam-style questions with verified answers and detailed rationales aligned with Texas Occupations Code, Texas Administrative Code (TAC) rules, and ASHA Code of Ethics . TEXAS SLPA LICENSURE AND PRACTICE – COMPLETE Q&A REVIEW SLPA LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS Question 1: What are the licensure requirements for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in Texas? Correct Answer: A bachelor's degree (or higher) with emphasis in speech-language pathology or related degree with required coursework, active SLPA license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and successful completion of the Texas Jurisprudence exam . Rationale: Texas requires a bachelor's degree for SLPA licensure (compared to a master's degree for full SLP licensure). The degree must include specific coursework in communication disorders. All SLPA applicants must also pass the Texas Jurisprudence Exam, which covers laws, rules, and ethical practices governing the profession . Fingerprinting and criminal background check through DPS/FBI are also required for all license types, including SLPA, SLP, and SLP intern . Question 2: Which license types require a criminal background check? Correct Answer: all of the above – SLPA, SLP, SLP intern Rationale: Texas law requires all applicants for speech-language pathology and audiology licenses to undergo fingerprint-based criminal background checks through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and FBI, regardless of license type or level . Question 3: A clinical fellow or licensed speech-language pathologist who will be supervising an intern must provide which of the following? Correct Answer: Supervisory Responsibility Statement Form (signed by whomever hires the supervisor) Rationale: When applying for an assistant license, the application process requires submission of the Application & Fee, official transcript showing baccalaureate degree(s) conferred, Supervisory Responsibility Statement Form (completed by the hiring entity), Proof of Completion of Jurisprudence Exam, DPS/FBI fingerprinting results, and Clinical Observation & Experience Form completed by the university program director. The Clinical Observation Form documents how many clinical observation hours and clinical assisting experience hours were completed . Question 4: An applicant who holds a current Texas intern in speech-language pathology license may upgrade to a speech-language pathology license by submitting which of the following? Correct Answer: all of the above – completed upgrade application on a department-approved form; original or certified copy of the transcript(s), if not previously submitted when applying for an intern license; praxis exam score report showing the applicant passed the examination Rationale: Upgrading from an intern license to full SLP licensure requires documentation of all educational requirements, proof of passing the Praxis exam (minimum score 600), and a complete application . SLPA SCOPE OF PRACTICE Question 5: Which of the following duties may a speech-language pathology assistant perform, if assigned by their supervisor? Correct Answer: maintain clinical records Rationale: SLPs, not assistants, are responsible for maintaining clinical records. The assistant may assist with data collection and documentation under supervision, but the supervising SLP retains ultimate responsibility. SLPA duties do NOT include invasive swallowing procedures, demonstrating swallowing techniques, or providing client counseling (these remain within SLP scope only) . Question 6: Which of the following is a supervisor of an assistant NOT responsible for? Correct Answer: appointment times Rationale: The supervisor is responsible for evaluations, interpretations, and case management, but appointment scheduling is typically delegated to administrative staff. Clinical responsibilities cannot be delegated to administrative personnel . Question 7: For a SLPA, how many hours of direct supervision may be provided by telepractice each calendar month? Correct Answer: 2 hours Rationale: Texas law permits telepractice to be used for up to 2 hours of direct supervision per month for SLPAs. The remaining supervision must occur in person. This provision allows flexibility while maintaining the quality of supervision for assistants . Question 8: What are the key responsibilities of an SLPA in a school setting? Correct Answer: An SLPA implements speech-language therapy plans developed by the supervising SLP, provides direct services to students as directed, collects data and assists with progress monitoring and documentation, and prepares therapy materials and activities . Rationale: The SLPA works under the direct supervision of a licensed SLP and is responsible for implementing therapy plans, not creating them. The supervising SLP retains ultimate responsibility for evaluations, IEP development, and treatment planning . SLPA duties include conducting speech, language, and hearing screenings as directed by the supervising SLP, implementing the treatment program or IEP as designed by the supervising SLP, conducting carry-over activities to transfer a student's newly acquired communication ability to other contexts and situations, and conducting observations and preparing clinical materials . Question 9: What tasks must SLPA NOT perform? Correct Answer: The SLPA will not complete formal evaluations, write IEPs, or otherwise act in place of a licensed SLP . Rationale: Aides and assistants may not serve as a substitute for the qualified professional who is responsible for delivery of IEP/IFSP services. The SLPA may represent speech pathology at the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) Committee as directed by the supervising SLP, but cannot perform evaluations or write IEPs independently . SLPA ROLE ON THE IEP TEAM Question 10: How does an SLPA participate in the IEP process? Correct Answer: The SLPA provides direct services under the supervision of a licensed SLP, collects data for progress monitoring, contributes insights on student progress, and may represent speech pathology at the ARD Committee as directed by the supervising SLP . Rationale: In Texas school settings, the SLPA plays a vital support role on the IEP team. The SLPA collaborates closely with licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and educational teams to help students meet their communication goals . The supervising SLP remains responsible for developing IEP goals, conducting evaluations, and making eligibility determinations . Question 11: A Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) is assisting with a student's speech therapy in a Texas public school. Which of the following activities can the SLPA perform under the supervision of a licensed SLP? Correct Answer: (b) implement the treatment program or IEP as designed by the supervising SLP . Rationale: The SLPA's role is to implement the treatment program designed by the supervising SLP. The SLPA cannot design the treatment plan, conduct evaluations, or make eligibility determinations – these remain within the SLP's exclusive scope of practice .