Scope of Practice SLPA Exam Part 1 (Latest 2026/2027 Update) | Permitted and Prohibited Activities for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants | Complete Exam Questions and Verified Answers with Detailed Rationales | ASHA SLPA Certification Prep

INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD — This comprehensive EXAM resource for the ASHA SLPA Scope of Practice Exam (Part 1) covers the complete 2026/2027 update of permitted and prohibited activities for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. It features exam-style questions with verified answers and detailed rationales covering direct vs. indirect supervision requirements, supervision percentages and frequencies (first 90 days, ongoing, medically fragile patients), the ASHA Assistants Code of Conduct (Principles I, II, III), HIPAA/FERPA compliance, tasks SLPAs MAY perform (e.g., screenings, data collection, treatment implementation), and tasks SLPAs MAY NOT perform (e.g., evaluations, swallowing screenings, discharge, interpreting results) . SLPA SCOPE OF PRACTICE – PERMITTED & PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES – COMPLETE Q&A REVIEW PART 1: SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS Question 1: What is "direct supervision"? Correct Answer: On-site, in-view observation and guidance while a clinical activity is performed by an assistant, with the supervising SLP needing to be able to provide ongoing immediate feedback as the SLPA provides clinical services . Rationale: Direct supervision requires the SLP to be physically present or available via real-time telecommunication to observe and provide immediate feedback. This is the highest level of supervision and is required for specific tasks and during initial employment periods. Question 2: What is "indirect supervision"? Correct Answer: Indirect supervision does NOT require the SLP to be physically present or available via telecommunication in real time while the SLPA is providing services . Rationale: Indirect supervision may include review of session notes, data analysis, treatment plan review, and other activities conducted after the clinical service is provided. Question 3: For medically fragile students, clients, or patients, what percentage of supervision of SLPAs is required? Correct Answer: 100% Rationale: The SLPA CANNOT treat medically fragile students/clients/patients independently at any time! Medically fragile patients require 100% direct supervision AT ALL TIMES. Question 4: During the first 90 work days, what supervision percentages are required weekly for an SLPA? Correct Answer: A total of at least 30% supervision, including at least 20% direct and 10% indirect supervision . Rationale: Initial supervision requirements are higher to ensure competency before any reduction in supervision. The typical 90-day probationary period requires consistent monitoring and feedback. Question 5: How often must students/patients/clients receive direct contact with the SLP? Correct Answer: At least once every 2 weeks . Rationale: ASHA guidelines specify that minimum ongoing supervision must always include documentation of direct supervision provided by the SLP for each student, patient, or client at least every 60 calendar days (approximately 2 weeks) . Question 6: After the first 90 days, can the amount of supervision be adjusted? Correct Answer: YES. AFTER the first 90 days, the amount of supervision can be adjusted if the supervising SLP determines the SLPA has met appropriate competencies and skill levels with a variety of communication and related disorders . Rationale: Supervision adjustments are based on demonstrated competency, not automatic. The SLP must document the SLPA's competencies before reducing supervision levels. Question 7: Minimum ongoing supervision must always include documentation of direct supervision provided by the SLP to each student/patient/client at least every ____ calendar days? Correct Answer: 60 days . Rationale: This 60-day requirement ensures that even with "adjusted" supervision levels, the SLPA receives regular in-person observation and feedback from the supervising SLP. Question 8: What is the recommended maximum number of full-time equivalent SLPAs a single SLP should supervise? Correct Answer: 3 full-time equivalent (FTE) SLPAs in any setting or combination thereof .