Praxis 6990 FAQs: SLLA Format, Scores & Essay Guide
Praxis 6990 School Leaders Licensure Assessment Frequently Asked Questions
These Praxis 6990 FAQs explain the School Leaders Licensure Assessment format, leadership domains, constructed-response tasks, passing scores, registration process and effective preparation strategies.
The SLLA measures whether an aspiring principal or other entry-level school leader can apply professional leadership knowledge to authentic educational situations. Candidates seeking structured preparation can explore the Praxis 6990 School Leaders Licensure Assessment Course.
Information reviewed August 2026. Fees, score requirements and testing policies can change. Confirm important decisions through the official ETS SLLA 6990 page and the relevant state licensing agency.
Praxis 6990 SLLA Quick Facts
| Test feature | Current information |
|---|---|
| Official name | School Leaders Licensure Assessment |
| Abbreviation | SLLA |
| Test code | 6990 |
| Test delivery | Computer delivered |
| Testing options | At home or at a test center |
| Selected-response questions | 120 |
| Constructed-response questions | 4 |
| Total testing time | 240 minutes |
| Selected-response time | 165 minutes |
| Constructed-response time | 75 minutes |
| Selected-response weighting | Approximately 75% |
| Constructed-response weighting | Approximately 25% |
| Current ETS fee | $425 as of August 2026 |
| Passing score | Determined by each state or licensing agency |
| Common qualifying score | 151 in many jurisdictions |
| Standards alignment | Professional Standards for Educational Leaders |
| Retake waiting period | At least 28 days |
General Praxis 6990 FAQs
What is the Praxis 6990 SLLA?
The School Leaders Licensure Assessment 6990 is an ETS School Leadership Series examination. It measures the professional knowledge and decision-making skills expected of entry-level school leaders.
The assessment evaluates whether candidates can apply leadership standards to school improvement, curriculum, instruction, assessment, personnel, ethics, operations, equity, safety and community engagement.
What does SLLA stand for?
SLLA stands for School Leaders Licensure Assessment. The examination is commonly associated with principal, assistant principal and school-administrator certification pathways.
Who normally takes SLLA 6990?
Candidates may take SLLA 6990 while completing an educational leadership program or applying for a principal, assistant principal or other school-leadership credential.
Passing the examination does not automatically grant a license. States may also require:
- A master’s degree
- An approved leadership-preparation program
- Teaching or educational experience
- A supervised internship
- Background checks
- Additional assessments
- A license application
- Professional references
Is SLLA 6990 required in every state?
No. Individual states and licensing agencies decide whether to require or accept the SLLA.
Before registering, verify:
- The required test code
- The qualifying score
- Degree requirements
- Experience requirements
- Internship requirements
- Application deadlines
- Whether an older SLLA score remains acceptable
Use the official SLS state requirements directory.
Is SLLA 6990 a Praxis examination?
The SLLA is administered by ETS through the School Leadership Series rather than the regular Praxis subject-test catalog. However, candidates and preparation providers commonly refer to it as Praxis 6990 because ETS also administers the Praxis program.
Use “SLLA 6990” when searching official ETS registration and score resources.
What is the difference between SLLA 6990 and Praxis 5412?
Both assessments address educational leadership, but they are different examinations.
Praxis 5412 Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision contains 120 selected-response questions and does not include the four constructed-response tasks used on SLLA 6990.
SLLA 6990 includes:
- 120 selected-response questions
- Four constructed-response tasks
- Four hours of testing time
- A separately timed written-response section
States decide which assessment they require. Never register based solely on a similar title. Candidates who need the other examination can review the Praxis 5412 Educational Leadership course.
How many questions are on SLLA 6990?
The complete assessment contains:
- 120 selected-response questions
- Four constructed-response questions
The four constructed-response tasks require candidates to write their own answers based on leadership scenarios and supporting documents.
How long is SLLA 6990?
The total testing time is four hours, divided into two separately timed sections:
- Section I: 165 minutes for 120 selected-response questions
- Section II: 75 minutes for four constructed-response questions
Time remaining in one section cannot normally be transferred to the other section.
Is SLLA 6990 computer based?
Yes. The test is computer delivered. Candidates answer selected-response questions and type their constructed responses using the testing interface.
Can I take SLLA 6990 at home?
ETS currently lists SLLA 6990 as available at home or at a test center. At-home candidates must satisfy the current equipment, room, identification, secure-browser and proctoring requirements.
Confirm availability during registration because appointment options can vary by date and location.
What question formats appear on SLLA 6990?
The selected-response section may include:
- Traditional multiple-choice questions
- Multiple-selection questions
- Drop-down menu questions
- Drag-and-drop questions
- Questions based on tables, charts or school data
- Questions based on leadership scenarios
- Questions requiring candidates to select part of a graphic
The constructed-response section requires written answers based on scenarios and documents that an education leader might encounter.
Does SLLA 6990 contain unscored questions?
The assessment may include questions that do not count toward the reported score. Unscored questions are not identified during the test, so candidates should attempt every question.
Is there a penalty for guessing?
Incorrect selected responses do not normally result in an additional deduction. Candidates should answer every selected-response question, using elimination when uncertain.
SLLA 6990 Content Categories
What content categories are covered?
| Content category | Approximate questions | Examination weight |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Leadership | 20 selected response | 13% |
| Instructional Leadership | 27 selected response | 17% |
| Climate and Cultural Leadership | 22 selected response | 13% |
| Ethical Leadership | 19 selected response | 12% |
| Organizational Leadership | 16 selected response | 10% |
| Community Engagement Leadership | 16 selected response | 10% |
| Analysis Constructed Response | 4 written tasks | 25% |
The six selected-response categories collectively represent approximately 75% of the test. The constructed-response category represents approximately 25%.
What does Strategic Leadership cover?
Strategic Leadership evaluates a candidate’s ability to develop and implement a shared direction for a school.
Topics include:
- Mission, vision and core values
- Measurable school goals
- Strategic planning
- School-improvement planning
- Analysis of multiple data sources
- Stakeholder participation
- Building shared commitment
- Communicating priorities
- Monitoring progress
- Continuous improvement
- Aligning school and district goals
- Responding to changing student needs
Candidates should know how to create specific, measurable, attainable, results-focused and time-bound goals.
What does Instructional Leadership cover?
Instructional Leadership is the largest selected-response category. It addresses the leader’s responsibility for curriculum, teaching, assessment and professional learning.
Topics include:
- Standards-aligned curriculum
- Effective instructional practices
- Student assessment
- Accountability
- Teacher observation
- Feedback and coaching
- Professional development
- Professional learning communities
- Data-informed instruction
- Intervention systems
- Achievement gaps
- Student learning outcomes
- Program evaluation
- Supporting diverse learners
Strong answers connect leadership decisions to improved teaching and student learning.
What does Climate and Cultural Leadership cover?
This category assesses how school leaders establish safe, inclusive, equitable and academically focused learning environments.
Topics include:
- Student and staff well-being
- Positive school culture
- Equity and cultural responsiveness
- High expectations
- Student voice
- Teacher support
- Collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Discipline
- Attendance
- Bullying prevention
- Inclusive practices
- Trust and belonging
- Closing opportunity gaps
What does Ethical Leadership cover?
Ethical Leadership evaluates whether candidates can apply professional values, legal requirements and ethical decision-making principles.
Topics may include:
- Integrity
- Fairness
- Transparency
- Confidentiality
- Student rights
- Employee rights
- Due process
- Conflicts of interest
- Responsible resource use
- Professional conduct
- Legal compliance
- Equity
- Accountability
- Modeling ethical behavior
Candidates should prioritize student welfare while respecting law, policy, professional standards and the rights of affected stakeholders.
What does Organizational Leadership cover?
Organizational Leadership focuses on the operational systems required for a school to function effectively.
Topics include:
- Budgeting
- Resource allocation
- Human resources
- Staff recruitment and retention
- Scheduling
- Facilities
- Technology
- Communication systems
- School safety
- Emergency planning
- Student health
- Policy implementation
- Delegation
- Legal compliance
- Operational evaluation
Operational decisions should support the school’s educational mission rather than function separately from teaching and learning.
What does Community Engagement Leadership cover?
This category assesses how leaders collaborate with families and community stakeholders.
Topics include:
- Family engagement
- Community partnerships
- Public communication
- Stakeholder input
- Community needs
- Cultural responsiveness
- Conflict management
- Governing bodies
- District relationships
- Community resources
- Advocacy
- Public trust
- Shared decision-making
- Communication during difficult situations
What are the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders?
The Professional Standards for Educational Leaders establish expectations for effective school leadership. The standards address areas such as:
- Mission, vision and core values
- Ethics and professional norms
- Equity and cultural responsiveness
- Curriculum, instruction and assessment
- Community care and support
- Professional capacity of school personnel
- Professional community
- Family and community engagement
- Operations and management
- School improvement
Candidates can review the standards through the National Policy Board for Educational Administration.
Constructed-Response FAQs
How many constructed responses are on SLLA 6990?
There are four constructed-response questions. Candidates receive 75 minutes for the entire written section.
This provides an average of 18 minutes and 45 seconds per task.
What do the constructed-response questions assess?
The written tasks may assess a candidate’s ability to:
- Apply a strategic planning process
- Interpret multiple sources of school data
- Strengthen rigorous, standards-based curriculum and instruction
- Act with cultural competence
- Apply ethical and legal principles
- Identify a central leadership problem
- Prioritize actions
- Explain the rationale for recommendations
- Use information from supporting documents
- Connect leadership decisions to student outcomes
What documents may appear with a written task?
A constructed-response scenario may include:
- Student achievement results
- Attendance data
- Discipline information
- Teacher observation notes
- Survey results
- Curriculum information
- Staff communications
- Program data
- School-improvement documents
- Demographic information
- Stakeholder comments
- Budget or resource information
Candidates should use relevant details from the provided documents rather than relying only on general leadership theory.
How are SLLA constructed responses scored?
Each constructed response is scored on a scale from 0 to 3. Scorers consider:
- Completeness
- Accuracy
- Depth of understanding
- Use of relevant evidence
- Quality of the proposed leadership strategies
- Response to every part of the task
- Logical organization of actions
- Explanation and justification
- Understanding of educational leadership processes
Writing style is not the main focus, but the response must be clear enough for scorers to understand.
What does a score of 3 require?
A strong response generally:
- Demonstrates thorough understanding of the scenario
- Uses specific evidence from the documents
- Addresses every part of the question
- Proposes appropriate leadership actions
- Prioritizes steps logically
- Considers relevant stakeholders
- Uses leadership terminology accurately
- Provides a convincing rationale
- Connects actions to improvement and student success
Simply inserting leadership vocabulary without applying it to the scenario will not earn a strong score.
How should I structure a constructed response?
A practical structure is:
- Identify the central problem or priority.
- State the recommended leadership action.
- Cite specific evidence from the scenario or documents.
- Explain how the action should be implemented.
- Identify relevant stakeholders.
- Explain why the action is appropriate.
- Describe how progress or results should be monitored.
- Address any additional requirement in the prompt.
Use headings or clearly separated paragraphs when they improve organization.
How should I manage the 75-minute written section?
A useful target for each response is:
- Three to four minutes for reading and planning
- Twelve to thirteen minutes for writing
- One to two minutes for reviewing
Monitor the clock carefully. A polished first response cannot compensate fully for leaving the fourth task blank.
How long should each response be?
ETS does not require one fixed word count. Write enough to address every part of the task with specific evidence, appropriate actions and clear reasoning.
A focused, complete response is stronger than a long answer filled with repeated or unrelated leadership language.
Do spelling and grammar affect the score?
Writing ability is not the principal scoring criterion. However, serious grammar, spelling or organizational problems can make leadership reasoning difficult to understand.
Prioritize content and completeness, then use any remaining time to correct errors that interfere with clarity.
What are common constructed-response mistakes?
Common mistakes include:
- Ignoring one part of a multipart prompt
- Summarizing the documents without recommending action
- Giving recommendations without evidence
- Proposing vague actions such as “provide more training”
- Failing to explain implementation
- Ignoring important stakeholders
- Overlooking legal, ethical or safety concerns
- Using data without interpreting it
- Proposing several versions of the same action
- Failing to explain how results will be monitored
- Spending too much time on one response
- Leaving a task incomplete
Praxis 6990 Scoring FAQs
What is the passing score for SLLA 6990?
There is no national passing score. Each state or licensing agency establishes its own qualifying requirement.
Many jurisdictions use a score of 151, while some use a different score, such as 146. Verify the current requirement through the SLS state requirements directory and your licensing agency.
How is SLLA 6990 scored?
The selected-response raw score is based on the number of scored questions answered correctly. Each constructed response receives a rating based on the official scoring criteria.
The two components are weighted and converted to the reported SLS score scale:
- Selected-response section: approximately 75%
- Constructed-response section: approximately 25%
Because test forms can vary, there is no permanent raw-to-scaled conversion chart.
What is the SLLA score scale?
SLLA scores are generally reported on a scale from 100 to 200. The score required to pass depends on the state or licensing agency.
How many selected-response questions must I answer correctly?
There is no universal correct-answer target. The final result depends on:
- The state qualifying score
- The statistical conversion for the test form
- The number of scored selected-response questions
- Performance on all four constructed responses
Practice-test percentages should be used to evaluate readiness, not as guaranteed score conversions.
Can strong multiple-choice performance compensate for weak written responses?
Strong selected-response performance helps because that section represents approximately 75% of the examination. However, constructed responses account for approximately 25%.
Incomplete or unsupported written answers can therefore have a substantial effect on the overall score.
Will I receive an unofficial score immediately?
No complete unofficial score should be expected because SLLA 6990 contains constructed responses that must be rated.
The official score will be posted to the candidate’s SLS account on the applicable reporting date.
When will I receive my official score?
Score-reporting dates depend on the test date and delivery schedule. SLS currently reports scores on designated Tuesdays and Fridays.
Use the official SLS score-reporting tool to identify the expected date.
Can I cancel my SLLA score?
Candidates are normally given an opportunity to report or cancel their score at the end of the session. A canceled score cannot be reinstated and does not generate a refund.
Review the current policy before choosing cancellation.
Registration and Test-Day FAQs
How much does SLLA 6990 cost?
ETS currently lists the SLLA 6990 fee as $425. The amount covers the complete examination, including the selected-response and constructed-response sections.
Additional fees may apply to optional services or appointment changes.
How do I register for SLLA 6990?
Candidates generally register through an ETS School Leadership Series account:
- Confirm that SLLA 6990 is required.
- Create or sign in to an SLS account.
- Select School Leaders Licensure Assessment 6990.
- Choose at-home or test-center delivery.
- Select an available appointment.
- Choose score recipients.
- Review personal information.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Save the appointment confirmation.
Follow the current SLS registration instructions.
How many free score recipients can I select?
ETS currently allows candidates to select up to four score recipients without an additional reporting charge during the registration process.
Confirm that each recipient code is correct before completing registration.
What identification is required?
Candidates must present acceptable, valid identification that matches the name used during registration.
Review the current SLS identification requirements early enough to correct any name discrepancy or obtain an acceptable document.
Are testing accommodations available?
Yes. Eligible candidates may request accommodations through ETS. Approval can require supporting documentation and processing time.
Do not schedule an appointment that depends on accommodations until the appropriate approval and registration instructions have been received.
When can I retake SLLA 6990?
Candidates must wait at least 28 days after a previous test date before taking the examination again. This applies even if the previous score was canceled.
A new registration and fee are generally required.
Can I use a calculator?
The SLLA does not normally require a personal calculator. Candidates may need to interpret numerical information, percentages, budgets or school-performance data, but calculations are generally part of leadership analysis.
Follow the exact equipment rules displayed in the appointment information.
Is there a scheduled break?
Candidates should not assume that four hours includes a transferable or extended scheduled break. Unscheduled breaks may reduce available testing time and remain subject to security rules.
Review the current appointment and test-day policies before the examination.
SLLA 6990 Preparation FAQs
Is SLLA 6990 difficult?
The SLLA can be challenging because it combines:
- A four-hour testing period
- 120 selected-response questions
- Four timed written tasks
- Detailed leadership scenarios
- School data and documents
- Ethical and legal decisions
- Multiple plausible answer choices
- Six leadership content domains
Success requires applied professional judgment, not only memorization.
How long should I study for SLLA 6990?
Many candidates can build a focused preparation plan over six to eight weeks. Candidates who need significant practice with written responses, school data or education law may need additional time.
Begin with a diagnostic assessment before choosing a final study schedule.
How should I divide my study time?
A reasonable starting allocation is:
- Instructional Leadership: 17%
- Strategic Leadership: 13%
- Climate and Cultural Leadership: 13%
- Ethical Leadership: 12%
- Organizational Leadership: 10%
- Community Engagement Leadership: 10%
- Constructed-response preparation: 25%
Increase the time assigned to any category identified as weak through diagnostic practice.
What is the best way to study for SLLA 6990?
A complete preparation plan should include:
- Review the official test framework.
- Study the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders.
- Complete a diagnostic assessment.
- Review each of the six leadership domains.
- Practice interpreting school data and documents.
- Review major education-law and ethics principles.
- Complete scenario-based selected-response questions.
- Write constructed responses using a consistent framework.
- Practice both sections under their separate time limits.
- Review explanations and revise weak responses.
- Complete a full four-hour simulation.
- Target remaining weaknesses before test day.
How should I approach leadership scenarios?
Use a consistent decision process:
- Identify the central problem.
- Check for an immediate safety or legal issue.
- Analyze the available evidence.
- Determine which stakeholders should be involved.
- Connect the decision to student learning and well-being.
- Consider equity and cultural responsiveness.
- Select an ethical and lawful action.
- Develop an implementation process.
- Determine how progress will be measured.
- Communicate appropriately with affected stakeholders.
How can I improve selected-response pacing?
The selected-response section allows 165 minutes for 120 questions, or approximately 82 seconds per question.
Answer efficient questions promptly. Mark difficult scenarios for review instead of allowing one question to consume several minutes.
Should I memorize the PSEL standards?
Candidates should understand the standards well enough to apply them to actual leadership decisions. Memorizing titles without understanding their implications is insufficient.
Connect each standard to realistic examples involving curriculum, professional learning, school improvement, equity, ethics, operations and community partnerships.
Should I take a full-length SLLA practice test?
Yes. A realistic simulation should include:
- 120 selected-response questions in 165 minutes
- Four constructed responses in 75 minutes
- School data and leadership scenarios
- Questions across all six selected-response domains
- A review of performance by category
- Evaluation of constructed responses using the 0–3 criteria
Full-length practice builds stamina and reveals pacing problems that shorter quizzes may not show.
Are AIProctoredExams questions official ETS questions?
No. AIProctoredExams provides independently developed SLLA-style preparation materials. They are not live, stolen or recalled ETS examination questions.
Candidates should avoid any provider claiming to sell guaranteed live test content.
Does a preparation course guarantee that I will pass?
No ethical preparation provider can guarantee a passing score or professional license.
Performance depends on the candidate’s knowledge, preparation, written responses, test-day execution and state qualifying requirements.
What does the AIProctoredExams Praxis 6990 course include?
The Praxis 6990 SLLA preparation course includes:
- Strategic Leadership review
- Instructional Leadership preparation
- Climate and Cultural Leadership lessons
- Ethical Leadership scenarios
- Organizational Leadership review
- Community Engagement Leadership practice
- Data-interpretation activities
- Education-law and ethics review
- Selected-response practice
- Constructed-response frameworks
- Sample leadership scenarios
- Detailed answer explanations
- Full-length practice assessments
- Study planning and progress tracking
Prepare for SLLA 6990
Effective SLLA preparation combines leadership standards, scenario analysis, school-data interpretation, ethical decision-making, timed selected-response practice and structured constructed-response writing.
Begin with the Praxis 6990 School Leaders Licensure Assessment Course or explore the complete Praxis course catalog.
Additional resources:
Call, SMS or WhatsApp: +1 (973) 637-6030
Email: study@aiproctoredexams.com
AIProctoredExams is an independent test-preparation provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Educational Testing Service or the National Policy Board for Educational Administration. Praxis, SLLA, ETS and related marks belong to their respective owners. Test policies, fees, qualifying scores and licensing requirements are controlled by ETS and the applicable licensing authorities.
